Red Sox star Jarren Duran has apologized for yelling a homophobic slur at a crowd during Sunday’s game at Fenway Park.
NESN picked up the exchange. During the incident, Duran was heckled by fans and responded with slurs.
“During tonight’s game, I used some truly harsh language in response to a fan,” Duran said in a statement released by the team. “It pains me to think about how many people I have offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization and most importantly the entire LGBTQ community. Our young fans should be able to look up to me as a role model and tonight I fell completely short of that responsibility. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and grow as a person.”
While Duran was at bat against the Astros, fans could be heard yelling that they needed “tennis rackets.”
The Red Sox outfielder did not take kindly to the comment, telling the fan to “shut up” and adding a homophobic slur.
“The Red Sox discussed the incident with Jalen immediately following today’s game,” the team said in a statement. “We echo Jalen’s apology to our fans, particularly the LGBTQ community. We strive to be a welcoming organization for all fans at Fenway Park and will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of being inclusive.”
(WARNING: COARSE LANGUAGE)
The statement did not say whether the Red Sox would take any disciplinary action against Duran, and Major League Baseball has not issued any statement on the matter.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning with the Red Sox trailing the Astros, 10-0.
Duran was hitless in two at-bats as the countdown began, but the exchange was picked up on a hot microphone at the side of the field.
The outfielder was seen blasting a fan in the Red Sox dugout before the start of the game.
The Red Sox lost 10-2, marking their fourth straight loss.
