Pillar, Blue Jays apologize to LGBTQ community for his use of a homosexual slur

As previously noted, Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar is being investigated by Major League Baseball for his use of a gay slur (the six-letter word that starts with an "f") on Wednesday night, directed toward Braves reliever Jason Motte in light of what Pillar considered a quick-pitch. 

Pillar made some post-game comments on the matter and came under fire for slipping in "it's a part of the game." 

On Thursday afternoon, Pillar and the Blue Jays issued statements to apologize. 

Here is Pillar's apology: 

And here is the statement the Blue Jays issued:

The altercation was the first of two between the Braves and Blue Jays on Wednesday and the two teams will do battle again in Atlanta on Thursday at 7:35 p.m. ET.