Yunel Escobar, a 29-year-old Cuban baseball star who plays for the Toronto Blue Jays, wore eye black during Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox that had a homophobic message written on it: “TU ERE MARICON.”
Commonly translated: “You are a faggot.”
Gay Star News reports that the slur went unnoticed until a photo, seen below, was posted online by season ticket holder James Greenhalgh in which the offensive message was clearly visible.
Escobar did not play in Sunday’s game, citing “flu-like symptoms.” He and team officials are expected to address the media in New York at a press conference this afternoon.
Last year, Major League Baseball suspended Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell for two weeks without pay after he made homophobic comments and lewd gestures to fans in San Francisco. What do you think: does Escobar deserve a similar punishment for his use of an anti-gay slur?
Photo by James Greenhalgh
