Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar may be in hot water with his team and with the league.

TU ERE MARICON

The 29 year old Cuban infielder (neither a pitcher nor a catcher) played Saturday's game against the Red Sox with the Spanish words “Tu Ere Maricon” written on his eyeblack sticker. The most common English translation is “You are a faggot.”

It should be noted that other translations are not as specific and just generally insult masculinity. Either way the words on the eye black sticker seem inappropriate and the situation is being dealt with on a team and league level. Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos will address the media later in NYC with Escobar likely in attendance.

The terms “fag” and “faggot” are often used in a non-sexual, non homophobic way but nevertheless are meant as insults. This doesn't make them any less hurtful to the LGBTQ community, however it is possible that Escobar didn't fully appreciate the meaning of the words. I also don't pretend to understand the subtle differences of insults in other languages. For now I am willing to give Escobar the benefit of the doubt, depending on how he reacts to this situation.

Several Major League Baseball teams have taken part in the It Gets Better project aimed at empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning youth, the Jays so far not among them. Hockey has a You Can Play program that is similar.

The easiest fix is banning any messages at all on eye black stickers. The NFL bans the practice and the NCAA instituted a ban after Tim Tebow drew attention for printing Bible passages under his eyes while at the U. of Florida. Underlying homophobia is another issue in major league sports, which is why no major league player has come out while still an active player. This kind of stunt just proves it. Ay caramba. LEAVE COMMENTS.

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