Red Sox suspend Jarren Duran two games for using homophobic slur

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox announced on Monday that they have suspended Jarren Duran for two games after the outfielder used a homophobic slur during Sunday’s game.

The suspension is unpaid, and the club said Duran’s salary for the two games will instead be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the United States’ largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and those who love them.

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.)”

Prior to the suspension Duran had played in every game this season for the Red Sox. Because the suspension is team-issued, the Red Sox will not have to play down a man and can replace him on the 26-man roster for the duration of his punishment.

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