Red Sox’s Jarren Duran apologizes for ‘horrible’ homophobic slur at heckler mid-game at Astros

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran offered an apology on Sunday after using a homophobic slur in response to a rioter.

Duran was batting during a game against the Houston Astros in Boston on Sunday when the stalker began taunting him, allegedly telling him over and over that the baseball player would need a tennis racket to actually hit a pitch.

The outfielder turned to the fan and hurled the insult between pitches, reportedly saying “shut up, you fucking moron.” The insult was reportedly not yelled, but was loud enough for a live broadcast of the game to pick up.

Boston eventually lost the game 10-2. NBC News information.

Duran offered an apology after the incident, acknowledging that he used a “truly horrible word” and that he felt bad about doing so.

“I feel terrible knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Duran said. “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 to me as a role model, but tonight I failed to live up to that responsibility.”

The Red Sox organization also apologized to Duran, “especially to the LGBTQ community.”

According to Red Sox officials, the team acted immediately to address Duran’s comments once the game ended.

“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 about the importance of inclusion,” the team said in a statement.

Duran has been suspended for two games for using the slur.

In the past, players who have used slurs or other insensitive language have been forced to attend sensitivity or diversity courses and have been suspended from games.

Duran, a 2024 All-Star, is one of Boston’s top hitters with a .291 average, 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.

The Red Sox had just honored Duran before the game with the team’s “Heart and Effort Award,” according to The GuardianThe award recognizes a player with a “passion for the game” who “best embodies its values, spirit and traditions.”