BOSTON —
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has apologized for directing a homophobic slur at a fan who booed him during Sunday’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
The exchange caught on a live microphone during the game’s broadcast occurred as Duran, who was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts at that point in the game, was at the plate in the sixth inning.
A fan at Fenway Park can be heard yelling, “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”
Duran turned his head toward the fan and responded, “Shut up,” followed by a rude word and the insult. The at-bat ended with Duran receiving a walk.
“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 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.”
He ended by saying that he would use the episode to educate himself and grow as a person.
The team said in a statement that it has spoken with Duran about the incident.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game. We echo 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 we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusion.”
Duran is one of Boston’s best hitters this season with a .291 average, 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.
The exchange with the fan came after Duran was honored during a pregame ceremony as the winner 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.”
