Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was suspended two games after hurling anti-gay slurs at onlookers at Boston’s Fenway Park that were heard over an overheated microphone.
“After consultation with Major League Baseball, the Red Sox announced on Monday that outfielder Jarren Duran will be suspended two games without pay starting tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park,” the Red Sox said in a statement.
“In addition, Duran’s salary from his two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG (Pride of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people and their loved ones.”
Reactions to Duran’s suspension flooded social media.
Duran made the remarks while coming to bat in the sixth inning of Sunday’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
A fan yelled at him that he needed a tennis racket.
The player yelled back “Shut up” followed by a swear word.
He apologized in a statement after the match.
Duran made his first All-Star appearance this season.
Through Monday, he led the majors with 36 doubles and 13 triples.
He hit 14 home runs for a .291 batting average.
Boston begins a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday.
The team then goes on a seven-game road trip, starting with a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
