This is a thoughtful article by Kelly.  Pillar made the comment in anger and delivered what he thought was the most insulting, derogatory, slur a man could make against another. Unhinged, provocative, inciting anger, a challenge to take it to the next level which is violence. These are also the conditions for a hate crime to take place. 

 Toronto has a healthy, thriving, homosexual community, many of whom who are Jays fans.  They would rightfully feel offended by a player articulating himself in a manner that reflects them in the lowest esteem.  If Pillar can do it, the sports role model that he is, why not everyone.  This is an issue of Pillar's own making.  The cop out is a meaningless apology because he has to.  He has to reach out to the gay Jays community in a meaningful from the heart kind of way.