Matt Joyce of the Oakland A’s has been suspended for two games after shouting an anti-gay slur at a fan during the A’s 8-6 loss to the Angels this past Friday.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Matt Joyce used an anti-gay slur Friday night during a verbal exchange with a fan while the A’s were playing the Los Angeles Angels on the road.
Associated Press photographer Mark J. Terrill provided details, though he admitted to not hearing the beginning of the conversation, per ESPN.com. The Oakland right fielder said following the game he felt “regret” about the situation.
“It’s just one of those things that fans kind of get into the game. Obviously, we’re pretty frustrated on our side, and I had just hit a ball hard and had Cron [first baseman C.J. Cron] make a good play,” he said.
“I was walking back to the dugout and just had a fan yell some vulgar and obscene words. For me, it just wasn’t the right time to say some stuff like that. I fired back, and obviously as soon as you fire back, you regret saying anything, because it’s just not worth it.”
The Oakland A’s issued a statement via Twitter denouncing the slur:
The A’s are disappointed by the comments Matt Joyce made to a fan last night. This language is unacceptable & will not be tolerated.
The A’s are reportedly donating Joyce’s lost salary of nearly $54,000 to PFLAG.
The You Can Play team would like to invite the Oakland Athletics’ Matt Joyce … to promote respect for the game of baseball and all fans. pic.twitter.com/PfQDm080BE
