During Duke’s rivalry matchup against UNC on Saturday — ultimately a 24-20 win for the Tar Heels — one Blue Devils defender went viral for the wrong reasons.
In the third quarter of the game, defensive back Kimari Robinson was shown by broadcast cameras watching over an injured teammate when a trainer came onto the field to help.
When the trainer approached Robinson, he swiped her hand away, leading to her appearing shaken and backlash for the Duke defender online.
Here’s a look at the viral clip of Robinson swiping at an athletic trainer and how fans reacted.
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Duke player Kimari Robinson swipes at athletic trainer
During Duke vs. UNC, Dashawn Stone went down on the field with an injury in a scary moment, requiring medical attention. While Stone was laying down, Robinson went over to check in on his teammate.
While Robinson was leaning over to look at Stone, a trainer came over to help with the injured player, lightly pushing Robinson out of the way so she could do her job. But Robinson responded negatively, swiping at her arm.
Afterward, the trainer appeared shaken by the interaction.
🚨🚨UNBELIEVABLE this happened in the Duke game ‼️‼️ https://t.co/1hCkeJxeZO
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 18, 2026
A stretcher eventually came out for Stone, but he was able to walk off the field under his own power. UNC went on to win the rivalry matchup.
Afterward, a post from Robert Griffin III helped spark backlash towards Robinson over the way he treated the staffer.
As a man, this just can’t happen. No excuses for it. https://t.co/7yoOUxxaf1
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 18, 2026
More fans reacted online, with some calling for Robinson to be suspended by his team.
sports medicine girl nudged bro over, but you don’t swat at a small girl like that. punk. https://t.co/humgucVexc
— Jonathan (@magicwhiptx) October 17, 2026
This, @DukeFOOTBALL can’t happen. Check out the 7-9 second mark where the female athletic trainer tries to get the player hovering to move so she can help and he swings his arm at her. He needs to listen to her and know where he should be. If not where is the line? https://t.co/o7VAg4fxlm
— Kevin Kelley (@coachkelley1) October 17, 2026
Suspend both of them for a game. Childish behavior by both of them. Let this be a learning lesson for both. #Duke 🏈
— Dave Thomas (@newstouse) October 18, 2026
On Sunday, Robinson posted a public apology and said he personally apologized to the medical staffer after the game.
https://t.co/wHbfy4zhKP
— Kimari Robinson (@krobinson7__) October 19, 2026
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