The Boston Red Sox have suspended All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran two games after he uttered an anti-gay slur at a fan during Sunday’s game against the Astros.
The NESN broadcast picked up Duran calling a heckling fan a “f–king f—-t” during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fenway Park.
The 27-year-old’s salary from the two games will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the team said.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement released by the team on Sunday. “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 fan had heckled Duran, saying he needed a “tennis racquet” to hit the ball, at a point in the game where he was 0-2 with a 1-2 count.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Red Sox trailing the Astros 10-0.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” the team said in a statement accompanying Duran’s apology on Sunday. “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.”
Duran will miss two games against the Rangers in the suspension, beginning with Monday’s matchup at Fenway Park.
Duran is hitting .291 with 14 home runs and an .853 OPS this season.
At 61-55, the Red Sox are three games behind the Royals in the race for the final AL Wild Card slot.
The Red Sox would also need to leapfrog the Mariners, who are a half-game in front of them, to make the postseason.
