Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after he was heard aiming a homophobic insult at a heckler during the team’s Sunday game against the Houston Astros.
While at bat in the game’s sixth inning, New England Sports Network’s broadcast caught Duran as he turned to the crowd and told someone in the stands, “Shut up, you fucking faggot.”
In a statement released by the team following their 10-2 loss on Sunday, the All-Star outfielder apologized to the LGBTQ+ community and young fans.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” the statement read. “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 statement continued, “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.”
Winslow Townson via Getty Images
Duran called his homophobic outburst a mistake in the “heat of the moment” during a Monday press conference, which was reported on by The Washington Post.
“It was just a heckler heckling me the entire game,” he explained. “I just let the moment get the best of me. I just said something I shouldn’t have said.”
Duran’s brief suspension will begin Monday, as the Sox start a three-game series against the Texas Rangers.
In its own statement, the Red Sox organization announced that the salary from Duran’s two-game suspension would be donated to the LGBTQ+ advocacy group PFLAG.
“We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community,” the team statement read. “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.”