Red Sox’s Jarren Duran apologizes for using anti-gay slur on fan | News, scores, highlights, stats & rumors

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized in a statement for using a homophobic slur while interacting with a fan during Sunday’s loss to the Houston Astros.

“During tonight’s game I used a really horrible word when I reacted to a fan,” he said.

“I feel terrible knowing how many people I have offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly to the LGBTQ community. Our young fans should look up to me as a role model, but tonight I fell far short of that. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person.”

The Red Sox also released a statement saying they “discussed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game” and apologized to him.

“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 inclusivity,” the statement said.

Chris Cotillo of Mass Live noted that the NESN broadcast of Sunday’s game picked up audio of Duran using the insult while responding to someone in the crowd who booed him. It happened between pitches during Duran’s sixth-inning at bat.

The Red Sox did not say whether the outfielder would be disciplined, but Cotillo did note that the Toronto Blue Jays suspended outfielder Kevin Pillar for two games for using an anti-gay slur in 2017.

Toronto infielder Yunel Escobar was also suspended for three games in 2012 for wearing black eyeshadow with Spanish slurs on it.

Houston won Sunday’s game 10-2, making it three games over the Red Sox.

Next up for Boston is a three-game series against the Texas Rangers, starting Monday.