Adam Shifter apologizes for tweeting about Dwayne Haskins

The 55-year-old Shifter, who holds the title of ESPN’s Top NFL Insider and has a Twitter following of 9.4 million followers, quickly got a huge backlash from fans and athletes. Among those who criticized him most were the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and former Cardal Jones of the Buckeyes, who suggested Schefter use more positive language and books“Let his family and friends mourn instead of casting shadows.”

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After deleting his tweet later on Saturday, Shifter posted a review describe it Haskins “was special in Ohio before becoming Washington’s first-round pick and playing in Pittsburgh.”

On Monday, Shifter shared a clip from his eponymous podcast in which he offered an apology and explained how Haskins “became likable for his smile, attitude, work ethic, growth, and the man he turned himself into.”

“Dwayne Haskins was loved by his NFL teammates, as he showed an outpouring of support over the weekend,” said Shifter. “This is Dwayne Haskins who deserves to be remembered. This is the way he was, the way he lived, apologies I’ve never made before. But the people who knew him best already knew him.”

15th pick in the 2019 draft, Haskins was Issued by Washington Late 2020 season. Signed a one-year contract in January 2021 with Pittsburghwhich used a restricted free agent’s tender to retain him for the 2022 season. In the wake of Ben Roethlisberger Retired At the end of last season, Haskins had a chance to earn a spot on the Steelers depth chart and possibly compete for a starting job.

In his comments on Monday, Shifter confirmed that Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, former general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Art Rooney II “became incredibly fond of” Heskins, who made the point of “showing his gratitude for being a member of an organization.” Shifter said the quarterback was “adopted [Pittsburgh] As his homestead,” he was active in the community and trained diligently at the Steelers facility.

“I wish I had that tweet back,” Shifter stated in his podcast. “The focus should have been on Dwayne – who he was as a person, husband, friend and so much more. I wanted to apologize to Dwayne’s family, his friends, the players in the NFL, and my condolences to all those close to Dwayne.”

Shifter wasn’t the only notable figure in the NFL world to issue an apology after highly criticized comments about Haskins. Former Dallas Staff CEO Jill Brandt, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, chirp On Saturday, a statement of regret was given for “the indifferent and insensitive reaction in a radio interview.”

He spoke earlier today on SiriusXM NFL Radio, where he appeared frequently as an analyst, Brandt She said Haskins was “a man who lives to die, so to speak.”

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Brandt claimed that Haskins, who announced the NFL draft after Ohio State’s sophomore season, had been strongly advised against “leaving school early” because of his alleged “work habits.”

“It’s always been a thing,” said the 90-year-old Brandt. “It was one of those things [like], “I never sneak up, but they keep calling me for sneaking.” …it’s a tragic thing. Anytime anyone dies, it’s tragic, especially when you’re 24 and you have your whole life ahead of you. But maybe if he stayed in school for a year [longer]He wouldn’t do silly things.”

After a torrent of criticism from current and former NFL players, among others, Brandt advertiser Saturday on Twitter: “I want to apologize to the family of Mr. Haskins and anyone who has heard my poor choice of words. I truly do apologize. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.”

In his comments on Monday, Schefter said that “the way I failed Saturday” was by not directing “people’s attention to make sure Dwayne is remembered correctly.”

“He was known for his smile, kind heart, and dreams,” said Shifter. “Unfortunately and tragically, all of those were wiped out before they could become a reality.”