Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized for yelling a homophobic slur at a bystander during his at-bat against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on Sunday night.
The slur wasn’t uttered loudly, but it was loud enough to be picked up on NESN’s live coverage of the game, which Boston lost 10-2.
According to video captured on television coverage, fans were seen repeatedly yelling at outfielder Duran that he needed a tennis racket to hit a pitch he swung and missed at in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Duran uttered the derogatory remark before turning toward the fans and assuming a batting stance for the next pitch, according to the video.
In a statement, the 2024 All-Star described the slur as “truly horrible language” and said he was sorry about the incident and wanted to use it as a lesson.
“It makes me very sad to think about how many people I may have offended and disappointed,” Duran said. “I apologize to the entire Red Sox organization and most importantly to the entire LGBTQ community. Our young fans should be able to look up to me as a role model and I fell completely short of that responsibility tonight.”
In a statement, the Red Sox said the team agreed with Duran’s apology, “particularly to the LGBTQ community.”
The team said it responded immediately to the offensive remarks at the end of the game.
“We strive to be a welcoming organization to all fans at Fenway Park and will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity,” the team said.
It is unclear whether Duran will face any disciplinary action from MLB, which has previously mandated suspensions and sensitivity and diversity training for players in similar incidents.
