Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was suspended for two games after he was caught on a hot mic using an anti-gay slur toward a heckling fan at Fenway Park. The suspension will begin with Monday's game against the Texas Rangers.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was suspended for two games after he was caught on a hot mic using an anti-gay slur toward a heckling fan at Fenway Park. The suspension will begin with Monday's game against the Texas Rangers.
Duran made the remark as he stepped to the plate in the sixth inning of Sunday's 10-2 loss against the Houston Astros. A fan shouted at him that he needed a tennis racket. The player yelled back, "Shut up," followed by the slur.
Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur
He apologized in a statement after the game.
"During tonight's game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan," Duran said. "I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly to the entire LGBTQ community.
Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur
"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."
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he was "disappointed" in Duran's actions.
Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur
"We have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of behavior," Cora said. "Jarren knows that he made a mistake and he has apologized. We are going to support him as he learns from this experience."
Duran was an All-Star for the first time this season. Entering Monday, he led the majors with 36 doubles and 13 triples. He was hitting .291 with 14 home runs.
The suspension is a blow to the Red Sox, who are in the midst of a playoff race. Duran is one of the team's most productive players and his absence will be felt.
The Red Sox will recall outfielder Rob Refsnyder from Triple-A Worcester to take Duran's place on the roster. Refsnyder is a veteran of seven major league seasons and has played for the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs.
The Red Sox will open a three-game series against the Rangers on Monday at Fenway Park. They will then travel to Toronto for a three-game series against the Blue Jays.
