Duke Football Player Apologizes for Swatting Staffer's Hand

Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson issued a public apology Sunday night after a video circulated online showing him swatting the hand of a female athletic trainer during the Blue Devils' football game against UNC. The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, which Duke lost 24-20.

As trainers attended to injured Duke player DaShawn Stone, Robinson stood over the player. When a female staffer attempted to move Robinson to provide care, he forcefully pushed her hand away. The staffer appeared visibly shaken by the interaction.

Robinson took to social media platform X to express his regret. "I want to publicly apologize to the member of our training staff for how I acted toward her during Saturday's game," he wrote. "I was completely wrong, and she did not deserve that."

Robinson stated he had already apologized to the staffer personally after the game and ensured she was alright. He explained his actions stemmed from concern for his teammate, DaShawn Stone, who had sustained a significant hit. "The injured player on the ground, DaShawn Stone, is like family to me, and I was scared he might be seriously hurt," Robinson stated. "But being worried about him does not excuse how I treated her. I should have controlled my emotions, and I didn't."

He concluded his apology by saying, "I'm truly sorry for my actions and for letting her, myself and our program down. I have to be better than that."

The incident sparked debate among college football fans online. Some criticized Robinson's actions as violent and inexcusable, while others expressed sympathy, citing the high emotions and concern for a teammate during a game. Former NFL player Robert Griffin III commented on the situation, stating, "As a man, this just can’t happen. No excuses for it."

Thankfully, Stone was able to walk off the field under his own power after receiving medical attention.