Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got some tough news coming out of Fenway Park. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after being caught on a hot mic using an anti-gay slur directed at a heckling fan during Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros.
The incident occurred in the sixth inning of the game, which the Red Sox ultimately lost 10-2. As Duran stepped up to the plate, a fan in the stands shouted that he needed a tennis racket, clearly trying to get under his skin. Duran responded by telling the fan to “shut up,” but unfortunately, he followed up with a slur that was picked up by the microphones.
Major League Baseball and the Red Sox organization acted quickly. Duran’s suspension, which is unpaid, began with Monday night’s game against the Texas Rangers. In a statement, the Red Sox emphasized their commitment to addressing the issue, announcing that Duran’s salary from the suspension would be donated to PFLAG, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community and those who love them.
“In consultation with Major League Baseball, the Red Sox on Monday issued an unpaid two-game suspension to outfielder Jarren Duran beginning with tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park,” the Red Sox said in a statement.
“Additionally, Duran’s salary from the two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the United States’ largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and those who love them.”
After the game, Duran issued a public apology, acknowledging the gravity of his mistake. “I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” he said. He apologized not only to the Red Sox organization but also to the entire LGBTQ community, expressing deep regret for letting down his young fans who see him as a role model.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said. “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.”
#RedSox RHP and outspoken advocate of the LGBT+ community Liam Hendriks had this to say of the recently suspended Jarren Duran (via @PeteAbe) pic.twitter.com/OPvbEmReW7
— The Pesky Report (@ThePeskyReport) August 13, 2024
It’s a disappointing turn of events for Duran, who has been having an impressive season. As of Monday, he leads the majors with 36 doubles and 13 triples, boasting a .291 batting average with 14 home runs. This was also his first year as an All-Star, making the incident all the more disheartening for his fans and the team.