The Boston Red Sox have suspended outfielder Jarren Duran for two games after he directed a homophobic slur toward a fan during Sunday’s game, the team announced.
The suspension is unpaid and takes effect immediately, causing Duran to miss the first two games of Boston’s upcoming series against the Texas Rangers. He will be eligible to return on Wednesday.
According to a team statement, the decision to suspend Duran came after consultations with Major League Baseball. The team also announced that Duran’s forfeited salary during the suspension will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
Duran was recorded by the Red Sox television broadcast using the slur in response to a heckler during his sixth-inning at-bat at Fenway Park.
Following the incident, Duran issued an initial apology through a team statement on Sunday night. On Monday, he expressed remorse during a press conference, acknowledging, “I let the moment get the best of me,” according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. He added that there was “no intent behind that word” being used, as reported by MassLive’s Christopher Smith.
“I just wanted to let them (the fans) know that I’m sorry for my actions and that I’m gonna work to be better for them,” Duran said, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. He also noted that he apologized to both the home-plate umpire and the opposing catcher immediately after the incident.
Red Sox president Sam Kennedy stated that the suspension could foster better education around hate speech among players. “I think the suspension is just, that’s discipline, and you need to hold people accountable when things like this happen, but what I would like to see is more education, more understanding, more open dialogue around the really negative impact of hate speech and homophobic slurs that are just not acceptable at all levels,” Kennedy said, as reported by Starr.
“Jarren, he said something he shouldn’t have. He made a bad mistake. He’s owned it. He’s now been suspended,” Kennedy added. “He’s paying a price, but I think there’s more work to be done in terms of rebuilding trust and encouraging his teammates and everyone in the sports community to be better.”
Since Duran was disciplined by the team rather than MLB, the Red Sox are allowed to replace him on the active roster during his suspension.
As part of a roster shuffle related to Duran’s suspension, Boston has selected right-hander Chase Shugart and catcher/first baseman Mickey Gasper from Triple-A Worcester. Additionally, the team placed left-hander James Paxton on the 15-day injured list due to a right calf strain, reinstated pitcher Brayan Bello, and recalled lefty Bailey Horn.
Duran, 27, is currently in his fourth season with the Red Sox and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career last month.
