The benches cleared twice during the Braves' 8-4 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night and the first one was sparked by Kevin Pillar's reaction to what he considered a "quick pitch" maneuver from Braves reliever Jason Motte (video here).
Internet sleuths everywhere were posting video of a closer shot -- not made available for online publication -- of what Pillar said that set off Motte and Braves catcher Kurt Suzuki. You didn't have to be a professional lip reader to see that Pillar appeared to say the six-letter gay slur that starts with the letter "f." On Thursday afternoon, both Pillar and the team issued an apology to the LBGTQ community.
As for the fallout that Pillar may be facing from the league, the news out of the MLB office Thursday morning was as follows:
Major League Baseball is investigating Kevin Pillar's possible use of a homophobic slur last night in exchange with Jason Motte.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) May 18, 2017
The investigation is likely more a discussion about what to do in terms of a possible fine and/or suspension along with attachments such as sensitivity counseling, because it was pretty clear what Pillar said and he seemed to be admitting wrongdoing after the game.
Sportsnet.ca has video of Pillar saying the following:
"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."
The Blue Jays play the Braves again Thursday in Atlanta at 7:35 p.m. ET.
