Duke Player Apologizes for Swatting Trainer During Game

Duke football player Kimari Robinson is facing widespread backlash after swatting away a female athletic trainer during a game against North Carolina ^[1]. The incident occurred in the third quarter when teammate DaShawn Stone went down injured. Robinson was standing over Stone when the trainer approached to assist, only to be forcibly swatted away by Robinson.

Video of the moment quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from fans and former NFL players. Robert Griffin III condemned the act on X, stating, "As a man, this just can't happen. No excuses for it." ^[1]

Robinson apologized publicly on Sunday night, posting on X: "I was completely wrong, and she did not deserve that... I should have controlled my emotions, and I didn't. I'm truly sorry for my actions and for letting her, myself and our program down." ^[2]

The trainer appeared startled but continued her work, and Stone eventually walked off the field on his own ^[1]. Robinson, a redshirt junior cornerback and regular starter, has not been suspended by Duke as of Sunday, according to.

While some fans defended Robinson, citing emotional stress and concern for his injured teammate, others insisted the incident warranted disciplinary action ^[1]. The Blue Devils fell to 4-2 after the 24-20 loss to North Carolina ^[2].

Robinson’s apology was posted on X and has been widely shared, but no formal consequences have been announced by Duke ^[2]. The story was first reported by TMZ and ESPN.