"That would be a fine I'd be happy to pay" - Jarren Duran responds to MLB's warning over wearing expletive 'F*** Em!' shirt on camera

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran received a warning from the MLB senior vice-president Michael Hill for wearing a custom-made undershirt with the expletive "F*** Em!" written on it. The undershirt was highlighted in the post-game interview after he had hit a walk-off single in the win against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 24.

He sent a two-page letter directed at Duran to not violate league policies or risk paying a fine. However, the words in the undershirt mean a lot to Duran, who understands he broke the rules but said he will continue to wear it, as it means a lot to him.

“I’m not surprised because obviously, it’s bad words and bad language,” he said Thursday before playing the Marlins. “It’s understandable. I’m glad they didn’t fine me. They just gave me a warning. If I ever hit a walk-off again, I’ll just take everything off so I don’t get in trouble.

“But that would be a fine I’d be happy to pay,” Duran added. “I wouldn’t have a problem paying that fine because it’s just me wearing something that means a lot to me.” (via Mass Live).

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Why Jarren Duran wears 'F*** Em!' undershirt?

MLB: Boston Red Sox at Miami Marlins (Credit: IMAGN)

The expletive-filled slogan in a way is an answer to the demons Jarren Duran tries to flag off from not doing the things he wanted.

“It’s basically saying the phrase to the mental demons that were trying to get me to not be here anymore,” he said via Mass Live. “Telling them to basically back off, that I can do this, and I want to be here.

“I’m still gonna wear it under my jersey every single time. It means something to me. It’s no disrespect. It’s just something that means a lot to me so I’ve got to represent it, even when I get in trouble for it.”

Jarren Duran's mental health struggles dates back to August 2022 when he had endured a tough time as a rookie in the majors. He posted a photo on Instagram during spring training with “F*** Em!” written around his wrist.

Not only Duran, the message has kind of become a slogan within the team, as many of Duran's teammates and coaching wear the jersey on occasion.

Moreover, Duran has started the initiative to sell shirts through his social media, and the proceeds of which, he said, will be donated to mental health organizations. A link in his bio leads to Shopify page, which sells the T-shirts, for $30.

“I’m gonna try to raise some money and talk to the Red Sox and see where I can donate for some mental health,” he said. “I have a couple places in mind. We’re gonna talk it over and see which one we can help out the most.”

Another big name who liked Jarren Duran's T-shirt is Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazulla, who after winning the 2024 NBA championship, received it as a gift from the outfielder.