Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has called his use of a homophobic slur against a heckling fan “truly horrific” after being suspended by the MLB side for the incident during their 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Duran will not be involved for at least the first two of the Red Sox’s three matches at their Fenway Park home against the Texas Rangers, having been caught on a live broadcast insulting the supporter.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement released by Boston.
The #RedSox today issued a two-game suspension to Jarren Duran. pic.twitter.com/YlinXxOAWy
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 12, 2024
“I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologise to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly to the entire LGBTQ community.
“There was no intent behind the word that was used – it was just the heat of the moment and just happened to be said. It’s on me for that word coming out. But there was no intent behind that word being used.
“Our young fans are supposed to be able to look up to me as a role model but tonight I fell far short of that responsibility.”
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What did Jarren Duran say?
The fan could be heard repeatedly shouting “tennis racket” at Duran while the 27-year-old was at the plate in the sixth inning, adding: “You need a tennis racket.”
Duran looked at the fan and told them to “shut up” before calling them “a faggot”. The MLB All-Star Game Most Valuable Player will serve his suspension without pay.
Our Heart & Hustle Award Winner 🤝 pic.twitter.com/3UEGq0Fby3
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 11, 2024
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” a team statement said. “We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community.
“We strive to be an organisation that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity.”
Duran’s fee of $8,172 for the two matches will go to the Greater PFLAG Boston, which supports the LGBTQ+ community.
He had been honoured during a pre-game ceremony as the Sox’s recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, recognising a player on each team who “demonstrates a passion for the game and best embodies its values, spirit, and traditions.”
Boston Red Sox: ‘Difficult day’
“It’s a really difficult day,” said Boston President Sam Kennedy. “I’m proud of the way the organisation addressed the situation and I’m proud of Jarren for acknowledging his horrific mistake.”
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow called the situation “an important reminder that there’s ton of progress that still needs to be made”.
“It is striking evidence that while we have made strides and done great work, we haven’t done nearly enough,” he added.
