Weeks ago, LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget apologized after posting a video of himself using a homophobic slur on a teammate. Lletget, who is also a member of the U.S. men's national team, posted the video to Instagram and slaps his teammate's head before calling him "puto," which is a homophobic Spanish slur for gay men. The player deleted the video shortly after and released a statement.
"I messed up,"
Lletget wrote in his statement to
OutSports
. "Earlier today, I posted a video that included me using a derogatory slur in Spanish."
At the time he said he wanted to take full responsibility. Major Lague Soccer said they would open an investigation, and now the league has announced they have censured Lletget with a fine of an undisclosed amount and suspended him for two matches. He will also have to take diversity, inclusion, and equity training through Athlete Ally.
In the announcement, the league "acknowledges and appreciates Lletget's prompt apology and the accountability he has taken for his actions." The player was out for Sunday's match against the New York Bulls and will be out on May 2nds' match against Seattle Sounders FC.
Earlier this year, top golfer Justin Thomas
made headlines when he said a self-described "inexcusable" anti-gay slur at a tournament
. It wasn't directed at anyone but the player apologized immediately. Ralph Lauren, a longtime sponsor of Thomas, ended their relationship with the athlete while Citi made him donate to
LGBTQ
+ organizations but continued their partnership.
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