The Boston Red Sox have suspended outfielder Jarren Duran for two games following an incident in which he directed an anti-gay slur at a fan during the team’s game against the Houston Astros on Sunday. Duran’s suspension took effect starting with Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers, and his salary for the suspended games, amounting to $8,172, will be donated to PFLAG, an LGBTQ advocacy organization.
The incident occurred in the sixth inning at Fenway Park, where Duran responded to a heckler with an inappropriate remark. Duran, who is 27 years old, publicly apologized on Sunday night for using “a truly horrific word” in his reaction to the fan.
On Monday, Duran expressed further regret, stating that he was sorry for disappointing fans and acknowledging his mistake. “I’m going to work on being better,” he affirmed.
Teammate Rob Refsnyder showed support for Duran, stating, “We all love Jarren. He’ll learn from this. We’re all human. We all make mistakes.” Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy called it a difficult day and commended both the organization and Duran for their handling of the matter.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow emphasized that more work is needed in promoting inclusivity within the sport. Duran explained the context of his outburst, describing how he had been subjected to continuous heckling from the fan throughout the game.
Duran took the initiative to apologize to the plate umpire and the opposing catcher right after the incident. Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated that he is committed to helping Duran learn from this experience.
This suspension aligns with Major League Baseball’s previous actions regarding the use of anti-gay slurs, including past suspensions of other players for similar offenses. Duran, who is enjoying a breakout season, acknowledged the impact of his words on fans, particularly the LGBTQ community, and expressed his intention to educate himself and foster personal growth moving forward.
The Red Sox reiterated their commitment to inclusivity in their statement. They noted that Fenway Park should be a welcoming environment for all fans and reaffirmed their ongoing efforts to educate players and staff about the importance of respect and acceptance.