The Boston Red Sox suspended outfielder Jarren Duran two games without pay Monday after he was heard using an anti-gay slur toward a fan during Sunday’s game.
The Red Sox said they issued the suspension “in consultation with Major League Baseball,” and Duran’s salary from the two games he misses will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
Duran will sit out games against the visiting Texas Rangers on Monday and Tuesday.
While Duran was batting in the bottom of the sixth inning Sunday against Houston, the New England Sports Network broadcast picked up a fan heckling the 27-year-old. Duran then turned toward the crowd while adjusting his batting gloves and told the fan to “shut up” before using the slur.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement. “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.”
In their own statement, the Red Sox said that they spoke to Duran about the use of the derogatory language immediately after the game.
A first-time all-star this season who was named MVP of the all-star game, Duran has batted .291 with career highs of 14 home runs, 58 runs batted in and 29 stolen bases through 116 games in 2024.
Jarren Duran speaking for the first time following his suspension. <br><br>“I’ve had some fans reach out to me and tell me that they are disappointed in me… I just wanted to let them know that I’m sorry for my actions.”<br><br> <a href=”https://t.co/wq4B93HDeJ”>pic.twitter.com/wq4B93HDeJ</a>
—@tylermilliken_
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