Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has apologized after using a racial slur during a livestream earlier this week. McMillan yelled, 'n---a, n---a, pick', after making an interception during Streamer Bowl VII, a charity esports tournament. On Thursday, McMillan shared a message on social media, saying he used a word he should not have while streaming. "Yesterday while on live stream, I used a term I should not have," McMillan said in a statement posted to his Instagram story. "There's no excuse for what I said -- I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better."
The incident happened while McMillan was taking part in The Streamer Bowl, a yearly charity esports event. The tournament brings together NFL players and popular Twitch streamers to compete in different video game challenges. This year marked the seventh edition of the event, which usually takes place in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.
McMillan, who was born in Hawaii, teamed up with influencers Yonna Jay and Tamir. During one of the games, they were playing Madden, the NFL football video game. After McMillan’s team made an interception, he repeated the N-word during the play on the livestream.
It is not known how many people watched the moment live. Clips of McMillan’s comment were later shared on other platforms, including X, where they received more attention.
According to ESPN, McMillan - the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft - finished the season with 70 receptions on 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. He led all NFL rookies in receiving yards and set a new rookie receiving record in Carolina franchise history.
The incident happened while McMillan was taking part in The Streamer Bowl, a yearly charity esports event. The tournament brings together NFL players and popular Twitch streamers to compete in different video game challenges. This year marked the seventh edition of the event, which usually takes place in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.
McMillan, who was born in Hawaii, teamed up with influencers Yonna Jay and Tamir. During one of the games, they were playing Madden, the NFL football video game. After McMillan’s team made an interception, he repeated the N-word during the play on the livestream.
It is not known how many people watched the moment live. Clips of McMillan’s comment were later shared on other platforms, including X, where they received more attention.
According to ESPN, McMillan - the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft - finished the season with 70 receptions on 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. He led all NFL rookies in receiving yards and set a new rookie receiving record in Carolina franchise history.
