Major League Baseball and the Red Sox suspended Boston outfielder Jarren Duran for two games Monday after he called a fan a homophobic slur in an outburst captured on a telecast of Sunday's game against the Houston Astros.
The unpaid suspension begins immediately, excluding Duran from Monday night's game at Fenway Park against the Texas Rangers. Duran's prorated salary for the suspended game days is being diverted to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), MLB and the team said in a joint statement.
Duran made the remark Sunday night as he was at bat in the bottom of the sixth inning at Fenway. Video from the NESN telecast captured a fan heckling Duran, saying he would need a tennis racket to connect with a pitch. Duran responded by calling the man the slur.
After the game, which Boston lost 10-2, Duran issued a statement apologizing for his reaction, describing the word he used as "truly horrific" and saying he intends to learn from the incident.
“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 team echoed Duran's statement and added that the slur does not reflect the organization.
"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 Sunday night.
The Red Sox will play the Rangers as part of a three-game series on back-to-back nights at Fenway Park, so Duran will also have to sit out Tuesday's matchup. Until Monday night, Duran, a 2024 All-Star, had started every game this season.
