Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after using a homophobic slur directed at a fan during a game on Sunday.
Duran made the remark, which was captured by the New England Sports Network broadcaster, in response to a heckling fan during his team’s 10-2 defeat against the Houston Astros.
The 27-year-old’s salary during the suspension will be donated to Greater PFLAG Boston, an organization focused on supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Duran, who will also participate in sensitivity training, expressed his intention to learn from the incident.
“I want to acknowledge that some fans have reached out to express their disappointment in me, and I want to say I’m sorry for my actions and that I will work on improving for them,” Duran stated on Monday.
He explained, “There was no intent behind the word I used; it was just a reaction in the heat of the moment.”
“It’s my responsibility for that word being said, but there was no malicious intent behind it.”
On Sunday, Duran issued an official apology, stating, “Our young fans should be able to look up to me as a role model, but I fell short of that responsibility tonight.”
Leave a Reply