Durham, N.C. – After Duke fell 24-20 to the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday, cornerback Kimari Robinson publicly apologized for an incident that unfolded during the third quarter. A video that quickly spread online showed Robinson standing over an injured teammate, DaShawn Stone, when a female trainer ran onto the field to assist. Robinson reacted by swatting the trainer’s arm away.
Robinson’s apology and explanation
Robinson posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday, saying he was “completely wrong” and that the trainer “did not deserve that.” He added that he had approached the trainer immediately after the game to apologize and to check that she was okay.
“I was scared my teammate might be seriously hurt,” Robinson wrote, referring to Stone, who is a redshirt junior and a close friend. “But being worried about him does not excuse how I treated her. 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. I have to be better than that.”
What happened on the field
The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, when Stone went down with an injury. A stretcher was brought onto the field, but Stone was ultimately able to walk to the locker room under his own power. Robinson, a native of Miramar, Fla., recorded three tackles in the contest.
Both Robinson and Stone are redshirt juniors who have played together for four years at Duke. Their bond was evident in Robinson’s emotional response, though the coach’s staff emphasized that respect for all members of the training staff is a non‑negotiable standard.
Team context
After beginning the season 4‑0, the Blue Devils have now lost two straight ACC games, falling to Georgia Tech and North Carolina by a combined seven points. The recent losses have sparked concerns among fans and alumni about the team’s direction, but coaches remain focused on player development and discipline.
Head coach Mike Elko reiterated the importance of sportsmanship, stating, “Our athletes are representatives of Duke University. We expect them to treat teammates, coaches, and staff with the utmost respect, on and off the field.”
Community reaction
Fans on social media expressed a mix of disappointment over the incident and appreciation for Robinson’s willingness to own his mistake. Many highlighted the need for athletes to model Christ‑like humility and accountability, values that align with Duke’s broader community ethos.
Robinson’s apology has been noted by the university’s athletic department, which said it will continue to educate players on proper conduct during high‑pressure moments.
Looking ahead
Duke’s next game will test whether the team can rebound from recent setbacks and maintain the discipline expected of a program that prides itself on academic and athletic excellence. The incident serves as a reminder that emotional control is essential, especially when the safety of teammates and staff is at stake.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
