Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson publicly apologized for hitting an athletic trainer who was caring for one of his teammates. The incident, which was captured on the broadcast and went viral, occurred during the Blue Devils’ loss to UNC on Saturday after Duke safety DaShawn Stone fell in a scary moment.
In a statement posted to social media, Robinson apologized for his conduct, saying he also apologized to the coach privately after the game.
“I want to publicly apologize to our practice squad member for the way I acted towards her during Saturday’s game. I was completely in the wrong and she did not deserve this,” Robinson wrote. “Immediately after the match I apologized to her personally and checked on her.”
Robinson added that his outburst came from his concern about Stone, who Robinson said “is like family.”
“I was afraid he was going to be seriously hurt. But worrying about him doesn’t excuse the way I treated her. I should have controlled my emotions, and I didn’t,” Robinson continued. “I am truly sorry for my actions and for letting myself and our program down. I have to be better than that.”
Stone went down in the third quarter of Duke’s 24-20 loss to UNC and remained on the court for some time. A stretcher was brought out for Stone, but he ended up walking to the locker room under his own power.
However, before Stone could leave, Robinson stayed close to his teammate while he was tended to. The coach apparently tried to move Robinson away from the scene, but he knocked his arm away. Video of the incident went viral on Saturday, with many criticizing Robinson for his outburst.
Robinson and Stone are both redshirt juniors in Duke’s secondary and spent four years together on the Blue Devils’ roster.
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Duke’s loss to its in-state rivals came after Tar Heels defensive back Kenton Dopson III beat Blue Devils quarterback Walker Eget with 19 seconds remaining, sealing a four-point victory. Next up for the Blue Devils is an ACC showdown with UVA (4-3), scheduled for Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m. ET at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.
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