ESPN’s Robert Griffin III has apologized for using an anti-Black slur while praising Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on Monday evening.
“Yooooo, Definitely need to clarify this,” Griffin tweeted, as shared by Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post. “THIS IS NOT WHAT I MEANT TO SAY. Was trying to say ‘those Bug-A-Boos’ in reference to haters and doubters. Regardless of my intention, I understand the historical context of the term that came out of my mouth and I apologize.”
During ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” program that preceded the game between the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, Griffin went viral when he noted how “people said that Jalen Hurts couldn’t get it done, he could not break from the pocket, he’s not the quarterback of the future.” Griffin then said he thinks Hurts “proved all those j——- wrong.”
TMZ Sports and Brandon Contes of Awful Announcing mentioned that ESPN hadn’t commented on Griffin’s use of the derogatory term for Black people as of early Tuesday afternoon.
Griffin has generated headlines this fall with his unique and mostly harmless on-air analysis. Last month, he poked fun at Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers over Rodgers admitting this past summer he had used a plant-based psychedelic tea during offseasons.
Few can deny Griffin was at least right about Hurts silencing critics. Per ESPN stats, the 24-year-old leads the NFL with a 108.4 passer rating, is fourth with a 70.4 total QBR, and is tied for fifth with 22 passing touchdowns on the campaign. Hurts is 10th with 3,157 passing yards and sixth among all players with 10 rushing scores.
The 12-1 Eagles possess the league’s best record and next play at the 3-10 Chicago Bears this Sunday.
