MLB: Boston Red Sox at Kansas City Royals - Source: ImagnZack Cozart slams Red Sox over Jarren Duran’s suspension for using homophobic slurs (Source: Imagn)

All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended by the Boston Red Sox for two games without pay. This action was taken after he was caught on camera using a homophobic slur towards a fan during a game against the Houston Astros.

In Sunday’s 10-2 loss at Fenway Park, Duran was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts when he came up to bat in the sixth inning. A fan was heard shouting:

“Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!”

The 2024 All-Star then turned and replied to the person saying:

“shut up you f**king f***ot”

The entire exchange was captured by a live microphone during the game’s broadcast. Duran’s at-bat ended with him being walked. The incident garnered several reactions, including comments from former MLB shortstop Zack Cozart.

“How many games did Astros players get for literally cheating? Oh yeah 0, but don’t say a bad word.”

Zack Cozart referenced the infamous cheating scandal where Houston Astros players and team personnel were involved in stealing signs to give their batters an advantage against opposing teams.

After the investigation, no Astros players were punished as they were given immunity for their cooperation. However, the team’s management faced consequences including the suspension of their general manager, Jeff Luhnow, and field manager, A.J. Hinch, for the 2020 season.

Jarren Duran issued apology for homophobic slurs used against fan

Jarren Duran’s salary from the missed two games will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). After the incident came to light, Jarren Duran issued an apology through his team that read (via MLB.com):

“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan. 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.”

Duran has been Boston Red Sox’s most consistent hitter this season. With the Red Sox, he has been hitting .291 with 14 homers and 58 RBIs while stealing 29 bases in a breakthrough season.