Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson has apologised over a viral video showing him swatting away a female staffer on Sunday, October 18, 2026. During the team's game against North Carolina, Robinson swatted the arm of a female training staffer as she attempted to check on an injured player.
The video of the incident went viral, prompting the cornerback to apologise following significant backlash on social media. The footage shows Robinson standing over teammate DaShawn Stone, who was lying injured while being tended to by two members of the training staff.
When a third staff member approached to check on Stone, Robinson forcibly swatted her arm away. Realising his mistake, Robinson took to X (formerly Twitter) after Saturday's game to issue an apology.
On Sunday night, he wrote, "I was completely wrong, and she did not deserve that." He added, "The injured player on the ground, DaShawn Stone, is like family to me, and I was scared he might be seriously hurt. But being worried about him does not excuse how I treated her."
He continued, "I should have controlled my emotions, and I didn't." He concluded, "I'm truly sorry for my actions and for letting her, myself, and our program down. I have to be better than that."
A redshirt cornerback and regular starter, Robinson is part of a Duke team that slipped to a 4-2 record following Saturday's 24-20 defeat to the Tar Heels. The incident has sparked a wider conversation regarding the conduct of student-athletes during high-pressure moments in collegiate sports.
University officials have not yet announced if further disciplinary action will be taken against the player. Supporters and critics alike have weighed in on the incident, with many noting that while the intensity of the game is high, professional standards must be maintained at all times.
Robinson's swift apology is seen as an attempt to mitigate the damage caused to his reputation and the university's image. The athletic department is expected to review the footage in the coming days.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Robinson conducts himself on the field, with fans hoping for a more disciplined approach in future matches.