Carolina Panthers star Tetairoa McMillan was named as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year – just hours after apologizing for saying the N-word during a livestream.
McMillan won the award after receiving 41 first-place votes following an impressive season in which he caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Panthers wide receiver clinched the title ahead of the likes of Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
McMillan becomes the first Panthers player to be named as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year since quarterback Cam Newton back in 2011.
Just hours before receiving the award in San Francisco, McMillan had issued a groveling apology for using the N-word during a livestream on Wednesday night.
The Panthers star was competing in the Streamer Bowl, a special event ahead of this week’s Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Carolina Panthers star Tetairoa McMillan was named as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year
One day prior, McMillan stunned two streamers by saying the N-word while they were live
McMillan was paired with internet stars YonnaJay and Tamir as part of the challenge that saw him play as his Panthers team on the football video game Madden.
After intercepting an opponent’s pass, which handed his team victory, McMillan launched himself off the couch and shouted ‘N*****, N*****, pick. We won.’
YonnaJay was left stunned by McMillan’s outburst and had to hold her cue cards over her face to hide her reaction.
As McMillan returned to his seat, YonnaJay and Tamir exchanged several awkward glances before she said something to him that was inaudible.
McMillan later apologized on Thursday, writing: ‘Yesterday while on live stream I used a term I should not have. There’s no excuse for what I said – I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better.’
The clip has since gone viral on social media with fans debating whether McMillan was racist or whether it was acceptable for him to use the phrase.
The 22-year-old is an American citizen born in Hawaii. He is of Polynesian heritage.
