Tag: apology

Rams’ Puka Nacua apologizes, ‘had no idea’ gesture was offensive

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized on Thursday for performing a potential touchdown celebration that included an antisemitic undertone.

“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua posted on social media. “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”

Appearing on a livestream on Wednesday, internet personality Adin Ross guided Nacua through the celebration which ended with the latter looking into the camera and rubbing his hands together.

Ross asked Nacua to use the celebration if he scores a touchdown on Thursday when the Rams (11-3) visit the Seattle Seahawks (11-3) in an NFC West showdown.

“I promise. I got you, bro,” Nacua said.

Widespread condemnation on social media followed, with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) calling on Nacua to apologize.

“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre,” Swalwell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He added that Nacua “should apologize or be dropped.”

The NFL issued a statement on Thursday regarding the Nacua incident: “The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual. The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia speaks to the media during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the presentation of the Heisman trophy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia apologizes for ‘disrespectful’ reaction to Heisman vote

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia apologized on Sunday night for his “disrespectful” social media post a night earlier after finishing runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the program’s first Heisman Trophy winner on Saturday night in New York. Pavia posted a photo of him with his offensive linemen at the ceremony with a message to voters for the trophy.

“F-All THE VOTERS,” Pavia wrote in all capital letters on his Instagram story with a thumbs-down emoji, “BUT…..FAMILY FOR LIFE.”

The post went viral on social media. Pavia issued an apology on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor,” Pavia wrote. “As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”

Mendoza received 643 of the 930 first-place votes, finishing with 2,362 points, well ahead of Pavia, who received 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love had 46 first-place votes and finished in third place (719 points), and Ohio State quarterback Justin Sayin finished in fourth with 432 points and eight first-place votes.

“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award,” Pavia wrote on X. “I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season. I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me.”

Pavia, like Mendoza, engineered a turnaround for a football program that historically has known little success. It was Pavia’s second season for the Commodores after starting his career at New Mexico State. He threw for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions and rushed for 826 yards and nine TDs in 2025.

“My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six,” Pavia wrote on X. “I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”

Vanderbilt (10-2), which finished No. 14 in the College Football Playoff final rankings, plays No. 23 Iowa (8-4) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa, Fla.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks on from thevbench against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa ‘made a mistake’ calling out players

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa began his press conference on Wednesday by acknowledging his mistake of calling out teammates for being tardy and their attendance in player-only meetings.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and other players took issue with his comments, noting that they should be kept in the locker room as opposed to in front of a microphone.

“As a leader of this team, the Miami Dolphins, the comments that have been said, I would say that I made a mistake and I’m owning up to that right now,” Tagovailoa said on Wednesday. “I’ve talked to the guys about it, I’ve talked to the leaders about it. They know my heart, they know the intent was right, but no matter the intent … when things get misconstrued or however the media wants to portray it, that leaves a void of silence and a lot of questions for the guys on our team.

“… For myself, I have to look at myself as a leader and protecting the team. I don’t feel like I did that to the best of my abilities. I felt like I let the emotions of the game get to me after the game. That’s something I can learn from as a leader on this team. What happens in-house should be protected. None of that should have gotten out. I want to publicly apologize about that. I want to move forward, and now I want to focus on the Cleveland Browns.”

Tagovailoa’s apology comes three days after he pointed the finger at his teammates following Miami’s 29-27 setback to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Dolphins fell to 1-5 on the season.

Tagovailoa, 27, said Sunday the accumulation of losses can only be reversed if “leadership” makes clear what’s expected of players.

“Well, I think it starts with the leadership in helping articulate that for the guys, and then what we’re expecting out of the guys,” he said Sunday. “We’re expecting this. Are we getting that? Are we not getting that? We have guys showing up to player-only meetings late. Guys not showing up to player-only meetings. There is a lot that goes into that. Do we have to make that mandatory? Do we not have to make that mandatory? So it’s a lot of things of that nature that we got to get cleaned up. It starts with the little things like that.”

The Dolphins visit the Browns (1-5) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) reacts with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Browns’ Jadeveon Clowney apologizes to Myles Garrett

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney apologized to Myles Garrett following his public outburst directed toward his teammate last week.

Clowney initially took issue with his role on the team and accused the Browns’ coaching staff of prioritizing Garrett’s individual success over winning games.

“You’re all trying to get (Garrett) into the Hall of Fame instead of winning games,” Clowney said at the time. “I don’t even think (Garrett) notices. I ain’t trying to say it’s him. I try to get along with everybody I play with. Me and him don’t have a problem. It ain’t his fault, and it’s B.S., and I don’t have time for it.”

Clowney, 29, told Cleveland.com it had become apparent the Browns have “their own guys, and I ain’t one of them, so it’s time for me to get my exit slip.”

The Browns didn’t have time for Clowney, downgrading him to out for the team’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. For his part, Clowney said his comments were taken out of context and apologized to Garrett.

“As a son and a parent, I want to fully apologize to anyone I offended, especially Myles Garrett and his family,” Clowney said, per ESPN. “My words in the locker room were not only taken out of context, but completely misrepresented. As a man, I have reached out to Myles specifically to apologize, I will continue to learn and grow as I move forward.”

Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick, has signed a one-year deal each of the past four offseasons. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he has never reached 10 sacks in a single season since entering the league with the Houston Texans in 2014.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2019; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson reacts during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

TCU’s Patterson apologizes for repeating racial slur

Posted on | by Field Level Media

TCU football coach Gary Patterson apologized Tuesday for repeating a racial slur, which prompted several players to skip practice Monday.

Patterson repeated the N-word to Horned Frogs linebacker Dylan Jordan during a conversation on Sunday when he was instructing the redshirt freshman to stop using the word in team meetings.

“I met with our Seniors and Leadership Council last night about how we move forward as [a] team, together,” Patterson said in a statement on Twitter. “We are committed as individuals and as a program to fighting racial injustice of any kind.

“I apologize for the use of a word that, in any context, is unacceptable. I have always encouraged our players to do better and be better and I must live by the same standards. Our players, past and present have always been the strength of our program. These men are and will always be my motivation and driving force.”

University chancellor Victor Boschini wrote in an email to TCU’s student media that Patterson was not directing the slur against any player or group of players.

“He said it trying to ask the players not to use it anymore,” Boschini wrote. “He has since apologized for doing so in this manner and said it was a teachable moment for him and many others.”

Patterson, 60, is the winningest coach in TCU history with a 172-70 record since taking over the program in 2000. He has an 11-6 record in bowl games with the Frogs.

–Field Level Media