Red Sox Star Suspended After Being Caught On Mic Using Homophobic Slur

BOSTON, MA — Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games and the team has apologized after Duran was caught on a hot microphone using a homophobic slur while responding to a heckling fan during Sunday's game against the Astros, according to multiple reports.

Duran's suspension will begin with Monday's game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park, according to ESPN. His salary for those two games will be donated to the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, according to the Boston Herald's Red Sox reporter Gabrielle Starr, who cited a news release from the team.

Toward the end of Red Sox's losing game, Duran, 27, was preparing to bat with the live television audience watching when a fan in the stands was heard saying "Tennis racket, tennis racket, you need a tennis racket," to which Duran fired back with the slur.

Duran issued a statement later Sunday evening through the Red Sox.

"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," he said, according to MLB.com. "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 team shared a statement along with Duran's, saying, in part, that they "addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game" and "echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community."

The team continued: "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."

ESPN noted that the incident "came after Duran was honored during a pregame ceremony as the team's recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, which recognizes one player per team who 'demonstrates a passion for the game and best embodies its values, spirit, and traditions.'"

California-born Duran made his Major League Baseball debut with the Boston Red Sox in July 2021, starting in center field against the New York Yankees. He was named the MVP at the 2024 All-Star Game and has started all 116 games for the Red Sox this season.

This season Duran is hitting .291 with 36 doubles, 13 triples, 14 homers, and 58 RBIs while stealing 29 bases, according to the MLB.

The Red Sox lost 10-2 Sunday.