Duran made the comment, which was picked up by broadcaster New England Sports Network, to a heckling fan during his team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
The 27-year-old’s fee for the suspended matches will be donated to the Greater PFLAG Boston – an organisation dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Duran, who will be required to take part in sensitivity training, says he will learn from the incident.
“I just wanted to say that I’ve had some fans reach out to me and tell me that they’re disappointed in me and I just wanted to let them know that I’m sorry for my actions and I’m going to work on being better for them,” Duran said on Monday.
“There was no intent behind the word that was used – it was just the heat of the moment and just happened to be said.
“It’s on me for that word coming out. But there was no intent behind that word being used.”
On Sunday, Duran released an official statement in which he apologised for his actions.
“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,” he said.
According to an official announcement from MLB on Monday, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games without pay after calling a fan an anti-LGBTQ slur.
It is understood that the 27-year-old directed his comments toward a fan who was engaged in heckling during the Red Sox’s disheartening 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday at Fenway Park.
Jarren Duran has been suspended two games. pic.twitter.com/33a0NIe8s0
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) August 12, 2024
As Per MLB, Duran’s game checks will be donated to PFLAG – a longstanding American organization that is “dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
” A native of Corona, California, Duran will serve out his suspension on Monday and Tuesday when his team is set to play the first two games of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers.
As Per MLB, Duran’s game checks will be donated to PFLAG – a longstanding American organization that is “dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
” A native of Corona, California, Duran will serve out his suspension on Monday and Tuesday when his team is set to play the first two games of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers.
This is of course Duran’s fourth year in Boston which is to say we’re talking about an experienced player and one who is All-Star such that he’s no stranger to what is expected of him.
At present Duran leads the AL in doubles and the league itself in triples. To his credit, he did issue an apology:
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said postgame. “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.”