Red Sox’s Jarren Duran apologizes for calling fan homophobic slur

Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran is apologizing after calling a fan a “horrific” homophobic slur.

During the broadcast of a game Sunday between the Red Sox and Houston Astros at Fenway Park, Duran was heard on a live microphone shouting an expletive and homophobic slur at an Astros fan.

Following Boston’s 10-2 loss to the Astros, Duran issued a statement apologizing to the Red Sox organization and the LGBTQ community. The team also issued a statement in response to the incident and echoed his apology.

Here’s what to know about what happened.

Red Sox player Jarren Duran apologies for calling fan homophobic slur

On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox played the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. During the game’s broadcast, a live microphone picked up an interaction between Red Sox player Jarren Duran and an Astros fan.

While Duran was up at bat in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Astros fan from the crowd yelled “you need a tennis racket.”

Duran responded to the fan, yelling “shut up” followed by an expletive and a homophobic slur.

After the game, he issued an apology through the team.

“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Durran said in the statement. “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.”

The 27-year-old also said he will “use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person.”

Red Sox issue statement after Jarren Duran incident

After Red Sox player Jarren Duran apologized for yelling a slur at a fan during a game Sunday, the team also issued a statement. It said the team addressed the incident with Duran “immediately following today’s game.”

“We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community,” the statement said. “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.”

Could Jarren Duran be disciplined?

It’s possible that either the team or Major League Baseball could discipline Jarren Duran, and there is precedent.

In 2017, then-Oakland Athletics outfielder Matt Joyce faced a two-game suspension for yelling a similar slur at a fan. Also in 2017, Kevin Pillar of the Toronto Blue Jays was suspended for two games without pay when he directed a homophobic slur toward an opposing pitcher.

More recently in 2022, New York Yankees infielder Josh Donaldson was suspended for one game by the MLB after calling White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson “Jackie.”

Who is Red Sox player Jarren Duran?

Jarren Duran is an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He has played for the team since 2021.

Before joining the Red Sox, Duran played for several minor league teams including the Worcester Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs.

The 27-year-old was named MVP of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game earlier this year after hitting a two-run home run for the American League team.

Before Sunday’s game against the Astros, Duran was also named the 2024 winner of the Red Sox’s Heart & Hustle Award, which is given to a player who “demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game,” according to the MLB’s website.