Boston Red Sox All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games without pay by the team, in consultation with Major League Baseball, for using a homophobic slur towards a fan during Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros. The incident occurred when Duran responded to a heckling fan who shouted that he needed a tennis racket. Duran, who is having a breakout season with a.291 batting average, 14 home runs, and 29 stolen bases, issued an apology stating, ‘I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. 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’.The Red Sox organization echoed Duran’s apology and emphasized their commitment to inclusivity. As part of the disciplinary action, Duran’s salary from the two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG, the largest organization in the US dedicated to supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones.Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed the suspension, stating, ‘From my end, obviously like I said, there’s a lot of work to be done, but I’m here to help him out’. Cora emphasized that he will support Duran in his efforts to improve, saying, ‘The kid made a mistake. Like I said before, I’m going to repeat myself. There’s a lot of stuff that we have to do to help him out. There’s stuff that he has to do to keep getting better’.This incident comes as an ironic contrast to Duran receiving the team’s ‘Heart & Hustle Award’ earlier this season, which recognizes a player who embodies the values and spirit of the game. Duran, who was named to his first All-Star game earlier this year and was the 2024 All-Star Game MVP, will miss Boston’s next two games against the Texas Rangers but is expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game.
Key points
- Jarren Duran suspended for two games without pay for using a homophobic slur towards a fan.
- Duran’s salary from the suspension will be donated to PFLAG, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.
- Red Sox manager Alex Cora pledges support for Duran while emphasizing the need for improvement.
