Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess issued an apology for using an anti-Asian slur at a post-practice press conference on Saturday.
While commenting on the reporters wearing masks at the in-person event, Funchess noted that he could tell they were smiling because their eyes “go c—-y,” according to NBC News.
He tweeted an apology on Sunday morning, acknowledging that the “disparaging remark” was not okay to use. He vowed to learn and grow from the incident.
Wisconsin-based Asian Americans had previously expressed their dismay at Funchess’ comment. Lily Zhao, a local sports anchor, tweeted that it was “disappointing to see and hear” from Funchess.
Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong called on Funchess to personally apologize to Zhao, adding that he should consider his large platform as a professional athlete.
There needs to be a personal apology to @LilySZhao of @fox6now. In jest or in love, normalizing the use of a racial slur, especially when you have the platform as pro-athlete is never okay. It's disrespectful and the impact is profound. This hurts. https://t.co/ulRIaS9Ntn
— Francesca Hong 홍윤정 (@FrancescaHongWI) August 8, 2021
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It is not clear whether Zhao had attended the news conference or heard about it later.
Brian Gutekunst, the general manager for the Packers, condemned the slur on Sunday. According to ESPN, he said Funchess’ behavior did not live up to the standards of the team, adding that he has spoken to Funchess about it.
Although the Packers do not plan to release Funchess, Gutekunst said, they will have more conversations with him about the incident.
“I do think he’s sincerely remorseful and will hopefully learn from this. He will, and hopefully our team can learn from this and we’ll move forward,” Gutekunst said. “I do want to say that is something that is not condoned and it doesn’t live up to what we believe here with the Green Bay Packers.”
Funchess opted out of the 2020-2021 NFL season due to COVID-19 concerns.
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