The Boston Red Sox will be without their All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran for a couple of games this week.
The team announced a two-game suspension for Duran after he yelled anti-gay slurs to a fan who was heckling him during Sunday’s game.
Duran, after a verbal exchange with the fan in question, said the “F” word and it was heard in the broadcast.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan has all the details:
“Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after he uttered an anti-gay slur at a fan during Sunday’s game. His suspension will begin effective immediately and he’ll miss tonight’s game on ESPN against the Texas Rangers,” he tweeted.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after he uttered an anti-gay slur at a fan during Sunday’s game. His suspension will begin effective immediately and he’ll miss tonight’s game on ESPN against the Texas Rangers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 12, 2024
Rob Refsnyder has taken Duran’s spot in left field for Monday’s contest.
The player issued an apology after the game was over, as reported by Julian McWilliams:
Red Sox issue statement from Jarren Duran, who used homophobic slur during today’s game directed at a fan. pic.twitter.com/CYFYxXmID6
— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) August 12, 2024
He said he “used a truly horrific word” when responding to a fan and he knows he offended and disappointed many people.
He left his team, and Major League Baseball (they were consulted in the disciplinary process) little choice but to suspend him.
The suspension will be unpaid and the player’s salary from it will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
The suspension ends on Tuesday, so the player will likely be back in the Red Sox’s outfield for Wednesday’s finale against the Rangers.
Duran is having a breakout season in 2024, hitting .291/.350/.503 with 14 home runs, 29 stolen bases and a .853 OPS in 116 games and 491 at-bats.
He also has 80 runs scored, 143 hits and 36 doubles to his name, cementing his place as one of Boston’s blossoming stars.
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