kevin pillar

Calls for suspension after Jays player uses gay slur

The Blue Jays have been taking a beating against Atlanta this week and frustration boiled over last night when "Superman" center fielder Kevin Pillar appeared to yell a homophobic slur at Braves pitcher Jason Motte after striking out to end the 7th inning.

Video seemed to capture Pillar screaming the word "faggot" after which benches cleared and more words were exchanged before players on both teams returned to their respective dugouts.

Pillar later apologized for the slur, but not directly to Motte. "It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for," he said, reports the Associated Press.

He went on to say that situations like this are, "part of the game," and, "I’m going to do whatever I’ve got to do to reach out and apologize and let him know he didn’t do anything wrong, it was all me."

The situation isn't sitting well with many Jays fans.

What's even more unfortunate is this happened on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Many fans are calling for a suspension after his actions.

There's no word yet from the MLB on what action they might take in light of this incident.

In 2012, then Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar received a three game suspension after writing a gay slur on his eye black strips. He was traded later that year to the Miami Marlins.

Lead photo by

Blue Jays


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Scotiabank Arena is getting brand-new seats after 25 years

Tributes pour in from sports and media worlds for passing of TSN host Darren Dutchyshen

Longtime TSN host Darren Dutchyshen has passed away at age 57

The top 5 fireworks stores in Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs' choice for new head coach is starting to become clearer

Ontario toy retailer has gone bankrupt after 60 years and is having an enormous sale

Rumours swirl about Canada's Wonderland's new roller coaster opening in 2025

Leafs and Raptors hope renovated Scotiabank Arena can lure free agents to Toronto