The Boston Red Sox are suspending All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran for two games after he directed an anti-gay slur at a fan during Sunday's home game against the Houston Astros, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. While he issued an apology in the aftermath of the incident, many fans still expected the team to take action.
Duran, who has essentially been the face of the 2024 Sox due to his high motor and consistent productivity, prides himself on playing every day. He was intent on taking the field for all 162 games, but the organization is obviously serious about taking a stand against his transgression.
Boston issued a statement on Sunday and is doing so again on Monday following its disciplinary decision.
Red Sox break silence on Jarren Duran suspension
“In consultation with Major League Baseball, the Red Sox today issued an unpaid two-game suspension to outfielder Jarren Duran beginning with tonight's game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park,” the team said. “Additionally, Duran's salary from the two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the United States' largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and those who love them.”
Duran was heckled by a fan during an at-bat (says it happened throughout the game) in the 10-2 loss to the Astros and clapped back with the homophobic slur. His career-defining season, which is highlighted by a .291 batting average, MLB-best 13 triples and American League-leading 36 doubles, follows tough big league beginnings and past mental health struggles. Needless to say, the 27-year-old had been serving as an inspiration to young athletes all around the country.
Duran speaks after suspension
Jarren Duran will now look to earn back the trust he lost from many people. Making amends with those he hurt and offended is obviously of paramount importance, but Duran will also need to focus on keeping his emotions in check. While no one wants to be antagonized, it is important for him to maintain his composure.
He addressed the media after the Red Sox decided to suspend him, expressing his regret, remorse and a desire to be better.
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Jarren Duran addresses the media after using homophobic slur in Sunday's game. Duran will serve two-game unpaid suspension.
“I've had some fans reach out to me and tell me that they're disappointed in me, and I just want to let them know that I'm sorry for my actions and that I'm going to work on being better for them,” Duran said, via NBC Sports Boston.
“I said something I shouldn't be saying… It's on me for that word coming out, but there was no intent behind that word being used… I talked to a few people that have been in situations before and I've gotten a lot of helpful information that I'm going to take to heart and take my best leap forward and go with what's best to benefit from my mistakes.”
The former seventh-round pick also said that he apologized to the umpire and catcher after saying the slur and insists that it is not a part of his regular vocabulary. Hopefully, Duran will use these next two days to learn and deeply reflect.
