Falcons Star Bijan Robinson Apologizes for Using Homophobic Phrase on Live TV

Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson swiftly apologized for using an “insensitive” homophobic phrase on the Thursday Night Football postgame show.

After the Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 29-28 nail-biter on Thursday, Dec. 11, analyst Richard Sherman complimented the 23-year-old running back on a specific play. ”

They threw it to you in the backfield, you made the first one miss, then legged three people. And I said, ‘This boy grew up in the backyard,’ ” Sherman, 37, said.

Robinson appeared pleased with the compliment, but his response included a derogatory term. “Smear the queer, that’s what we do,” Robinson said.

The phrase is a derogatory term used as a name in some regions for a “keep-away” game.

Soon after his appearance on the postgame show, Robinson took to social media to apologize for using the phrase. In a post on X, he wrote, “I want to apologize for the insensitive comment I made in the broadcast.”

Robinson explained, “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.”

The running back said his use of the phrase “was not reflective of my beliefs” and added, “and I am so sorry to those I offended seriously!”

Robinson ran for 174 yards on Thursday night, with eight catches that totaled 82 yards. The 5-9 Falcons next face the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 21.