Red Sox' Jarren Duran apologizes after using homophobic slur during game
Published in Baseball
BOSTON — Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized after he was caught on a hot mic directing a homophobic slur at a fan during Sunday afternoon’s game.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning when Duran was up to bat with the Red Sox trailing the Houston Astros 10-0. Down 1-2 in the count, a fan could be heard on the NESN broadcast yelling “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”
At that point Duran is heard saying “shut up you (expletive) (expletive.)”
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement issued by the Red Sox. “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.”
The Red Sox also issued a statement of their own.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game. We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community. 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.”
Duran is currently in his fourth big league season with the Red Sox and was a first-time All-Star this past month. The 27-year-old has played in every game for Boston this season, though as of Sunday night it’s not clear if he will face any discipline for his remarks.
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