NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson apologized for speculating about Jalen Hurts’ health.
Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that Hurts would miss their Week 6 game due to superficial blood clots. Robinson suggested the quarterback was seeking an excuse not to play amid a “lost season” for the Eagles.
“I don’t know nothing, guys, but it looked like they were trying to pin the outcome of this season on Jalen Hurts, just so that they can have an excuse later on to move on from Jalen Hurts,” Robinson said. “And again, I’m not saying I know nothing, guys, but … if I’m Jalen Hurts or anybody in Jalen Hurts’ camp, I’m saying, ‘Well, if everybody’s hurt, I’m hurt, too.’
“Guys, I’ve been cleated before. And I’m not saying a superficial blood clot isn’t serious. I’m not saying that, but I would advise all of our viewers to Google ‘superficial blood clot’ as opposed to a real blood clot. And again, I’m not a medical guy.”
The Eagles announced Monday that Hurts will miss the rest of the season after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs. Following the update, Robinson posted an apology statement on social media, saying there was “no excuse” for his “wrong” comments.
“I want to sincerely apologize to Jalen Hurts, his family, the Philadelphia Eagles organization and fan base for my comments last Thursday,” Robinson wrote. “They were unfounded and I never should’ve speculated on a health issue of a player nor his commitment to his team.”
More on Hurts situation
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.
The Eagles said last Thursday that an ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot before their London game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hurts played the entire Week 5 loss “without limitation” before a follow-up ultrasound showed the blood clot moving.
Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, shared a team statement Monday announcing that doctors changed his diagnosis to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. He’s unable to play football while taking blood thinners but will remain around the team during treatment.
The Eagles’ handling of the situation will continue to draw scrutiny, but there was no reason to question Hurts amid a scary diagnosis.
