Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox All-Star's homophobic slur a black eye on remarkable season

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Aug 12, 2024 2:09 PM ET

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has broken out in 2024 to become one of the team's best players. Duran's All-Star Game MVP, spectacular defense and historic numbers on offense have him making a case as one of the better young center fielders in MLB as well.

As the 27-year-old has continued to be open about his struggles with mental health, he's become a fan favorite, too.

Duran is now in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, however, after being caught on Sunday's NESN broadcast yelling a homophobic slur at a fan.

The former seventh-round pick had been 0-for-2 with two strikeouts before the exchange.

Duran issued a statement following the contest, apologizing for his actions.

The following statement is from Jarren Duran, issued through the Red Sox:

“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…
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) August 12, 2024

It seems like the speedster immediately realized his mistake and is taking full responsibility for the mishap, which is a good start.

The anti-LGBTQ+ language-related scandals in professional sports have increasingly become an issue in recent years, however.

In September 2022, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was fined $40,000 for anti-gay comments he made in an Instagram story. Last February, Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Cam Thomas was also docked the same amount for "derogatory and disparaging language."

Duran took the first step in admitting his mistake and perhaps he'll be able to use this moment as a learning experience.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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