‘Not an excuse’ – Bijan Robinson forced into immediate apology after insensitive comments on live TNF broadcast

Bijan Robinson apologized after using a slur to describe a game of backyard football on the live Thursday Night Football broadcast.

The Atlanta Falcons running back helped power his team to a huge primetime comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15.

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Robinson rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown and racked up 82 receiving yards as the Falcons — coached by the under-fire Raheem Morris — came back to win 29-28 in a game that also saw tight end Kyle Pitts go for 166 yards and three scores.

With the win against an NFC South rival, Atlanta moved to 5-9 on the 2025 NFL season, while the Bucs fell to 7-7 and are now behind the Carolina Panthers in the division, with their playoff hopes take a hit.

After the game, Robinson stopped by Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football set to break down the action.

Bijan Robinson uses slur during TNF interview

At one point in the discussion, analyst Richard Sherman praised the all-purpose back for a play in which he made several players miss on the ground.

Sherman said it reminded him of ‘backyard’ football, and Robinson understood that he was referencing a game of ‘keep away’.

“You had a play where they threw it to you, Bijan, they threw it to you in the backfield,” the former Super Bowl winner, who ripped George Pickens on-air last week, began.

“You made the first one miss, then legged three people.

“And I said, this boy grew up in the backyard.”

The classic game has also been accompanied by a slur over the years, and Robinson used that as he responded to Sherman’s praise.

“Smear the q****, that’s what we do,” the Falcons star said.

Prime Video

Prime Video

The Prime Video team quickly tried to deflect by referring to the game as ‘kill the carrier’.

However, the clip quickly went viral on social media as the term Robinson used is widely considered an offensive, homophobic slur.

Bijan Robinson offers immediate apology for TNF slur

Soon after his TNF appearance, Robinson took to X to offer a heartfelt apology for his choice of words.

“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.

“It was not reflective of my beliefs and I am so sorry to those I offended seriously!”

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Judging by his quick apology, it appears Robinson genuinely wanted to atone for his comments, however their nature could draw the interest of the league and punishment could follow.

However, his slip left some fans speculating that he could be set to receive a ‘historic fine’ for his choice of words.

Any punishment, of course, would be decided by the NFL.

The Falcons are already eliminated from playoff contention, but the result could have huge repercussions for the Bucs who have three games remaining.

Two of them are against the now NFC South-leading Panthers, who get the chance to extend their lead when they face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

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