Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized Sunday night after he uttered a homophobic slur at a heckler while at bat against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.
The slur was not said loudly, but it was loud enough to be picked up by the NESN live telecast of the game, which Boston lost 10-2.
According to video taken from the telecast, the fan yelled at Duran — he swung and missed a pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning — saying repeatedly that he'd need a tennis racket to connect with the baseball.
Duran turned in the direction of the fan and uttered the slur before he took hitting stance for the next pitch, the video shows.
In a statement, Duran, a 2024 All-Star, characterized the slur as a “truly horrific word," saying that he felt bad about the incident and that he'll use it as an occasion to learn.
"I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed," Duran said. "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."
The Red Sox said in a statement that the organization echoed Duran's apology, "especially to the LGBTQ community."
The team said it responded immediately to the slur at the conclusion of the game.
"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," the team said.
It wasn't clear whether Duran would face Major League Baseball discipline. Similar incidents in the past have been met by league-required sensitivity and diversity education, as well as game suspensions.
