Red Sox suspend Jarren Duran for directing homophobic slur at fan originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox have punished Jarren Duran for using a homophobic slur during Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.
On Monday, the club issued a two-game unpaid suspension to its All-Star outfielder. Duran’s salary from these two games will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
Duran directed the homophobic slur at a questioning fan during his sixth inning of Sunday’s 10-2 loss to Houston. After the fan shouted “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!” a hot mic caught Duran saying “Shut up,” followed by an expletive and the slur.
“I feel terrible knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Duran said after the game. “I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly, to the entire LGBTQ community.”
Duran has appeared in all 116 games for Boston so far this season. He’s in the midst of his best statistical campaign, slashing .291/.350/.503 with an American League-leading 36 doubles, an MLB-leading 13 triples, 14 home runs and 58 RBI. He was named MVP of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
Duran’s suspension will begin Monday when the Red Sox begin their three-game home series against the Texas Rangers. Boston will try to bounce back after being swept by the Astros.
First pitch for the series opener against Texas is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
