Soccer Player Suspended and Fined for Slur

A professional soccer player has been suspended for three games, essentially pushing him out of play for the rest of the season, for using an antigay slur toward another player last week.

Marc Burch of the Seattle Sounders used the slur during a game against Real Salt Lake, the Seattle Times reports. He will not be able to play in the conference finals against the Los Angeles Galaxy, and the third game will either be for the MLS Cup or the first game of the 2013 season.

"Major League Soccer has a zero tolerance policy in response to this type of behavior from its players or staff," said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a news release. "While I understand and believe that Mr. Burch is remorseful, Major League Soccer is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect."

Burch was fined an undisclosed amount and will have to take diversity and sensitivity training, according to the Times. Burch issued an apology on Friday.