Wednesday night’s Toronto Blue Jays – Atlanta Braves game had plenty of notable events, including Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman getting hit in the wrist by a pitch (he’ll require a MRI) and the benches briefly clearing after a Jose Bautista home run, bat flip and slow trot. Blue Jays’ center fielder Kevin Pillar’s confrontation with Jason Motte following an alleged quick-pitch may wind up being the most newsworthy, though, as Pillar has been accused from numerous corners of making a homophobic slur against Motte. Here’s video of the incident:
https://twitter.com/TheRenderMLB/status/865030916695097344
Here’s a closer look:
So are we just going to pretend that @KPILLAR4 didn't initiate all this by yelling a gay slur? Better step up on this one, @MLB. pic.twitter.com/8bB3xijtCu
— Dr. B (@BlakeTheRxGuy) May 18, 2017
And another look:
A whole lot of people thought that was Pillar yelling a slur:
https://twitter.com/vinnyafterdark/status/865026536604348417
I'm not on the field, but Pillar's mouth looks like it may have shouted a homophobic slur at Motte for quick pitching him
— Pants Mulliniks (@BlueJayThoughts) May 18, 2017
Did Pillar mutter to Motte what I think he did?
— Alex Seixeiro (@AlexSeixeiro) May 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/agrabia/status/865025880963153920
After the game, Pillar offered a limited apology, but one that doesn’t really seem to live up to the seriousness of what he’s accused of:
Pillar on altercation w Motte tonight. Initially frustrated with quick pitch. Calls reaction "immature, stupid, uncalled for." #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/BHtJFnDr6v
— Laura Armstrong (@lauraarmy) May 18, 2017
And plenty weren’t satisfied:
Kevin Pillar should be suspended by the Jays, or the league, and given training on homophobia. That’s it.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) May 18, 2017
4) What upsets me as much as his use of the word 'fa**ot' is the apology, and how #Pillar quickly made it about him and moving on. #BlueJays
— jeff perera (@jeffperera) May 18, 2017
I'm not totally sure Kevin Pillar realizes we all know what he said. Screw the apology to Jason Motte…it's others that need to receive one
— Alex Seixeiro (@AlexSeixeiro) May 18, 2017
Kevin Pillar is probably my favourite Blue Jay right now. I'm not being vindictive. I want him to be accountable. I'll be sad if he's not.
— Ty Berry (@tberry3) May 18, 2017
He needs to apologize to the fans, not just the pitcher. Be accountable and learn from this. He hurt people tonight. #BlueJays #Pillar
— Swagger Iffic ⭐️ (@GirlSwagger101) May 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/lesley_mak/status/865044598544093186
Seriously, Pillar needs to recognize who he let down, and apologize to the LGBTQ2S community. My Toronto doesn't tolerate "innocent" slurs.
— Jonah Weslak (@JonahWeslak) May 18, 2017
It’s notable that the Blue Jays have recent history with homophobic slurs, as Yunel Escobar wound up in hot water for a slur on his eye black back in 2012, which led to him being traded soon after. Many noted that it seems unlikely the same level of punishment will come down against Pillar:
https://twitter.com/DrewGROF/status/865049446014496769
https://twitter.com/IamHarshDave/status/865041666700435456
Yunel Escobar got chased out of town over this slur on his eye-black. Fans/media ripped his "culture" too. Neither will happen with Pillar.
— Paul Dawkins (@Paul__Dawkins) May 18, 2017
Oh, and while this would be problematic on any day, the timing here might have been particularly bad:
There's NEVER a good day to say what Kevin Pillar reportedly said as it's completely unacceptable and today of all days is a HORRIBLE look https://t.co/IoaOu83uln
— Sheldon Alexander (@ShelAlexander) May 18, 2017
It’s going to be interesting to see how this develops, and if there are any further apologies from Pillar, or actions against him from the team or the league.
