Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson apologizes for swatting trainer during injury
Duke University cornerback Kimari Robinson issued a public apology on Sunday after swatting the arm of a female trainer during an injury timeout in Saturday's loss to the University of North Carolina. The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, which Duke lost 24-20. Robinson stated in a post on X that he was wrong to react that way and that the member of the training staff did not deserve his actions. He noted that he personally apologized to her and checked on her well-being immediately after the game concluded. The confrontation happened while Stone was lying on the turf after sustaining an injury. A stretcher was brought onto the field for the injured player, but he ultimately walked to the locker room under his own power. Robinson explained in his apology that he was worried about Stone, whom he described as family, and feared a serious injury. He acknowledged that his concern did not excuse his behavior and admitted he failed to control his emotions. The trainer had nudged Robinson to clear a position so she could attend to Stone, prompting the defensive back to swat her arm away. Robinson and Stone are redshirt juniors who have played together at Duke for the past four years. Robinson, who is from Miramar, Florida, recorded three tackles in the contest against the Tar Heels. The loss marks Duke's second consecutive defeat in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Blue Devils started the season with four wins but have since lost to Georgia Tech and North Carolina by a combined seven points.
Duke University cornerback Kimari Robinson issued a public apology on Sunday after swatting the arm of a female trainer during an injury timeout in Saturday's loss to the University of North Carolina. The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, which Duke lost 24-20. Robinson stated in a post on X that he was wrong to react that way and that the member of the training staff did not deserve his actions. He noted that he personally apologized to her and checked on her well-being immediately after the game concluded. The confrontation happened while Stone was lying on the turf after sustaining an injury. A stretcher was brought onto the field for the injured player, but he ultimately walked to the locker room under his own power. Robinson explained in his apology that he was worried about Stone, whom he described as family, and feared a serious injury. He acknowledged that his concern did not excuse his behavior and admitted he failed to control his emotions. The trainer had nudged Robinson to clear a position so she could attend to Stone, prompting the defensive back to swat her arm away. Robinson and Stone are redshirt juniors who have played together at Duke for the past four years. Robinson, who is from Miramar, Florida, recorded three tackles in the contest against the Tar Heels. The loss marks Duke's second consecutive defeat in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Blue Devils started the season with four wins but have since lost to Georgia Tech and North Carolina by a combined seven points.