Baseball star says ‘it’s just not worth it’ after using anti-gay slur against fan
A baseball star who used an anti-gay slur against a fan has said: “it’s just not worth it”.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Matt Joyce got into a spat with a fan on Friday night.
The argument took place during the eighth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Angels, after first baseman CJ Cron stopped Joyce’s hard-hit grounder.
As he returned to the dugout, Joyce used the anti-gay slur among several profanities and challenged him to fight, reports the Associated Press.
“It’s just one of those things that fans kind of get into the game. Obviously, we’re pretty frustrated on our side and I had just hit a ball hard and had Cron make a good play,” Joyce told the AP.
“I was walking back to the dugout and just had a fan yell some vulgar and obscene words. For me it just wasn’t the right time to say some stuff like that. I fired back and obviously as soon as you fire back you regret saying anything, because it’s just not worth it.”
A baseball player who made a homophobic slur live on TV earlier this year, later apologised.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Kevin Pillar appeared to shout “you faggot” at Atlanta Braves pitcher Jason Motte after he was struck out.
Players surged onto the field both to defend and to confront Pillar, who is now being investigated by Major League Baseball, after the incident.
Taking to Twitter, Pillar released a statement apologising for his actions, noting LGBTQ fans and saying he wanted to “better himself”.
He wrote: “Last night, following my at-bat in the 7th inning, I used inappropriate language towards Braves pitcher Jason Motte. By doing so I had just helped extend the use of a word that has no place in baseball, in sports or anywhere in society today.
“I’m completely and utterly embarrassed and feel horrible to have put the fans, my teammates and the Blue Jays organizion in this position. I have apologiszed personally to Jason Motte, but also need to apologize to the Braves organization and their fans, and most importantly, to the LGBTQ community for the lack of respect I displayed last night. This is not who I am and will use this as an opportunity to better myself.”
Pillar had already said he would apologise to Motte following the match, saying his comment was “stupid” and “immature”.
The Blue Jays also issued a statement apologising on behalf of Pillar to fans and LGBTQ people.
