Jarren Duran deserves praise, not ridicule

The 2025 season has already delivered plenty of memorable moments, beginning with Shohei Ohtani’s exploits in the Dodgers’ opening series in Japan. Just two days ago, Eugenio Suarez became only the 19th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. Yet, the most impactful moment of the season may have been what Red Sox slugger Jarren Duran revealed in a Netflix documentary.

We don’t talk about mental health enough in this country. Even worse, as a society we tend to downplay the importance of seeking help. Unfortunately there’s a stigma associated with mental health issues. Some folks erroneously assume that people with mental health issues are crazy, violent and dangerous.

Those myths are wrong, as the National Alliance on Mental Health notes. Jarren Duran, 28, is the picture of strength. He’s 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. He hits towering home runs. Duran led the American League in doubles and triples last year during his first All-Star season.

He even was the All-Star Game MVP in Arlington, Texas. As is the case with most major leaguers, he has dealt with taunts from fans. Dealing with annoying and sometimes verbally abusive fans is sadly part of a big leaguer’s job.

Suicidal thoughts

Earlier this month, Duran revealed that he has told himself “10 times worse in the mirror” than what opposing fans have yelled at him. He made the revelation in an episode of “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox.”

During a difficult period in his career in 2021 and 2022, he contemplated suicide. Duran said “he didn’t want to be here anymore.”

Red Sox All-Star Jarren Duran confronted a Cleveland fan who crossed the line. Duran recently revealed that he contemplated suicide earlier in his career. The fan reportedly taunted him with suicide smack talk.
There is nothing funny about suicide or mental health issues. pic.twitter.com/HK4LY1vcG1

— Our Esquina (@OurEsquina) April 27, 2025

“I got to a point where I was sitting in my room, I had my rifle and I had a bullet. And I pulled the trigger and the gun clicked, but nothing happened,” he said. “So, to this day, I think God just didn’t let me take my own life because I seriously don’t know why it didn’t go off.

“I took it as a sign of, ‘I might have to be here for a reason.’ So that’s when I started to look myself in the mirror after the gun didn’t go off. I was like, ‘Do I want to be here or do I not want to be here?’ That happened for a reason. And obviously you’re here for a reason, so let’s be the way you want to be and play [the way] you want to play and live the way you want to live.”

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Duran’s revelation helps show the world that even “strong” powerful athletes deal with mental health issues. Young athletes who might be dealing with similar issues could benefit from knowing about Duran’s bout with suicidal thoughts.

Not alone

We need to praise Duran for his willingness to share his story. It could literally save a few lives. Too many fans fail to understand that athletes are more than just numbers on the backs of jerseys.

Pro athletes have families and struggles too. I’ll never understand why fans feel the need to ridicule or taunt opposing players. Nobody pays to see how clever Jimmy Fan can be while insulting stars.

It was disgusting to see a man at Cleveland’s Progressive Field taunt Duran on Sunday. Duran had a right to be upset. Nobody should blame him for wanting to go after the fan. Fortunately, Duran was restrained by teammates and umpires.

Major League Baseball and the Guardians must ban that fan for at least the rest of the season. MLB must protect its players.

“We recognize the gravity of the behavior at issue here and take very seriously conduct of this nature,” the Guardians said in a statement Sunday evening. “We apologize to the Red Sox organization, the player involved, fans in the area, and are addressing the situation.”

Duran is not alone. Everybody dealing with mental health issues should know they are not alone. There are many hotlines available. If you or somebody you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, you can call 911 or the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, or you can text Hello to 741741.

Let’s remember that Duran deserves praise for his revelation, not ridicule.

_{You can find the latest episode and all episodes by clicking the links on Apple, Spotify}