Jarren Duran issued an apology on Sunday night after cameras caught the outfielder directing a homophobic slur toward a fan during Boston’s 10-2 loss to the Astros at Fenway Park.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement issued to team reporters via the Red Sox. “I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly to the entire LGBTQ community.
“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. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person.”
The Red Sox also released a statement regarding Duran’s comments.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” the team said. “We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community. We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity.”
During the sixth inning of Sunday’s game against the Astros, NESN’s broadcast caught Duran directing the slur toward a heckling fan. NESN’s microphones recorded the fan yelling “Tennis racket!” toward the outfielder as he stood up at the plate against Astros starter Hunter Brown.
Duran then turned toward the fan and yelled back, “Shut up you [expletive, expletive].”
The Red Sox and MLB have yet to announce if Duran will face any additional discipline for his comment. MLB and several clubs have a track record of doling out discipline to players for directing hateful comments towards fans and fellow players.
During the 2017 season, Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar was suspended by the team for two days without pay for calling a Braves pitcher a homophobic slur during a game.
Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel was suspended five games for making a racist gesture toward then-Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish during the 2017 World Series — but the suspension didn’t take place until the start of the 2018 regular season, allowing him to finish out Houston’s eventual championship run.
Duran has started all 116 games for the Red Sox so far this season, delivering a breakout campaign as one of baseball’s top talents this summer. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career in July, later taking home All-Star Game MVP honors in Texas.
