NFL fans want RGIII canceled for using slavery-era racial slur: "Totally unacceptable", "He wanted to sound cool he doesn't know what that means"

New York Jets v Baltimore Ravens
Former Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens QB Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III, better known as 'RGIII,' is in hot water. The former Washington Commanders quarterback went a bit too far while analyzing the Philadelphia Eagles' big win over the New York Giants during ESPN's pregame show. This was before the Monday Night Football clash between the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals.

Jalen Hurts finished the game with 217 passing yards, two touchdown passes, 77 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. When discussing his performance, RGIII said:

"People said Jalen Hurts couldn't get it done. He couldn't operate from the pocket. He's not the quarterback of the future. I think he proved all those j****os wrong."

Those at the table alongside the former NFL quarterback were also caught off-guard. They were visibly confused and shocked after hearing the slur. Watch the clip below:

Fans on social media couldn't believe that RGIII used a slavery-era racial slur. They slammed the former NFL star on Twitter:

RGIII apologizes for using a racial slur on live TV

After receiving backlash on social media for his ill-advised comments, RGIII apologized on social media and claimed he didn't mean to use the term. He wrote:

"Yooooo, Definitely need to clarify this. THIS IS NOT WHAT I MEANT TO SAY. Was trying to say “those Bug-A-Boos” in reference to haters and doubters. Regardless of my intention, I understand the historical context of the term that came out of my mouth and I apologize."

The replies under his apology post were mostly negative, with fans refusing to believe that Griffin's use of the slur was an accidental slip-up. It remains to be seen whether ESPN will punish the former Washington Commanders quarterback for using such a term on live TV.

While it's plausible that the use of the slur was nothing more than an unfortunate error, the implications could be dire for the former NFL star. Fans on social media aren't buying the apology, and bosses at ESPN might also resonate with that sentiment by punishing Griffin for his error.

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