Content warning: There are references to hate speech against LGBTQ+ people in this post.
During the Boston Red Sox’s Sunday, August 11, 2024, game against the Houston Astros, outfielder Jarren Duran used a deplorable racial slur intended at a spectator in the stands.
Duran was consequently given a two-game ban, which began on Monday, August 12, with the Red Sox’s game against the Texas Rangers. What did Duran say to deserve such a harsh punishment? To find out, continue reading.
What was said by Jarren Duran?
A spectator is heard making fun of Duran in a video from the game broadcast, saying he would need a tennis racquet to strike the ball. During his at-bat, Duran turned around and yelled a homophobic epithet at the person heckling.
Duran uttered, “Shut up, you f–king f—-t,” and stood back up for the subsequent pitch.
Following the 10-2 loss to the Red Sox, Duran expressed regret for his use of a “truly horrific word.” Along with expressing his sincere apologies for the occurrence, he promised to learn from it.
According to NBC News, Duran stated, “I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed.” “I apologize to the LGBTQ community as a whole, but more than that, I apologize to the whole Red Sox organization. I should be able to serve as an inspiration to our younger supporters, but tonight I completely failed to live up to that expectation.”
Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports that Duran is still sorry about the circumstances. Pete said on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, August 12, that Duran claimed his remark was made in the “heat of the moment.”
In spite of this, Duran received an unpaid two-game ban from the Red Sox and MLB for his offensive remarks. In addition, PFLAG (the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) received a donation from his wages during the two-game suspension.
The LGBT National Help Center offers confidential and free options for anyone who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning who needs support.
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Wednesday against Boston will mark Houston’s Verlander’s return off the injured list and his first start since June 9.
HOUSTON (AP) – On Wednesday, Justin Verlander of Houston is set to pitch the last game of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox after being activated from the disabled list.
“Having JV on the mound is significant. One of the best is returning there, according to manager Joe Espada. “We get his meaning. We are aware of his contribution to this winning culture, and having him return would really help our team, particularly in the closing stages.”
Due to neck discomfort, the 41-year-old ace hasn’t pitched since June 9. After making two minor league rehab starts, he threw four innings on Thursday for Double-A Corpus Christi.
Given that Espada pitched just 57 pitches in his most recent rehabilitation assignment, it was queried if the three-time Cy Young Award winner would be on a pitch count.
“We´ll see how the outing goes and how efficient he is,” Espada stated. I’m not comfortable giving him my number since he might surprise us. However, we will undoubtedly maintain a careful check on his workload.”
This season, Verlander has made ten starts and is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA. He missed the first part of the season due to inflammation in his right shoulder, therefore this is his second spell on the injured list this year.
Espada stated that the Astros will stick with a six-man rotation at least until they end their current run of 18 games without a day off.
Houston has overcome its early-season struggles and is now 11 games over.500 heading into Monday’s games. The Astros are four games ahead of the Mariners in second place in the AL West.
