Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended without pay for two games after he “uttered an anti-gay slur at a fan” Sunday, Aug. 11, during the Red Sox’ game against the Houston Astros, according to ESPN.
The suspension was issued by the Boston team and Major League Baseball, and begins with Boston’s game today (Monday, Aug. 12) against the Texas Rangers. The Red Sox said that Duran’s salary from the suspension will be donated to PFLAG.
According to ESPN, it was during the sixth inning of Boston’s 10-2 loss to Houston Sunday at Fenway Park that Duran “turned around in the mniddle of an at-bat and said to a heckler, ‘Shut up, you fucking faggot.’”
Duran, 27, issued a statement Sunday night apologizing for using “a truly horrific word” in responding to the heckling fan.
He continued, “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.”
— Tammye Nash
I think the heckler needs to be banned from future Fenway games. It’s stressful enough for players without having people in the stands spewing nonsense at them.