Bijan Robinson Apologizes for Homophobic Phrase on TNF Postgame Show

Bijan Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons running back, issued a public apology for a homophobic remark made during the “Thursday Night Football Nightcap” show. This followed the Falcons’ 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Incident During Postgame Show

After the game, Robinson participated in a discussion with analyst Richard Sherman. Sherman praised Robinson for his impressive performance, particularly a play where he evaded multiple tackles. He likened Robinson’s skills to those seen in backyard football.

In response to Sherman’s comments, Robinson used a derogatory term associated with a childhood game. The term “smear the queer” was quickly addressed by the broadcast team, which referred to the game as “kill the carrier” instead. The use of this term sparked significant backlash.

Robinson’s Apology

In the wake of the incident, Robinson took to social media to express his regret. He stated, “I want to apologize for the insensitive comment I made in the broadcast. It was a football game we used to play as a kid but that’s not an excuse. I recognize the mistake and make sure to do better in the future. It was not reflective of my beliefs and I am so sorry to those I offended seriously!”

This apology was shared on the platform X and emphasized his commitment to growth and acknowledgment of his error.

Robinson’s Performance and Season Stats

Robinson had a standout performance during the game, accumulating 175 total yards. This included eight receptions for 82 yards. His contributions were pivotal in the Falcons’ comeback, which saw them overcome a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The game concluded with a game-winning field goal by Zane Gonzalez as time ran out.

Currently, Robinson ranks third in the NFL for rushing yards, boasting a total of 1,174 yards this season.