The Edmonton Eskimos held a press conference just before noon Monday to address the homophobic slur that was directed towards Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell last Saturday. The slur was made by Eskimos cornerback Pat Watkins and was picked up on the TSN broadcast after Mitchell scored a touchdown in the third quarter.
Watkins issued the following statement to reporters Monday:
"I apologize to Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, the Canadian Football League, the Edmonton Eskimos, fans and all who were offended by the insensitive remark I made on field following his touchdown. It was said in the heat of the moment and was a poor choice of words. I understand this language is not acceptable and will be more careful with my choice of words in future."
At the press conference later, Watkins shed more light on the incident.
“It was just frustration building up you know you’re doing your best, you’re playing as hard as you can to defeat your opponent whether it’s mentally, physically, verbally you try to get an edge anyway you can.” Watkins continued. “In the end, it’s just a bad choice of words and obviously I regret it and I’m just trying to move forward.”
The organization issued this statement: "The offensive comment made by Pat Watkins is disappointing and does not represent the values of the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club. Such language is not condoned."
Eskimos GM Ed Hervey added, "Obviously we don’t condone what was said, Pat and I had a long discussion about on-field behavior.”
The Eskimos wouldn’t say if Watkins will be disciplined for his actions.
