My Thoughts About Jarren Duran

Mental health---let's talk about it. As of 2025, nearly 800 million people globally have been diagnosed with mental disorders. During the global pandemic in 2020, individuals like me were isolated and increasingly desperate to be with our friends and loved ones. Through it all, celebrities and everyday people like us shared their personal stories about mental health. It has a stigma behind it, because there are those who are too afraid to open up about their mental struggles, fearing judgment from others, which is completely understandable. I've been open about my struggles with depression and anxiety for years, especially during the pandemic. Not only that, but I've had several suicide attempts.

In this story, I'll be sharing my thoughts about Boston Red Sox player Jarren Duran. Recently during a game against the Cleveland Guardians, a Guardians fan said something inappropriate towards Duran that was considered insensitive. The fan's comment was in reference to Duran's 2022 suicide attempts, which he was open about in an eight-part docuseries about the 2024 Red Sox. After Duran engaged with the fan, the Cleveland Guardians released a statement regarding the incident:

"We are aware of the situation that took place during today’s game between a fan and one of the Red Sox players that violated our fan conduct policy. We recognize the gravity of the behavior at issue here and take very seriously conduct of this nature. We apologize to the Red Sox organization, the player involved, fans in the area and are addressing the situation. We have identified the fan in question and will work with Major League Baseball regarding next steps. We strive to provide the best experience to visiting players and fans, and that fell short today.”

It's unclear whether the Guardians fan would face any sort of punishment from Major League Baseball or the Guardians organization, but this wasn't the first time Duran exchanged words with fans. In August 2024, he was suspended for two games after uttering a homophobic slur towards a fan. Although he apologized for the incident that took place, I've never forgiven him or accepted his apology. I still hold him accountable for his remarks. The reason was because soon after his suspension was handed down, he wore a defiant and crude shirt. It showed that his apology wasn't heartfelt, nor remorseful. It also lacked sincerity.

However, in this recent situation regarding him confronting that Guardians fan, the fan was completely in the wrong. It's one thing to root for your own team, but it's another to dehumanize an opposing player's mental health struggles. As a baseball fan, you have to conduct yourself in a respectful manner at games. I hope this fan receives a year-long ban from all MLB ballparks. What that fan said towards Jarren was unacceptable and uncalled for. In the aforementioned docuseries, Duran disclosed that he attempted to take his own life while battling depression in both 2021 and 2022.

Even though I'm not a Red Sox fan or a fan of Jarren, I sympathize with him, because his story serves as a reminder that MLB players like him and athletes in general are human. They have genuine feelings and emotions just like us. It also shows that it's alright to cry and not feel okay. Trying to put on a brave face so that others can't see how you really feel will only make things worse. Being open about your true feelings is not a sign of weakness, regardless of what others say. Having a strong support system in challenging times is key. Jarren Duran should be commended for being open and honest about his struggles, not shamed. More MLB players shouldn't be afraid to follow suit. One misconception that I dislike the most when it comes to men sharing their feelings is that we're supposed to be strong and not allowed to be emotional. To me, it unrealistic and feels disingenuous. As much as I disliked him for the homophobic remark he made last season, I wish Jarren the best in life. If he were to run into this story, I want to show him that he's not alone and there are baseball fans who care.

If you or anyone is suffering or struggling with mental health problems and need emotional support, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting 988.