The Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently investigating an alleged homophobic slur used by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Hector Neris to taunt New York Mets outfielder Julio Rodriguez during a game on Sunday. The incident occurred in the eighth inning of the game when Neris, who was pitching at the time, appeared to direct a homophobic slur at Rodriguez.
The incident was caught on camera and quickly went viral, prompting MLB to launch an investigation into the matter. The league has not yet released a statement on the incident, but it is expected to do so in the coming days.
The alleged slur is particularly concerning given the recent rise in hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is also concerning that such an incident could occur in a professional sports setting, where players are expected to be role models for young fans.
MLB has taken steps in recent years to promote inclusivity and acceptance within its ranks, including launching a “Let’s Play Ball” campaign to promote acceptance and inclusion in baseball. The league has also implemented a policy that prohibits players from using slurs or derogatory language towards any person or group.
It remains to be seen what action MLB will take in response to this incident. However, it is clear that the league will not tolerate any form of discrimination or hate speech. It is also clear that MLB will continue to take steps to ensure that its players are held to a high standard when it comes to their conduct both on and off the field.
