Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has apologized for an "insensitive comment" he made during a live interview on Dec. 11.
"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," he wrote.
"I recognize the mistake and make sure to do better in the future," Robinson said. "It was not reflective of my beliefs and I am so sorry to those I offended seriously!"
After the Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Robinson made a jarring comment during an interview with TNF Nightcap when being praised by an analyst for his performance during an important play.
"They threw it to you in the backfield, you made the first one miss, then legged three people," analyst Richard Sherman relayed to Robinson. "And I said, ‘This boy grew up in the backyard.'"
"Smear the queer, that’s what we do,” Robinson said with a laugh. “Smear the queer."
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick attempted to jump in and explain that Robinson was referring to a game known as “kill the carrier.” It’s a common playground version of football where the goal is for players to tackle the person who has the ball before they can score.
Robinson ultimately finished the game with 93 yards and a touchdown.
