The target of a homophobic outburst by former Edmonton Capitals field manager Brent Bowers spoke to the Edmonton media as he arrived in the city for the first time since the hateful tirade.
Billy Van Raaphorst told CTV News he's trying to move past the hurtful comments made by Bowers and he says he hopes the situation will inspire other gay athletes to be themselves.
Van Raaphorst is set to officiate the first of a three-game series at Telus Field, starting Friday evening.
Bowers launched into a six-minute tirade against Van Raaphorst, an openly gay umpire, at a baseball game in Orange County on July 31.
Van Raaphorst had already ejected Bowers from game one of a three game series when Bowers lashed out..
Van Raaphorst says Bowers screamed at him, "You know what I heard. You are a faggot. The rumour from several managers and people at the league is that you are a fag."
Bowers' hateful comments led to a suspension, fines and finally his resignation in the days following the incident.
Van Raaphorst says he has not received an apology from Bowers and isn't waiting for one. However he says he has been surprised by the support he has received, from the league and from fans. He says he appreciates how the Edmonton Capitals handled the incident.
With files from CTV's Sonia Sunger.
