Jarren Duran‘s talent speaks for itself—almost 150 hits and 14 home runs this season make him an essential piece of the Boston Red Sox. However, during the bottom of the sixth inning in Houston yesterday, the California native faced a heckler behind the plate who wouldn’t stop giving him a hard time. The field microphones picked up everything, including things players don’t want to be heard.
That included Duran pointing his bat at the heckler and telling him to “shut up,” followed by a slur.
After the game, Duran issued a public apology on Sunday evening.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in his statement. “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.”
Despite the apology, the damage was done. As the media picked up the story, both MLB and the Boston Red Sox had to respond. It was announced Monday afternoon that Duran would be suspended without pay for their Monday and Tuesday games against the Texas Rangers.
The Red Sox said their decision to suspend Duran was made “in consultation with Major League Baseball.”
