Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been handed a two-game suspension without pay by the team after using an anti-gay slur directed at a fan during Sunday’s 10-2 defeat against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. As reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Duran will start serving this suspension immediately, beginning with Monday’s match against the Texas Rangers.
In a statement regarding the suspension, the Red Sox announced that Duran’s forfeited salary for the two missed games will be donated to an LGBTQ organization. “The salary from Jarren Duran’s suspension will go to PFLAG, the largest organization in the United States focused on supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and their allies.” This punishment aligns with previous actions taken against players for comparable offenses.
In 2017, Matt Joyce, then with the Oakland Athletics, received a two-game suspension without pay for using an anti-gay slur at a fan. That same year, the Toronto Blue Jays’ Kevin Pillar was also suspended for two games for directing a homophobic slur at an opposing pitcher. In 2012, Yunel Escobar faced a three-game suspension for wearing eye-black strips with an anti-gay slur written on them. Duran’s remark was audible on the NESN broadcast and quickly spread online.
A fan was heckling the All-Star as he was at bat, suggesting he required a tennis racket to hit the ball, to which Duran responded with the slur. After Sunday’s game, the Red Sox released a statement where Duran expressed remorse for his conduct. “During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word in response to a fan,” Duran stated. “I feel terrible knowing how many people I offended and let down. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly, to the entire LGBTQ community.
Our young fans should see me as a role model, but tonight I did not uphold that responsibility. I will use this chance to educate myself and my teammates and grow as a person.” The team addressed the situation with Duran and also extended an apology to Red Sox fans and the LGBTQ community. “The Red Sox discussed this incident with Jarren immediately after today’s game,” the team mentioned. “We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community.
We aim 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 significance of inclusivity.” Duran, who turns 28 in September, boasts a .291 batting average with an .853 OPS, 14 home runs, 58 RBI, and 29 stolen bases. His 36 doubles lead the American League, while he tops the majors with 13 triples. The four-year veteran was selected for his first AL All-Star team this year and earned All-Star Game MVP honors by hitting a home run in the Midsummer Classic.
