After sparking controversy with a tweet seen as a shot to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Eli Apple is walking it back.
The Cincinnati Bengals cornerback spent much of the day on Monday taking shots at the Bills for their loss in Sunday’s divisional-round playoff game. Apple focused much of his attention on Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who was seen growing upset on the sidelines during Buffalo’s 27-10 loss to the Bengals.
In one tweet, Apple revived a taunt made popular by NBA player Patrick Beverly and included an emoji of two hands making a heart. Many saw that as a shot to Hamlin, who adopted the symbol to show love to those who supported him after his collapse in a Week 17 game.
Cancun on 3 🫶🏿
— Eli Apple ()
In a sent a few hours later, Apple sent a message to Hamlin and clarified that he meant no harm by it.
Eli Apple Clarifies Controversial Tweet
As he came under fire from Bills fans, Apple shared a message saying he wished Hamlin well in his recovery and didn’t intend to take a shot at him.
“All love thoughts prayers and concerns to as he continues to recover from that tragic incident,” Apple wrote. “Never would I make light of that scary unfortunate scene. This game is truly a dangerous risk to our bodies mind and spirit. Nothing but love to all my football brothers”
Apple’s original tweet had riled up many Bills fans, and at least one player. Defensive end Shaq Lawson took to Twitter to issue a direct threat to Apple if he continued to “disrespect” Hamlin.
“You played a good game but disrespect my boy situation that s**t get you beat up frfr. Keep it on the field,” he .
BREAKING NEWS: Eli Apple has been banned from Dave & Adam’s Card World.
— Dave & Adam’s Buffalo ()
Tensions seemed to cool after Apple’s tweet clarifying his intention. Later his mother, Annie Apple, turned the controversy into an opportunity to support a good cause.
“Calling all Eli Apple haters: Please use the hashtag #LoveToHateEliApple and we’ll donate $5,000 to the Salvation Army in Cincinnati…First 5,000 tweets with that hashtag,” she shared on . “Make your hate count. Put that Eli Apple hate to …read more
Source:: Heavy.com