NFL’s Devin Funchess feels backlash after using anti-Asian slur and making ‘slant-eyed’ gesture during press conference
- The Green Bay Packers star made the offhand comment and gesture during a post-practice media conference
- Criticism was swift for the 27-year-old, who later apologised on social media for his comments
NFL star Devin Funchess faced a backlash on social media days after the Green Bay Packers wide receiver casually used an anti-Asian slur and made a “slant-eyed” gesture in front of a packed post-practice media conference.
Funchess issued an apology on his Twitter account on Monday for making the offhand remark, in which he explained to a reporter how their eyes looked when they smiled behind their protective mask. He made no mention of the accompanying gesture.
“I have grown to develop deep personal and business relationships in the Asian community,” he went on. “I meant no harm, and those that know me, know that I have love and respect for all cultures and people.”
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst led the backlash against his player, who in March agreed to take a sizeable pay cut ahead of the 2021 season.