Boston Red Sox outfielder
Jarren Duran has issued an pols after using a discriminatory slur in response
to a heckling fan during the team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.
The event occurred during the
sixth inning and was apprehend on the New England Sports Network’s (NESN) live
broadcast. At the time, Duran, who was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts, was at the
plate when a fan was heard roaring, “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a
tennis racket!” In response, Duran was caught on a live mic replying with, “Shut
up, f‑‑‑ing,” followed by the
offensive slur.
In a statement released by the
Red Sox later that night, Duran expressed deep regret: “During tonight’s game,
I used a truly dreadful word when responding to a fan. I feel horrible knowing
how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox
organization, but more importantly to the entire LGBTQ group. 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 authority.”
Duran added that he plans to
use this exposure to “educate” himself and his teammates and to “grow as a
person.”
The Red Sox organization also
released a declaration, confirming that they had addressed the incident with
Duran immediately after the game and echoed his apology. “We strive to be an institution
that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our
employees, players, coaches, and staff on the importance of inclusivity,” the
team wrote.
Duran, 27, has been a key
player for the Red Sox, starting in all 116 games this spice. He was named MVP
of the All-Star Game last month and is among the team’s top hitters with a .291
average, 14 home runs, and 58 RBIs. As of now, neither the Red Sox nor Major
League Baseball (MLB) has announced any disciplinary action opposed to Duran.
However, the league has previously mandated diversity and sensitivity training
for players who used insulting language on the field.
Interestingly, before Sunday’s
game, Duran was honored with the Heart and Hustle Award in a pregame ceremony,
which acknowledge one player per team who “demonstrates a passion for the game
of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game,”
according to the league.
