Falcons running back Bijan Robinson found himself in the spotlight Thursday night—this time for something he said, not something he did on the field.
🚨🚨TRENDING🚨🚨#FALCONS STAR BIJAN ROBINSON IS ABOUT TO RECEIVE A HISTORIC FINE FROM THE #NFL FOR HIS COMMENTS ON PRIME.
“SMEAR THE QUEER”
😳😳😳
pic.twitter.com/oumso3dEYt— MLFootball (@MLFootball) December 12, 2025
During his postgame interview, Robinson used the phrase “smear the queer” while describing Atlanta’s tough defensive performance. It’s an old playground term tied to a backyard version of “kill the carrier,” but it’s also one a lot of people consider outdated and offensive. Reaction came fast: some fans brushed it off as something they remembered from childhood, others called it a bad look in 2025, period.
A few hours later, Robinson went online and posted a straightforward apology. No excuses, no PR gymnastics—just ownership:
“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. I recognize the mistake and will make sure to do better… I’m so sorry to those I offended.”
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. 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…
— Bijan Robinson (@Bijan5Robinson) December 12, 2025
Simple. Direct. Exactly what the situation needed.
So far, there’s no response from the NFL. Atlanta, meanwhile, is still trying to play spoiler in a wide-open NFC South race. And for most fans, that’s the bigger focus. Robinson addressed it, took responsibility, and moved on.
At this point, the conversation shifts back to the field—where he usually does most of the talking anyway.
