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

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.

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.