Politics
MLB Star’s Jersey Sales EXPLODE After Woke Mob Tries To Cancel Him
Backlash against Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has turned into a booming endorsement of his popularity. After being suspended for two games for using a homophobic slur in response to a heckler, Duran’s jersey sales have skyrocketed, topping sales charts on MLB’s official merchandise site.
During a tense game against the Houston Astros on Sunday, Duran, struggling with his performance, lashed out at a fan taunting him from the stands. Caught by microphones and broadcast live, his reaction has sparked a whirlwind of controversy, but also a surge in public support.
“Tennis racket, tennis racket, you need a tennis racket!” shouted the heckler during the game.
“Shut up you f*cking fa***t,” Duran chimed back.
WATCH:
NESN mics picked up Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran calling a heckling fan a "f*cking f*****" during Sunday's game
(Warning, slur included in clip below) pic.twitter.com/R6UYjJqnCJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 12, 2024
Duran, who made his MLB debut with the Red Sox and quickly rose to prominence this year, found himself in hot water when he retorted to the heckler’s jab with a slur. The moment, captured during the broadcast, led to immediate repercussions. The Red Sox swiftly suspended him for two games without pay, a decision supported by Major League Baseball. The team announced that Duran’s forfeited salary would be donated to PFLAG, an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said shortly after in his apology. “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 Red Sox issued a statement as well: “The Red Sox addressed this incident with Jarren immediately following today’s game. We echo Jarren’s apology to our fans, especially to the LGBTQ community. We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity.”
Despite the disciplinary actions, the reaction from the public has been supportive. Following his apology, Duran’s jerseys began flying off the shelves, becoming the highest-selling item on the MLB shop.
Duran has played in all 116 games for the Red Sox, boasting a .291 batting average with 36 doubles, 13 triples, 14 home runs, and 58 RBIs. He has also successfully stolen 29 bases. Following his two-game suspension, Duran made a statement by wearing a specific shirt during his pregame press conference today that read: “f*ck ’em.”
After getting suspended for 2 games for aiming homophobic slur at Fenway fan, Jarren Duran chose to wear this shirt in his pregame presser today. pic.twitter.com/36VPYGYaMj
— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) August 12, 2024
Duran is scheduled to return from his suspension on Wednesday to face the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.
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