Matt Joyce apologizes for gay slur, receives two-game suspension
Oakland A’s outfielder Matt Joyce issued an apology on Saturday after directing a gay slur toward a fan during Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. He also received a two-game suspension without pay from Major League Baseball for his actions.
According to the Associated Press, Joyce got involved in a heated exchange with the fan during the eighth inning of the game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The exchange and slur were overheard by Associated Press photographer Mark J. Terrill, who according to their report did not hear how it began or what was said by the fan involved.
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Joyce acknowledged the exchange following the game and expressed regret in letting his frustration get the best of him. Then he took to Twitter on Saturday to issue a lengthy apology directed at the fans, the Oakland A’s, MLB and the LGBTQ community.
In regard to last night’s incident, I first and foremost want to sincerely apologize to the fans, the Oakland A’s, MLB and the most importantly the LGBTQ community for my comments and actions. A fan yelled vulgar and obscene words about me and my family and I let my frustrations and emotions get the better of me. I am beyond sorry for the inappropriate language that I used and understand and agree that those words should NEVER come out of someone’s mouth no matter the situation. Anyone who knows me will tell you that incident it is not reflective of me as a person, how I treat others, how I live my life and that those hurtful words are not my views. I fully support and hope to help the LGBTQ community with their efforts in being treated fairly and intend to let my actions speak louder than anything more that can be said about this truly regrettable moment.
A short time later MLB announced its punishment while noting that Joyce has agreed to participant in a public outreach initiative with PFLAG National.
. @Athletics OF Matt Joyce has received a 2-game suspension w/o pay, starting tonight.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) August 5, 2017
Joyce has apologized and will participate in a public outreach initiative with @PFLAG.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) August 5, 2017
The salary lost during Joyce's 2-game suspension will be contributed by the @Athletics to @PFLAG.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) August 5, 2017
Joyce’s punishment is consistent with that of Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar, who was suspended two games after he was caught directing a gay slur at Braves pitcher Jason Motte.
In less important matters, the A’s went on to lose Friday’s game 8-6 and have lost seven straight overall. Joyce finished the game 1 for 4.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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