‘Truly horrific word’: Red Sox star Jarren Duran apologizes for shouting homophobic slur at fan
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By Bryan Lambert
BOSTON — Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized for directing a homophobic slur at a fan during Boston’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros Sunday afternoon, calling his language “truly horrific.”
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Durran said in a team-issued statement. “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.”
NESN’s microphones picked up Duran, responding to the taunting fan while he was at bat at the bottom of the sixth inning.
The fan can be heard shouting, “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”
Duran turned his head toward the fan and replied: “Shut up,” followed by a curse word and a slur.
The Red Sox also released a statement saying that team officials had discussed inappropriate language with Duran after the game.
Boston Red Sox v Miami Marlins MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 02: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 02, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Boston Red Sox BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with his teammates after scoring a run against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Fenway Park on July 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) (Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Oakland Athletics v Boston Red Sox BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Fenway Park on July 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) (Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Boston Red Sox BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 29: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on July 29, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) (Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v Miami Marlins MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 03: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox slides to third base against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 03, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 06: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 06, 2024 in in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 05: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 05, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v Colorado Rockies DENVER, CO - JULY 22: Centerfielder Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox catches a fly ball during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 22, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v Los Angeles Dodgers LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 21: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v Miami Marlins MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 03: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox throws the ball against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 03, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 06: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 06, 2024 in in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community,” the ballclub stated. “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.”
The Red Sox did not say whether Duran would be disciplined for the incident. Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar was suspended for two games by the team for directing an anti-gay slur at an Atlanta Braves pitcher in 2017.
Duran is in his fourth season with the Red Sox and has played in every game. Duran was named an All-Star for the first time earlier this summer and took home MVP honors in the Midsummer Classic.
Duran was honored during a pregame ceremony as the team’s recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, which recognizes one player per team who “demonstrates a passion for the game and best embodies its values, spirit, and traditions.”
It’s unclear if Duran will be in Boston’s lineup when they host the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on Monday night.