Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Homophobic Slur

Outfielder Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox has been suspended for two games without pay after calling a fan a homophobic slur. The $8,172 salary Duran was to receive during his two-game suspension will now be donated to Greater PFLAG Boston to benefit the local LGBTQIA+ community.

The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros played Fenway Park on August. While Duran was at bat, a game attendee sitting behind him shouted, “Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”

Duran turned to the attendee and yelled, “Shut up, you fucking faggot!” Duran later claimed that his use of the homophobic slur was not motivated by any reason other than “the heat of the moment.” 

After the game, Duran issued an apology through the Red Sox, saying, “During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. 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. 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.”

The Red Sox also issued their own statement in response to Duran’s homophobic outburst, saying, “The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game. We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community. 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.”

Major League Baseball increased their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in 2020, following the death of George Floyd and subsequent civil rights protests.  The organization’s yearly Spring Training now includes inclusivity training for all 30 teams.