Jarren Duran, Edgar Berlanga must stop using F, N words

If you’ve ever played competitive boys sports, you’ve probably heard or even uttered the F word. Sadly, that word is part of the fabric of boys sports, but the Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran should know the homophobic slur is unacceptable.

Duran, the 2024 MLB All-Star Game MVP, was suspended two games by the Red Sox on Monday for uttering the slur at a troll in the stands Sunday. Unfortunately, Duran wasn’t the only prominent Latino athlete who used words he shouldn’t use in the last week.

Boxer Edgar Berlanga used the N-Word without the hard “r” often last week when arguing with Mexican boxing star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

The F-Word in boys locker rooms is almost as common as the N-Word in rap songs or in predominantly Black neighborhoods like the one where I grew up. For some Latinos in Black neighborhoods, being called the N-Word meant acceptance.

In my neighborhood my brothers and I were taunted as “beaners” until we were accepted and then called the N-Word by our Black neighbors.

That’s why in places like Los Angeles, Lynwood, Long Beach, Compton and Watts in Southern California and in the Bronx and Brooklyn, N.Y., it’s common to hear Mexican Americans and Nuyoricans and Dominicans call each other “Ni–a.”

Time to grow up

As we grow up, though, Latinos must realize that those words aren’t ours to use. To be certain, I’m not saying Afro-Latinos such as rap sensation Cardi B, a Dominican American, shouldn’t use that word.

Latinos who aren’t Afro-Latinos, though, should remove that word from our vocabulary.

Berlanga, 27, and Canelo Alvarez are billing their Sept. 14 fight in Las Vegas as the next brawl in the heated rivalry between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters. Pitting Mexicans against Puerto Ricans in boxing and other avenues is so common it’s trite.

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It sells, though. Promoters know that. Alvarez knows it, and so does Berlanga (22-0, 17-0). The Mexican Independence (Sept. 16) and Cinco de Mayo (May 5) weekends are major parts of Las Vegas’ boxing calendar.

You can count on seeing riled up Mexicans and Puerto Ricans waving their flags proudly on Sept. 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity to be in the ring with a legend,” Berlanga said last week in Los Angeles. “This is going to be a night for the history books. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights at this magnitude stay in the history books forever.”

Alvarez also played up the rivalry.

“I’m proud to represent my country, especially on days like Mexican Independence Day and especially in a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico matchup,” Alvarez said. “I’m going to represent my country in fashion on Sept. 14.”

Berlanga crosses line

Berlanga and Alvarez were rather civil when they promoted their fight for the first time in New York last week. A day later, however, they were more antagonistic and vulgar in Los Angeles. They were selling their fight, after all.

They were equally demeaning to each other, but Berlanga must clean up his language. Berlanga used the same slur multiple times during the press conference. He used it first when pointing at Caleb Plant.

“We not going to end up like that (expletive) (N-word) over there,” Berlanga said while pointing at Plant.

Berlanga also used the word after he told Alvarez to be quiet as he spoke.

“I’m going to take your place, (N-word),” Berlanga said. “I’m going to take your place, I’m going to take your place, Papi.”

Berlanga was born in Brooklyn. The legendary rapper Fat Joe is one of his biggest supporters. Like many Mexican Americans and Boricuas, he uses the N-Word freely. It appears to be part of his identity, but it’s not his word, and he shouldn’t use it.

Jarren Duran apologizes

Jarren Duran, who was born in Southern California, also must clean up his vocabulary. He apologized Sunday night for uttering the homophobic slur.

Red Sox issue statement from Jarren Duran, who used homophobic slur during today’s game directed at a fan. pic.twitter.com/CYFYxXmID6

— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) August 12, 2024

“During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in a statement issued 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.”

Jarren Duran is having the best season of his career. He took a good first step toward redemption with his apology. He’ll serve his two-game suspension and then work toward rehabilitating his reputation.

He has represented the U.S. and his father’s Mexico in international competition. This is his first misstep, and he shouldn’t be judged by his worst moment. Duran and Berlanga are both 27. They have bright futures ahead. If they’re smart, they’ll learn from their mistakes and blossom.