Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games by Major League Baseball for making homophobic insults toward a fan in the stands at Fenway Park during the team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Duran will begin serving his suspension immediately, beginning with Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers. according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended two games after using a homophobic slur toward a fan during Sunday’s game. His suspension takes effect immediately and he will miss tonight’s game on ESPN against the Texas Rangers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) 12 August 2024
The suspension is in line with previous punishments imposed on players for similar incidents. Matt Joyce, then of the Oakland Athletics, was suspended for two games without pay in 2017 for using homophobic language against a fan. This season, Kevin Pillar of the Toronto Blue Jays was also suspended for two games for using homophobic language against an opposing pitcher.
In 2012, Yunel Escobar was suspended for three games for wearing eye-black jerseys with a homophobic slur on them.
Duran’s insult was heard on the NESN broadcast and quickly spread across the Internet. A fan booed the All-Star while he was at bat, saying he needed a tennis racket to hit the ball. Duran responded with the insult.
After Sunday’s game, the Red Sox issued a statement apologizing to Duran for his behavior.
“During today’s game, I used a truly horrible word in my response to a fan,” Duran’s statement said. “I feel terrible thinking about how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly to the entire LGBTQ community.”
“I want our young fans to look up to me as a role model, but tonight I strayed far from that responsibility. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and grow as a person.”
The team said the matter was discussed with Duran and also apologized to Red Sox fans and the LGBTQ community.
“The Red Sox discussed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” the team statement said. “We join Jarren in his apology to our fans, especially 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, who turns 28 in September, has a .291 batting average with an .853 OPS, 14 home runs, 58 RBI and 29 stolen bases. His 36 doubles lead the American League and his 13 triples lead the majors.
The four-year veteran was named to the AL All-Star team for the first time this year and won the All-Star Game MVP award by hitting a home run at the Midsummer Classic.
