Carolina Panthers Rookie Star Catches Heat, Apologizes For Slur Ahead Of NFL Honors
Tetairoa McMillan's timing is a huge headache
Carolina Panthers star Tetairoa McMillan discovered in today's age that a hot mic is quicker to shut him down than any Pro Bowl cornerback.
The rookie sensation is in full damage control mode after a video went viral showing him dropping the N-word during a live charity broadcast.
The slip-up happened during the "Streamer Bowl," one of those pre-Super Bowl events where NFL stars play video games with Twitch influencers to boost their brand.
While locked into a game of Madden with streamers Yonna Jay and Tamir, the Hawaii-born wideout celebrated a big interception by shouting the N-word twice.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan poses after being selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
While the live stream only averaged about tens of thousands of viewers, the misstep caught fire. And the timing is a massive headache.
McMillan is expected in San Francisco on Thursday night as a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which gets handed out tonight at the NFL Honors.
McMillan didn't wait long to address the noise, posting an apology to his Instagram story on Thursday.
"Yesterday, while on live stream, I used a term I should not have," McMillan shared on his Instagram, hours before the event. "There’s no excuse for what I said. I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better."
T-Mac spent the season looking like the league's next great playmaker, racking up 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
READ: Are We Really About To Hand Offensive Rookie Of The Year To An 'Okay' Receiver?
McMillan now has to navigate a PR storm on the biggest night of his young career.
The "gamer rage" moment could overshadow a standout season. The NFL Awards are tonight, watch when the ceremony kicks off at 9 p.m. (ET).
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela