“Boys Will Be Boys” Isn’t Good Enough
Hunter Crowther tells us exactly how unacceptable Kevin Pillar’s use of a homophobic slur was. He breaks down what the incident and the internet’s reaction say about the culture of sports in 2017.
When Kevin Pillar uttered a homophobic slur in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 8–4 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, the baseball and LGBTQ communities held their collective breaths as to what the repercussions would be.
Suspension? Fine? Sensitivity training? Scenarios like this often trigger a discussion that delves beyond the incident itself and causes us to look at sports in a wider context. We have to question the machoism that’s so heavily embedded in athletics, as well as ask ourselves if the players, teams, leagues, and those who shape the culture of the game are doing enough to adapt to the 21st century.
What happened?
After striking out in the seventh inning, Pillar took off his gloves and helmet and yells something towards pitcher Jason Motte that appeared to be the word “faggot,” prompting both benches to clear.
Quotes and reaction…
After the game, Pillar apologized.
“It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for. It’s part of the game. I’m a competitive guy and heat of the moment,” said Pillar. “Obviously I’m going to do whatever I’ve got to do to reach out and apologize and let (Motte) know he didn’t do anything wrong, it was all me.”
Pillar continued, saying the incident was “something to learn from, something to move on from,” then saying it was “not a good look” for himself or the team.
The Toronto Star confirmed the MLB is looking into the matter.
On Thursday, Pillar issued an apology on Twitter.
“Last night, following my at-bat in the 7th inning, I used inappropriate language towards Brave 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 organization in this position.”
“I have apologized 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.”
The team released their own statement 15 minutes after Pillar’s.
“The Toronto Blue Jays are extremely disappointed by the comments made by Kevin Pillar following his at-bat during the 7th inning of last night’s game. In no way is this kind of behaviour accepted or tolerated, nor is it a reflection of the type of inclusive organization we strive to be.
“We would like to extend our own apologies to all fans, Major League Baseball and especically the LGBTQ community.
“We know Kevin to be a respectful, high-character individual who we hope will learn from this situation and continue to positively contribute and live up to our values on and off the field.”
Result: Blue Jays suspend Pillar for two games.
This seems right to me. Some point to Yunel Escobar’s three-game suspension during the 2012 campaign after writing an anti-gay slur on his eye-black, but part of me thinks that Pillar only got two because Escobar’s could be argued as “premeditated.”
On Pillar…
I’m not one for mob mentalities where we bury someone without giving them a chance to redeem themselves. Pillar’s “sorry” after the game was mediocre at best, apologizing to only Motte and failing to recognize the damage he caused the LGBTQ community.
Also, saying this was “something to move on from” and “don’t let it define me” completely misses the point. Pillar making it about himself, as opposed to the communities he insulted, shows that homophobia still runs rampant in sports in 2017. Giving a half-assed apology reinforces that narrative.
His “second” apology via Twitter at least acknowledges that his actions hurt those affected by that word. Instead of seemingly being sorry for getting caught, he seemed sincere.
On reaction from social media…
As you’d expect, the majority of responses to the story were fans demanding some sort of apology and punishment. However, one troubling consistency I saw in comment sections and tweets were the replies like:
- “Wow, seems like everyone’s a little sensitive nowadays…”
- “Non-issue, he said sorry after the game, move on.”
- “Why are people asking for him to be suspended? For saying a word?”
- “He lost his temper and said a bad word. Happens to the best of us.”
Those are just templates, some were worse than others. There was still an uncomfortable amount of people wanting to brush past a homophobic comment. This isn’t a matter of “boys will be boys”. It’s indicative of the hyper masculine culture that hinders far too many from feeling or wanting to be involved with sport, particularly members of queer and trans communities.
Pillar said in a Thursday afternoon press conference, “It’s not a word I use, ever. It’s not even part of my vocabulary.” I’m not buying it. The fact it was the first word to come to mind once his frustrations boiled is evidence of the casualness associated with derogatory slurs in sport.
The Blue Jays acted quickly, suspending Pillar and donating his lost pay to some sort of LGBTQ charity. That’s the first step.
We as fans, reporters, and consumers of baseball need to acknowledge machoism is as much a part of the game as pine tar, chewing tobacco and gum-bubbles on ballcaps.
That’s the second step. It’s up to us to figure out what the next one is.
Hunter Crowther is a special contributor for TheOcho.ca.
