Boston Red Sox pitcher Jarren Duran apologized Sunday night after he made a homophobic slur at a fan during a game against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.
The insult wasn’t said out loud, but it was loud enough to be picked up on NESN’s live broadcast of the game, which Boston lost 10-2.
According to video from the broadcast, the fan yelled at Duran — who had swung the ball and missed it at the bottom of the sixth inning — repeatedly saying he would need a tennis racket to make contact with the baseball.
The video showed Duran turning towards the fan and uttering profanities before getting into batting position for the next ball.
In a statement, the 2024 All-Star called the insult a “really horrible word,” saying he felt bad about the incident and would use it as a learning opportunity.
“I am deeply sorry because I know how many people I have offended and disappointed,” Duran said. “I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but most importantly to the entire gay community. Our young fans are supposed to be able to look up to me as a role model, but tonight I did not live up to that responsibility at all.”
The Red Sox said in a statement that the organization echoed Duran’s apology, “especially to the gay community.”
The team said it responded to the insult immediately at the end of the game.
“We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our staff, players, coaches and employees on the importance of inclusion,” the team said.
It is not yet clear whether Duran will face any punishment from Major League Baseball. Similar incidents in the past have led to required education measures from the league regarding sensitivity and diversity, as well as suspensions from playing.
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