'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Jarren Duran was caught over a hot mic on Sunday afternoon using a homophobic slur to address a heckling fan. He has since apologized and been sentenced to a two-game suspension.
Relief pitcher Liam Hendriks, who has done work with LGBTQ+ organizations and said he won't ever sign with a team that doesn't celebrate Pride Night, came to the aid of Duran during his hour of need.
He said via the Boston Globe of his teammate's outburst:
“This is what happens in anger. But I know Jarren. I’ve had conversations with him plenty of times about the LGBT community and he’s been nothing but supportive."
Trending
Hendriks acknowledged that the term that Duran used is derogatory, but he firmly believes it wasn't directed at anyone for their sexual orientation:
“It had nothing to do with that community, had nothing to do with trying to put someone down who’s in that community. I know where his heart’s at and that’s something that I value more than anything.”
The former Chicago White Sox star also said that he hopes fans see the work Duran puts in to be a better person every day. The 2024 All-Star Game MVP is not defined by this, Hendriks also added.
Liam Hendriks praises Red Sox amid Jarren Duran controversy
Liam Hendriks first came into the MLB in 2007. Since then, the league has changed dramatically. He believes that's for the better when it comes to LGBTQ+ people and their acceptance in the sport.
He was asked if things were better now, and he propped up the Red Sox even amid the Jarren Duran controversy via the Boston Globe:
“I think so. I honestly think that if there were a gay player on this team, he’d be embraced probably better than other people. This organization and other teams I’ve played for have been that way.”
Hendriks is confident that Duran will atone and that he isn't and has not been a homophobic person. Duran will serve his suspension and undergo sensitivity training, something most of the MLB has to do, during time off. Hendriks believes this is another positive change.
