Red Sox’s Jarren Duran suspended 2 games for using homophobic slur

The Boston Red Sox are taking action against player Jarren Duran after he used a homophobic slur toward a fan during a game Sunday.

The team announced Monday night Duran would be suspended for two games without pay. The suspension was in effect for Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers, and will also apply to Tuesday’s game at Fenway Park.

In addition, the team said it will donate Duran’s two-game salary to Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the LGBTQ community.

Before the suspension was announced, Duran released an apology through the team. Here’s what to know about the incident.

Jarren Duran homophobic slur incident: what happened

During the broadcast of the Red Sox game Sunday, outfielder Jarren Duran was heard on a live microphone shouting a slur at a heckling fan.

The incident happened at the bottom of the sixth inning in the game between the Red Sox and Houston Astros at Fenway Park. As Duran was up at bat, an Astros fan yelled at him from the stands, “you need a tennis racket.”

In response, Duran yelled “shut up” followed by an expletive and homophobic slur toward the fan.

Jarren Duran apologizes for using homophobic slur toward fan

Following the game Sunday, Red Sox player Jarren Duran issued an apology for yelling a “horrific” homophobic slur at a fan.

“I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Durran said in a 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.”

Speaking to the media Monday afternoon, Duran said there was “no intent behind the word that was used.”

“It was just the heat of the moment and just happened to be said,” Duran said “It’s on me for that word coming out. But there was no intent behind that word being used.”

The 27-year-old also said he would “work on being better” for the fans he disappointed.

Red Sox, Alex Cora speak out after Jarren Duran homophobic slur incident

Before announcing outfielder Jarren Duran’s two-game suspension for using a slur toward a fan, the Red Sox released a statement about the incident.

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

After Duran’s suspension was announced, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the team will continue to work on educating players about inclusion.

“The organization has been very proactive and active as far as inclusion. Just one mistake by the kid doesn’t show who we are or who he is,” Cora said. “Obviously it was a bad moment. He’s learned from it. We’re learning from the situation and we’re going to be better not only as individuals, but as an organization.”

Who is Jarren Duran?

Jarren Duran is a 27-year-old baseball player from Corona, California, who has played as an outfielder on the Boston Red Sox since 2021.

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

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