Red Sox OF Jarren Duran issues apology after directing a homophobic slur at a heckling fan

BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized for directing a homophobic slur astatine a heckling instrumentality during Sunday's 10-2 nonaccomplishment to the Houston Astros.

The speech caught connected a unrecorded mic during the broadcast of the crippled occurred erstwhile Duran - who was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts astatine that constituent successful the crippled - was astatine the sheet successful the sixth inning.

A instrumentality astatine Fenway Park tin beryllium heard shouting "Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You request a tennis racket!"

Duran turned his caput toward the instrumentality and replied: "Shut up," followed by a curse connection and the slur. The at-bat ended with Duran being walked.

"During tonight's game, I utilized a genuinely horrific connection erstwhile responding to a fan," Duran said successful a connection released by the team. "I consciousness atrocious knowing however galore radical I offended and disappointed. I apologize to the full Red Sox organization, but much importantly to the full LGBTQ community. Our young fans are expected to beryllium capable to look up to maine arsenic a relation model, but contiguous I fell acold abbreviated of that responsibility."

He finished by saying helium would usage the occurrence to amended himself and turn arsenic a person.

The squad successful a connection said it has spoken with Duran astir the incident.

"The Red Sox addressed this incidental with Jarren instantly pursuing today's game. We echo Jarren's apology to our fans, particularly to the LGBTQ community," the squad said. "We strive to beryllium an enactment that welcomes each fans to Fenway Park, and we volition proceed to amended our employees, players, coaches and unit connected the value of inclusivity."

Duran is 1 of Boston's apical hitters this play with a .291 average, 14 location runs and 58 RBIs.

The speech with the instrumentality came aft Duran was honored during a pregame ceremonial arsenic the team's recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, which recognizes 1 subordinate per squad who "demonstrates a passionateness for the crippled and champion embodies its values, spirit, and traditions."