Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been open and honest about his mental health battles throughout his time with the team and into this year.
Despite having his best season yet, it's still something he struggles with, but he's been using his explicit "F--K 'EM," mantra all year.
After hitting a walk-off single against the Toronto Blue Jays the week prior, Duran was wearing a shirt that displayed the slogan in his interview with NESN's Jahmai Webster, and as a result, the MLB sent a warning to Boston about wearing it.
The 27-year-old had a great reaction when he was asked about the letter.
“I’m not surprised because obviously, it’s bad words and bad language,” Duran said earlier in the week (via. MassLive). “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. I wouldn’t have a problem paying that fine because it’s just me wearing something that means a lot to me.”
Duran also shared what exactly the phrase means to him.
“It’s basically saying the phrase to the mental demons that were trying to get me to not be here anymore,” Duran said. “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.”
Duran has now started an online store selling the same shirts, and the proceeds will go toward a mental health charity. It's an incredible gesture from the star outfielder who knows what it's like to need help.
