Jarren Duran, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, was suspended for two games for making a homophobic remark to a fan on Sunday during a game.
During his team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros, Duran made the remark—which was picked up by announcer New England Sports Network—to a heckling supporter.
The 27-year-old’s payment for the postponed games would go towards aiding the LGBTQ+ community through Greater PFLAG Boston, an organisation.
Duran claims he will learn from the experience and that he will be obliged to participate in sensitivity training.
“I wanted to apologise for my actions and promise to improve for them,” Duran stated on Monday. “I’ve had some fans reach out to me and tell me that they’re disappointed in me,” Duran said.
“The word that was said was merely shouted in the heat of the moment and didn’t have any intention behind it.
“I am responsible for letting that word leak. However, the use of that word was not intended.
Duran apologised for his behaviour in an official statement that was made public on Sunday.
“Tonight, I fell far short of that responsibility—our young fans should be able to look up to me as a role model,” he remarked.