Red Sox player apologizes for homophobic slur toward heckler

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran issued an apology and was suspended for two games for using a homophobic slur when responding to a heckling fan during the team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.

The exchange with the fan was captured on the New England Sports Network’s (NESN) live broadcast of the game when Duran, who was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts at that point, was at the plate in the sixth inning, The Associated Press reported.

The fan could be heard on the live mic shouting, “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!” to which Duran replied,  “Shut up, f‑‑‑ing” followed by the slur, the NESN stream captured.

“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Duran said in a statement released by the Red Sox later Sunday. “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.”

Duran said he will use the incident to “educate” himself and his teammates, and to “grow as a person.”

The Red Sox and Major League Baseball on Monday imposed an unpaid two-game suspension for Duran beginning with Monday night’s game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. His salary from the two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG (previously called the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the team said. 

The team said it addressed the episode with Duran immediately after the game and echoed his apology.

“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 Red Sox wrote.

Duran, 27, has started for the Red Sox in all 116 games this season, was the MVP of the All-Star Game last month and is one of the team’s top hitters with a .291 average, 14 home runs and 58 RBI.

Before Sunday’s game, Duran received the Heart and Hustle award in a pregame ceremony, the AP reported. The award honors one player per team who “demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game,” according to the league.

Updated at 4:17 pm.