Duke University cornerback, Kimari Robinson, has publicly apologised for his behaviour towards a female athletic trainer during a recent game against North Carolina. The incident occurred on 17 October when defensive back DaShawn Stone sustained an injury on the field, prompting intense emotions from Robinson.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kimari-robinson-101826-abc1fd358b3a4ecf84c63992f10459c7.jpg)
In a post on social media platform X, Robinson expressed regret over swatting away the trainer who was attending to his injured teammate. “I want to publicly apologise to the member of our training staff for how I acted toward her during Saturday’s game,” the 21-year-old athlete wrote. He emphasised that his actions were unjustified and that the trainer deserved respect and courtesy. Following the match, Robinson personally reached out to the trainer to apologise and ensure she was unharmed.
The incident unfolded during the third quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. As medical staff responded to Stone’s injury, Robinson inadvertently obstructed the trainer’s efforts, making physical contact with her in a moment of panic. In his post, Robinson admitted that his concern for Stone’s wellbeing clouded his judgment, leading to his unacceptable behaviour.
“My teammate, DaShawn Stone, is like family to me, and I was scared he might be seriously hurt,” Robinson explained. “But being worried about him does not excuse how I treated her. I should have controlled my emotions, and I didn’t.” Conveying his remorse, he added, “I’m truly sorry for my actions and for letting her, myself, and our program down. I have to be better than that.”
Despite the concerning nature of the situation, Stone was able to walk off the field with assistance after medical staff arrived with a stretcher. This outcome brought relief not only to his team but also to concerned supporters in attendance. Having played alongside Stone in Duke’s secondary since the start of this season, Robinson values their camaraderie and highlighted the emotional impact of such injuries.
Statistics reflect Robinson’s contributions on the field, where he has participated in 25 games over his collegiate career, accumulating 64 tackles and six passes deflected. Stone, too, has made significant strides in his time at Duke, with three interceptions and 166 tackles to his name across four seasons. The teammates’ strong bond underscores the emotional investment players have in each other’s safety and wellbeing during high-pressure situations.
Robinson’s reflection on his actions speaks volumes about the pressures faced by student-athletes, particularly in demanding environments such as competitive college football. In moments of stress, reactions can sometimes lead to regrettable choices, and Robinson’s admission of his mistake serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure.
North Carolina ultimately triumphed over Duke with a score of 24-20, a victory that improved the Tar Heels’ season record to 4-2. The game marked a notable change from the previous season when UNC managed only four wins in a disappointing 4-8 campaign under head coach Bill Belichick, who is now steering the team toward a more successful path.
In light of the incident, Robinson’s acknowledgment of his error illustrates both personal growth and accountability. As he moves forward in his athletic journey, the hope is that this experience will guide him to respond more thoughtfully in similar circumstances, setting a positive example for his peers and fans alike.