NFL legend calls out college football star for grabbing female athletic trainer on field
NFL legend Robert Griffin III has spoken out after a college football player swiped at a female athletic trainer in a video that quickly went viral.
Kimari Robinson from Duke faced a lot of criticism online for how he treated Grace Dietrich during a game against North Carolina. Dashawn Stone had gotten hurt and was being helped by the medical team. When a third staff member stepped in, Grace kindly tried to move Robinson to give them space.
Instead of cooperating, Robinson reacted angrily and swatted her arm, leaving her looking shaken. The whole moment was caught live on ESPN and sparked a lot of reactions.
Griffin, who won the Heisman Trophy before playing in the NFL, was very upset and shared his thoughts on X, saying, “As a man, this just can’t happen. No excuses for it.” His post got over two million views.
Many fans also called for Robinson to be suspended. One fan pointed out, “Athletic trainers are first responders on the field. They take care of serious injuries, often for little pay and respect. They shouldn’t have to deal with players swatting at them just for doing their job. That kind of behavior is disrespectful and is why many athletic trainers leave the profession.”
High school coach Kevin Kelley agreed, saying Robinson’s actions were way out of line. He said, “The trainer was just trying to clear space to help a player, and he swung his arm at her. He needs to listen and know his place on the field. Where’s the line if this is okay?”
On the other hand, former player and sportscaster Jason Whitlock saw things differently. He said, “I have mixed feelings. In the heat of the game, Robinson was worried about his teammate and just got pushed around when he wasn’t doing anything wrong. The trainer overstepped, and he responded. They should just ask him to step back, not push him.”
Duke lost the game 24-20 to North Carolina at Wallace Wade Stadium. Fortunately, Stone was able to walk off the field without needing a stretcher.
Duke hasn’t said yet whether Robinson will face any punishment. Their next game is against Virginia.