Jarren Duran, Red Sox release statements after Sunday incident with heckler
A bad weekend for the Red Sox, who were swept by the Astros and now sit three games out of the final wild card spot in the American League, somehow got worse Sunday afternoon. And it was all thanks to a hot mic that captured Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran throwing a homophobic slur at a heckler.
Down 1-2 in the count in a sixth-inning at-bat with the Sox down by 10, NESN’s hot mics caught a fan in the stands repeatedly telling Duran that he would need a tennis racket to hit. And after multiple chirps thrown Duran’s way, the mic caught Duran barking back with some offensive language.
After the game, both Duran and the Red Sox released statements addressing the comments.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Duran said in a statement. “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.”
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game,” the Red Sox said in a follow-up statement. “We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community. We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity.”
Duran, as well as Sam Kennedy and Craig Breslow, are expected to meet with the media prior to Monday’s game against the Rangers at Fenway Park.
