Fan Interference

During last night’s match against the Braves, Kevin Pillar got very upset at Braves pitcher Jason Motte for what he felt was a quick pitch.  (I still don’t understand what the hell he was so upset about, he was in the box and ready.)  Pillar yelled something at Motte, the benches cleared, and now MLB in investigating to exactly what Pillar said after rumors persisted that Pillar yelled a homophobic slur.  Pillar for his part offered a sorry, not sorry apology after the game.

Check out video at the link and decide for yourself.

“It just stems from a little frustration in myself and, just the way the series has been going. It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for, it’s part of the game. I’m a competitive guy and, you know, heat of the moment. Obviously I’m gonna do whatever I gotta do to reach out and apologize and let him know that he didn’t do anything wrong and it was all on me. Obviously, something to learn from. Something to move on from and don’t let it define me.”

I’m not sure what sort of punishment if any Pillar could be lined up for if MLB does determine he said what everyone knows he said.  The closest situation I can recall to this one was when Yunel Escobar posted a similar slur on his eyeblack.  Escobar was playing for Toronto at the time.  Maybe he’ll be fined.  Maybe he’ll be suspended.  Maybe he’ll be required to take sensitivity training.  Maybe nothing will come of it.  There certainly will be some public fall out however, and combined with Freddie Freeman getting plunked last night, and Jose Bautista’s trot last night, tonight’s Braves/Blue Jays game could get very interesting very quickly.