Pillar gets two games for homophobic slur

Kevin Pillar is ashamed, embarrassed and now suspended. The Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder, self-admittedly crushed by the ramifications of a homophobic slur he uttered in the seventh inning of a game in Atlanta against the Braves on Wednesday, has been suspended without pay for two games. “I felt embarrassed for myself and my family, for this organization,” Pillar said before the conclusion of the two-game series at SunTrust Park Thursday and shortly after the suspension was announced by Jays general manager Ross Atkins. “I was ashamed. Hopefully my teammates, Major League Baseball, other sports ... people are going to learn there is no place for this type of language on a baseball field, at home, in a clubhouse.” In deciding on the punishment, the Jays consulted with MLB and the players’ association. Pillar said his lost salary plus an undisclosed fine will be donated to a yet-to-be-decided organization. Nelson in Irving, Texas. Matt Kuchar, Jhonattan Vegas, Jason Kokrak and Cameron Tringale shot 66, and Dustin Johnson shot 67. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., opened with a 69, while Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., shot a 73 and Brad Fritsch of Ottawa was at 77. At Williamsburg, Va., Lexi Thompson had six birdies in seven holes and finished with a 6-under 65 Thursday to take the first-round lead in the Kingsmill Championship. Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., shot a 70, while Hamilton’s Alena Sharp carded a 71.