Yunel Escobar Suspended Three Games For Gay Slur On Eyeblack

Yunel Escobar, the shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, was suspended for three games without pay today for writing a gay slur in his eyeblack during an MLB game earlier this week.

Escobar had “tu ere maricon” written underneath his eyes as he took the field on Monday. The Spanish phrase, according to Yahoo, translates to “you are a f****t.” Escobar apologized for the incident during a press conference today, saying that he was embarrassed by his actions.

Escobar said:

“I agree with the suspension. I don’t have any problem with that… I’m sorry for my actions the other day. I don’t have anything against homosexuals.”

According to USA Today, Escobar will be suspended for three days without his pay. The salary he would have made will be donated by the Blue Jays to You Can Play and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Bud Selig said:

“I consistently say that Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities and that I expect those who represent Major League Baseball to act with the kind of respect and sensitivity that the game’s diverse fan base deserves. Mr. Escobar has admitted that his actions were a mistake and I am hopeful he can use this unfortunate situation as an opportunity to educate himself and others that intolerance has no place in our game or society.”

Do you agree with Yunel Escobar’s suspension? Are you surprised that the shortstop chose to decorate his eyeblack with such an offensive phrase?