Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized for using a homophobic slur against a fan who harassed him during Sunday’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
The exchange, which was caught on a live microphone during the game’s broadcast, occurred when Duran — who was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts at the time of the game — was at bat in the sixth inning.
A fan at Fenway Park can be heard shouting, “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”
Duran turned his head to the fan and responded, “Shut up,” before calling the fan a “faggot.” The at-bat ended with Duran walking.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrible word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement released by the team. “I feel terrible knowing how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization, but more importantly, to the entire LGBTQ community. Our young fans should look up to me as a role model, but tonight I fell far short of that responsibility.”
He concluded his story by saying that he would use the episode to educate himself and grow as a person.
The team said in a statement that they have spoken to Duran about the incident.
“The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game. We stand by Jarren’s apology to our fans, particularly the LGBTQ community,” the team said. “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 about the importance of inclusivity.”
Duran has been one of Boston’s best hitters this season with a .291 batting average, 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.
The exchange with the fan came after Duran was honored during a pre-game ceremony as the recipient of the team’s Heart and Hustle Award, which recognizes one player per team who “demonstrates a passion for the game and best embodies its values, spirit and traditions.”
