Hudson Valley MLBer In Middle of Nationwide Debate

A Hudson Valley Major League Baseball player is in the middle of a nationwide debate, which goes well past the diamond.

After Jason Motte of the Braves struck out Kevin Pillar, the Toronoto Blue Jays Outfielder yelled a homophobic slur at Motte.

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“It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for. It's part of the game,” Pillar said after the game when questioned about the homophobic slur directed towards Motte, according to MLB.com

Motte attended high school at Valley Central. He recorded the final out in Game 7 of the 2011 World Series, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title.

The “it’s part of the game.” is what really helped sparked a nationwide debate. Should the word ever be used? Is it really routinely used around Major League Baseball? Around sports?

On Thursday, Pillar backtracked and made an apologetic statement on Twitter towards Motte and the LGBTQ community.

He added that his homophobic slur, "Helped extend the use of the word that has no place in baseball, in sports, or anywhere in society today."

The Blue Jays suspended Pillar for two games. Major League Baseball is investigating.

Motte is married to Caitlin Motte and has a four-year-old daughter.

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