Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after he was caught on a hot mic using an anti-gay slur toward a heckling fan at Fenway Park.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after he was caught on a hot mic using an anti-gay slur toward a heckling fan at Fenway Park.

Duran's suspension will begin with Monday's game against the Texas Rangers.

Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur

ESPN first reported the discipline.

Duran made the remark as he stepped to the plate in the sixth inning of Sunday's 10-2 loss against the Houston Astros. A fan shouted at him that he needed a tennis racket. The player yelled back, "Shut up," followed by the slur.

Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur

He apologized in a statement after the game.

"During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan," Duran said. "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. "

Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran Suspended for Anti-Gay Slur

"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."

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he was "disappointed" in Duran's actions.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy for that kind of language," Cora said. "We're going to support Jarren, but we're also going to hold him accountable."

Duran is a rising star for the Red Sox. He was an All-Star for the first time this season. Entering Monday, he led the majors with 36 doubles and 13 triples. He was hitting .291 with 14 home runs.

Duran's suspension is a reminder that homophobic language is never acceptable. It is harmful and offensive, and it has no place in sports or in society.

The Red Sox have a long history of supporting the LGBTQ community. In 2018, the team became the first Major League Baseball team to host a Pride Night. The team also has a partnership with the Fenway Health Center, which provides health care services to the LGBTQ community.

Duran's suspension is a setback for the Red Sox, but it is also an opportunity for the team to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity and respect. The team is expected to issue a statement on Duran's suspension later today.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.