Robert Griffin III says he didn’t intend to make use of an anti-Black slur during “Monday Night Countdown” on ESPN.
While talking about Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, Griffin said, “People said that Jalen Hurts couldn’t get it done, he couldn’t break from the pocket, he’s not the quarterback of the longer term. I believe he proved all those j—-boos improper.”
After facing backlash on social media, Griffin took to Twitter late Monday night to apologize, adding that he meant to say “Bug-A-Boos.”
“Yooooo, Definitely must make clear this,” Griffin tweeted, including a video of his comments. “THIS IS NOT WHAT I MEANT TO SAY. Was attempting to say ‘those Bug-A-Boos’ in reference to haters and doubters. No matter my intention, I understand the historical context of the term that got here out of my mouth and I apologize.”
Some people on Twitter expressed concern that Griffin used the derogatory term for Black people “so casually” during “Monday Night Football.”
Griffin joined ESPN in August 2021 and is a university football and NFL analyst across a variety of shows.
The previous Heisman Trophy winner and second-overall pick by Washington in 2012 was waived by the Ravens in January 2021, following three seasons with the organization and a slew of injuries.
In 56 profession games, Griffin has thrown for 9,271 yards and 43 touchdowns while rushing for 1,809 yards and 10 scores.
