Duke’s Kimari Robinson draws criticism after video shows him swiping away female trainer

Kimari Robinson faces online backlash after sideline exchange during Duke loss

Indiadailyupdate.com – Duke defensive back Kimari Robinson became the focus of sharp online criticism after video from Saturday’s 24-20 loss to North Carolina showed him making contact with a female athletic trainer during an injury stoppage.

The tense moment occurred in the third quarter of Duke’s matchup with the Tar Heels, coached by Bill Belichick. Medical personnel entered the field after Duke defensive back DaShawn Stone went down and required attention. Robinson moved toward Stone while his teammate was receiving treatment, but a trainer appeared to signal that he needed to give the medical staff space.

In the clip, Robinson appears to swipe or brush away the trainer’s arm as she attempted to reach the injured player. The trainer visibly reacted before returning her attention to Stone and continuing her work. Stone was later able to leave the field under his own power after being evaluated.

Video sparks calls for discipline

Footage of the exchange spread quickly across social media, where many viewers condemned Robinson’s response. Critics stressed that athletic trainers need clear access to injured athletes, particularly during an active on-field medical situation.

Several fans urged Duke to impose serious consequences, with some calling for Robinson to be suspended or removed from the program.

“With Kimari Robinson’s reaction to the athletic trainer, @DukeFOOTBALL must kick him off the team. Zero respect for the medical staff.”

Another commenter described the incident as unacceptable regardless of the circumstances.

“As a man, this just can’t happen… No excuses for it.”

The reaction also produced debate over the sequence shown in the video. Some people argued that the trainer initially pushed Robinson away from Stone and said that detail should be considered when evaluating his actions.

“It appears SHE puts her hands on HIM first.”

That defense drew a strong response from others, who said medical personnel are entitled to direct players away from an injury scene so they can assess and treat the athlete without interference.

“The amount of stupid responses and dumb opinions being used to defend Kimari Robinson, makes me literally ill. Medical staff, in all situations… ABSOLUTELY HAVE THE RIGHT, AND NECESSITY (obviously) TO MOVE YOU FROM THE AREA!”

Another social-media user also criticized those defending the Duke player.

“Anyone who defending the Duke player Kimari Robinson for putting his hands on a female athletic trainer is a coward.”

Why access for medical staff matters

In football, injury stoppages are controlled situations in which trainers and other medical professionals must be able to reach a player promptly. Teammates often gather out of concern, but staff members may direct them away to create room, protect privacy and allow a clear assessment of the injury.

The video therefore prompted discussion extending beyond the individual confrontation. For many viewers, the central issue was whether a player should ever physically resist a trainer who is attempting to perform medical duties on the field.

Stone’s ability to walk off without assistance offered some reassurance after the stoppage, but it did not reduce the attention directed at Robinson’s interaction with the trainer. The moment became one of the most widely discussed scenes from Duke’s narrow defeat.

No public action announced

As of the latest update, Duke had not released an official statement addressing the incident or announced disciplinary action involving Robinson.

Without a public response from the program, the full context behind the exchange remains limited to the footage and the competing interpretations shared online. The clip nevertheless continues to highlight the expectation that players respect athletic trainers and avoid obstructing them when an injured teammate is being treated.