Matt Joyce has been suspended two games by MLB for hurling an anti-gay slur at a fan on Friday night.
Joyce was returning to the dugout after making an out during Oakland’s 8-6 loss to the Angels in Anaheim. He got into it with a fan and yelled an anti-gay remark at the person in question, leading to an investigation.
Joyce ultimately was suspended by MLB for his actions.
. @Athletics OF Matt Joyce has received a 2-game suspension w/o pay, starting tonight.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) August 5, 2017
The A’s sent a tweet Saturday saying they were “disappointed” by Joyce’s comment.
The A's are disappointed by the comments Matt Joyce made to a fan last night. This language is unacceptable & will not be tolerated.
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) August 5, 2017
Joyce did apologize Saturday for his actions. He sent a long apology on Twitter before the suspension news was made public.
“In regard to last night’s incident, I first and foremost want to sincerely apologize to the fans, the Oakland A’s, MLB and the most importantly the LGBTQ community for my comments and actions,” Joyce said. “A fan yelled vulgar and obscene words about me and my family and I let my frustrations and emotions get the better of me. I am beyond sorry for the inappropriate language that I used and understand and agree that those words should NEVER come out of someone’s mouth no matter the situation. Anyone who knows me will tell you that incident it is not reflective of me as a person, how I treat others, how I live my life and that those hurtful words are not my views. I fully support and hope to help the LGBTQ community with their efforts in being treated fairly and intend to let my actions speak louder than anything more that can be said about this truly regrettable moment.”
