Kevin Pillar sent out an apology via Twitter on Thursday for using a gay slur during Wednesday’s game against the Braves that incited the first of two bench-clearing incidents.
Pillar was upset with Atlanta pitcher Jason Motte for quick-pitching him, and yelled a gay slur at him after striking out. That led the benches to clear.
Word came out Thursday that MLB was investigating Pillar for his use of the word. The Blue Jays center fielder issued this statement Thursday.
— Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4) May 18, 2017
Pillar was also apologetic after the game.
“It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for,” he said of his actions.
The Jays also issued an apology Thursday.
Statement from the Toronto Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/ASZuzUM6RM
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 18, 2017
The Jays are particularly sensitive to the issue after shortstop Yunel Escobar was disciplined for having a homophobic message on his eye black in 2012. Pillar could be facing similar discipline from the league.
