Boston (AP) — Jarren Duran was given a two-game, no-pay suspension by the Boston Red Sox on Monday after he yelled a homophobic epithet at a fan behind home plate who was heckling him during the team’s previous The exchange that was caught on a live mic during the broadcast of the game occurred when Duran — who was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts at that point in the game — was at the plate in the sixth inning. A fan at Fenway Park
heard yelling, “Tennis racket! Racket for tennis! A tennis racquet is required!
“Shut up,” Duran responded, turning to face the fan. He then used a slur and a harsh term.
In an apology delivered via the team on Sunday night and again in the clubhouse on Monday, Duran said he felt “awful” and “used a truly horrific word” during the game against the Houston Astros.
The Red Sox announced in a statement that PFLAG (the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)will be paid Duran’s salary while he is suspended.
Duran was given the team’s Heart and Hustle Award during a pregame ceremony. The award is given to one player every squad who “demonstrates a passion for the game and best embodies its values, spirit, and traditions.” This is when the fan and Duran had their conversation.