Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been having the best season of his career, as he's hit .291 with an .853 OPS, 14 home runs, league-leading 36 doubles, league-leading 13 triples, 58 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. He also earned All-Star MVP and has appeared in every single one of Boston's first 116 games of the 2024 season.
However, that streak will come to an end on Monday, as the Red Sox announced that they've suspended Duran after he was heard using a homophobic slur in the team's series finale against the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Boston released the following statement on social media:
"In consultation with Major League Baseball, the Red Sox today issue an unpaid two-game suspension to outfielder Jarren Duran beginning with tonight's game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park.
Additionally, Duran's salary from the two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the United States' largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and those who love them."
Hours after the game ended, Duran released an apology through the team:
"During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan," Duran said in a statement issued 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."
Ironically, Duran received the team's "Heart & Hustle Award" on Sunday, which is given to a player who "demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game."
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