Pillar suspended for using slur
The Toronto Blue Jays are handing centre-fielder Kevin Pillar a two-game suspension for directing an anti-gay slur at an Atlanta Braves pitcher.
General manager Ross Atkins confirmed the ban during a media availability before Thursday night’s game at SunTrust Park.
Pillar was angry at Jason Motte for allegedly quick-pitching him to get a strikeout that ended the seventh inning in Atlanta’s 8-4 victory Wednesday night.
Replays appeared to show
Pillar using the slur as he yelled toward the mound.
Pillar told reporters in Atlanta there is “no place for this language” anywhere, including on the baseball field.
He added that he regrets saying it “wholeheartedly.”
The incident occurred during the Blue Jays’ third straight loss to the Braves. With his team trailing 8-3, Pillar struck out swinging to end a 1-2-3 seventh. He yelled toward the mound, prompting Motte to throw up his arms as if he didn’t know what the problem was.
Atlanta catcher Kurt Suzuki and home plate umpire Brian O’Nora stepped in to diffuse the tension. Pillar headed toward the outfield and the Braves left the field.
Afterward, Pillar conceded to reporters that he was frustrated by his team’s struggles, though he didn’t mention what was said.
“It just stems from a little frustration in myself, just the way this series has been going,” he said. “It was immature, stupid. It was uncalled for. It’s part of the game. I’m a competitive guy.”
Pillar was much more contrite in his statement Thursday.
“I have apologized personally to Jason Motte, but also need to apologize to the Braves organization and their fans, and most importantly, to the LGBTQ community for the lack of respect I displayed last night,” he said. “This is not who I am and will use this as an opportunity to better myself.”
Atkins flew to Atlanta to address the issue before the finale of the interleague series. The team issued a statement saying it was “extremely disappointed” in Pillar’s comments.
“In no way is this kind of behaviour accepted or tolerated, nor is it a reflection of the type of inclusive organization we strive to be,” the statement said.