Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was suspended for two games without pay on Monday after hurling a “homophobic slur” at a heckler during a Sunday game against the Houston Astros. In an exchange caught on a live microphone at Fenway Park, Duran turned in the middle of an at-bat and told a rowdy audience member to “shut up, you f***ing f****t,” drawing immediate condemnation from his team and the MLB.
Following the incident, the Red Sox and the MLB announced that Duran’s salary during the suspension will be donated to the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), which is “dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and those who love them.”
The #RedSox today issued a two-game suspension to Jarren Duran. pic.twitter.com/YlinXxOAWy
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 12, 2024
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“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,” Duran said in an apology statement on Sunday. “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. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person.”
“We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community,” a second statement from the team read. “We strive 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 importance of inclusivity.”
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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