Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran apologized after microphones caught him using a homophobic slur during the team’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.

While Duran was at bat in the bottom of the sixth inning, a fan was seen booing the 27-year-old on the New England Sports Network. Duran then turned to the crowd while adjusting his batting gloves and told the fan to “shut up” before uttering the insult.

“During today’s game, I used a truly horrible word in response to a fan,” Duran said in a statement. “I feel terrible thinking about 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 should 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.”

In a further statement, the Red Sox said they spoke with Duran immediately after the game about the use of derogatory language.

Duran finished 0 for 3 with one walk and three strikeouts.

Duran, who was named an All-Star for the first time this season and MVP of the All-Star Game, has a .291 batting average with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs in 116 games in 2024.

–Field level media