Falcons' Bijan Robinson apologizes for homophobic phrase

by · UPI

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson apologized for using a homophobic phrase during a postgame interview after a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Robinson issued the apology early Friday on X and Instagram. The Falcons running back logged 175 yards from scrimmage and a score in the 29-28 victory Thursday in Tampa, Fla.

After the game, Robinson spoke to the Amazon Prime broadcast crew. Analyst Richard Sherman compared Robinson's style to backyard football.

"Smear the queer," Robinson responded. "That's what we do."

Amazon Prime analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick responded to Robinson by saying "kill the carrier," as an alternative phrase.

"Hey, everyone, 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," Robinson wrote Friday on social media.

"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!"

Robinson leads the NFL with 1,858 yards from scrimmage, including 1,174 rushing yards. He totaled eight touchdowns through his first 14 starts this season.

The Falcons (5-9) will face the Arizona Cardinals (3-10) in Week 16.

Most iconic Super Bowl moments

John Elway’s first Super Bowl win, 1998
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on January 25, 1998. The win marked Elway’s first Super Bowl title and included his famed “helicopter” run, one of the signature plays of his Hall of Fame career. Photo by Mickey Pfleger/UPI | License Photo

Read More