Red Sox player apologizes for homophobic slur toward heckler

( The Hill ) — Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran issued an apology for using a homophobic slur when responding to a heckling fan during the team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Duran’s exchange with the fan was captured on the New England Sports Network’s (NESN) live broadcast of the game when Duran, who was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts at that point, was at the plate in the sixth inning, The Associated Press reported .

The fan could be heard on the live mic shouting, “Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!” to which Duran replied,  “Shut up, f—ing” followed by the slur, per the NESN stream.

Duran’s at-bat ended with him being walked, per the AP.

“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,” Duran said in a statement released by the Red Sox later Sunday. “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.”

Duran said he will use the incident to “educate” himself and his teammates, and to “grow as a person.”

The team, in its own statement, said it addressed the episode with Duran immediately after the game and echoed his apology.

“We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity,” the Red Sox wrote.

Duran has started for the Red Sox for all 116 games this season and is one of the team’s top hitters this year with a .291 average, 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.

Neither the Red Sox nor MLB announced if Duran would face any discipline for the incident. Supervising club reporter Ian Browne noted the MLB has imposed diversity and sensitivity training for past players who used offensive language on the field.

Before Sunday’s game, Duran received the Heart and Hustle award in a pregame ceremony, the AP reported. The award honors one player per team who “demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game,” according to the MLB.

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