Red Sox star Jarren Duran issued an apology for directing a homophobic slur at a spectator during Sunday’s game at Fenway Park.
The NESN broadcast picked up the exchange in which Duran was heckled by a fan and retorted with the slur.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement released by the team. “I feel awful 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. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person.”
The fan could be heard screaming that Duran needed “a tennis racket” while he was at the plate against the Astros.
The Red Sox outfielder didn’t take kindly to the comment, telling the fan to “shut up,” adding a homophobic slur.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” the team said. “We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community. 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.”
(Warning: Coarse Language)
The statement did not say if the Red Sox would take any disciplinary action against Duran and Major League Baseball has not made any statements on the matter.
The incident occurred during the bottom of the sixth inning with the Sox down 10-0 to the Astros.
Duran was 0-for-2 for the day and down in the count when the exchange was picked up on a hot mic by the field.
The outfielder had slammed an electric fan in the Red Sox’s dugout earlier in the game.
The Red Sox lost the game 10-2, their fourth consecutive loss.
