Jewish baseball player suspended for homophobic slur

Toronto Blue Jays’ center fielder Kevin Pillar was suspended by his club for two games after shouting an anti-gay slur at an opposing pitcher during their match against the Atlanta Braves.

Using the slur against Jason Motte, when he thought the pitcher tried to “quickpitch” him — throw a pitch before he was ready to hit in the batter’s box – the 28-year-old told reporters the following day: “I was ashamed. I regret saying it, I’m going to be used as an example of how words can really offend a lot of people.”

Pillar, known as one of the top defensive outfielders in the major leagues, saw his salary for the two games in addition to an undisclosed fine, all donated to LGBTQ community organisations.