Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized Sunday for using an anti-gay slur toward a fan in the stands during a game against the Houston Astros.
NESN broadcast recorded the incident of the sixth inning of Houston’s 10-2 win at Boston. A fan in the stands booed Duran, repeatedly declaring that he needs a tennis racket to hit the ball. Duran was 0-for-2 at the plate at the time as the Red Sox trailed 10-0. Duran directed the insult at the fan in response.
After the match, Durán issued an apology. through a joint statement issued by the Red Sox.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrible word when responding to a fan,” Duran’s statement read. “I feel terrible 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 look up to me as a role model, but tonight I failed to live up to that responsibility. I will use this opportunity to develop myself and my teammates and grow as a person.”
The Red Sox issued a statement addressing the incident with Duran along with their own apologies.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” the team’s statement read. “We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially the LGBTQ community. We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park and will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusion.”
Duran has not spoken publicly or answered questions about the incident. MLB had not commented publicly on the incident as of Sunday night.
Duran, 27, is a fourth-year MLB veteran with the Red Sox. He is in the midst of a breakout season and was named to his first All-Star team in July. He earned All-Star Game MVP honors after hitting a go-ahead home run in the American League’s 5-3 victory over the National League.