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Boston Red Sox centerfielder Jarren Duran is enjoying a breakthrough season for the AL East team. The Red Sox star was also named the 2024 All-Star MVP for his clutch performance at the midsummer classic last month.
However, Jarren Duran stirred controversy during the Red Sox's 10-2 defeat against the Houston Astros on Sunday. The All-Star slugger let go of his emotions during the sixth inning when a fan behind the home plate started heckling him on a 1-2 pitch count.
The fan can be heard saying:
"Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!"
Duran lashed out at the fan and let out a homophobic slur.
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He said:
"Shut up you f---ing f----t."
Soon after the game finished, Jarren Duran issued an apology in response to his explosive outburst.
"During tonight's game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan," Duran said in a statement released by the Red Sox. "I feel awful 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 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."
Jarren Duran could face disciplinary action from the MLB
Jarren Duran's verbal outburst left a sour taste on a night when the Red Sox All-Star was honored by the team. Duran received the Heart and Hustle Award in a pregame ceremony ahead of Sunday's clash.
Although Duran and the club have issued an apologetic statement following the incident in the game, the All-Star slugger is likely to face disciplinary action as the MLB takes these violations very seriously.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Matt Joyce was suspended for two games by the MLB for a similar outburst against a fan in 2017. Kevin Pillar was suspended by the Blue Jays the same year for a homophobic outburst against a pitcher from the opposing team.
