Red Sox Star Jarren Duran Apologizes After Broadcast Catches Him Using 'Truly Horrific' Slur

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has issued an apology after a broadcast of Sunday's game against the Houston Astros caught him using an anti-gay slur toward a fan.

Duran responded to a fan who taunted him during an at-bat in the sixth inning of the team's 10-2 loss to the Astros. The fan, sitting behind home plate, could be heard yelling, "Tennis racket! Tennis racket! You need a tennis racket!"

The Red Sox outfielder responded by telling the fan to shut up, then using an anti-gay slur toward them.

After the game, Duran issued a statement through the team saying the word he used was "truly horrific" and apologizing to "the entire LGBTQ community."

"During tonight's game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan," Duran said in a statement released by the Red Sox. "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."

The team also issued a statement saying they addressed the issue with Duran immediately after the game.

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