BOSTON– Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has apologized for directing a homophobic slur at a questioning fan during Sunday’s game 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
The exchange captured by a live microphone during the game broadcast occurred when Duran — who was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts at that point in the game — was on base in the sixth inning.
A fan at Fenway Park can be heard shouting “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”
Duran turned his head toward the fan and responded, “Shut up,” followed by an expletive and the slur. The hit ended with Duran being walked.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrible word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement released by the team. “I feel terrible knowing how many people I have offended and disappointed. but most importantly, the entire LGBTQ community should be able to look up to me as a role model, but tonight I fell far short of that responsibility.”
He ended by saying that he would use the episode to educate himself and grow as a person.
The team in a statement said it spoke with Duran about the incident.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately after today’s game. We repeat Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially the LGBTQ community,” the team said. “We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park and will continue to educate our staff, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusion.”
Duran is one of Boston’s top hitters this season, with a .291 average, 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.
The exchange with fans came after Duran was honored during a pregame ceremony as the recipient of the team’s Heart and Hustle Award, which recognizes one player per team who “demonstrates passion for the game and best embodies its values, spirit and traditions.” ”
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