MAGA follower and former NFL player Antonio Brown sparked controversy by using an anti-Asian racial slur to describe Notre Dame junior cornerback Charles Du following the Sugar Bowl game. The incident occurred on social media after Notre Dame’s 23-10 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, which secured their place in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The Incident
Brown posted a comment under an ESPN social media post that showed Du wearing a jersey with his name written in Chinese characters. The former NFL cornerback’s post read, “C-k of the Day #CTESPN,” using a derogatory term for people of Asian descent. This racial slur was directed at Du, who is originally from Beijing and later attended high school in California before joining Notre Dame as a walk-on player.
The racist comment by Brown was met with widespread criticism on social media, with many users condemning his use of the slur. But unfortunately, some others followed Brown’s lead and added their own bigoted comments directed at Du. This incident marred what should have been a celebratory moment for Charles Du and the Notre Dame team.
The Sugar Bowl victory was significant for the Fighting Irish, as it advanced them to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they will face Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9.
Antonio Brown’s History of Controversial Comments
Antonio Brown’s history of making controversial statements on social media is well-documented. He has previously directed his remarks at notable public figures, such as Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce and his girlfriend Taylor Swift, Tom Brady and his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen, pro basketball player Caitlin Clark, and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada—whom he shockingly compared to Adolf Hitler. And Brown’s latest comment has once again brought negative attention to himself while overshadowing a significant achievement for Notre Dame and Charles Du in the College Football Playoff.
Of Course, He’s Pro MAGA
Brown, a vulgar, vocal supporter of Donald Trump and follower of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, has garnered significant attention, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election. He spoke at a Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on October 19, 2024, wearing MAGA gear and delivering a speech endorsing the former president. At the rally, Brown mocked Democratic candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, criticizing their policies and questioning Walz’s football coaching experience.
Last year, Brown was also seen distributing “Trump/Vance” rally towels to Pittsburgh Steelers fans outside Acrisure Stadium.
An NFL has-been, Brown has praised Trump’s business background and contributions to the hip-hop industry, particularly mentioning pardons granted to rappers like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black. He has also compared his own resilience in the face of controversy to Trump’s perseverance against media criticism.
On December 2, 2021, Mr. Brown was formally suspended for three games by the National Football League due to a breach of the league’s COVID-19 protocols, specifically for providing inaccurate information regarding his vaccination status.
The Trump campaign appeared to try to leverage the washed-up Brown’s popularity and race, hoping his endorsement would resonate with sports fans and some Black voters. However, some analysts suggest that Brown and other “washed-up athletes” would have limited influence on undecided voters.
Selected as a draft steal in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Antonio Brown, 36, is regarded as one of the premier receivers of the 2010s. He achieved an unparalleled distinction with four consecutive first-team All-Pro selections from 2014 to 2017, all while representing the Steelers. From his rookie season in 2010 through to 2018, he recorded more receptions than any other player in the league. During his collegiate career at Central Michigan University, he garnered All-American honors in both 2008 and 2009 for his exceptional performance as a punt returner.
Brown is the father of six kids by three women.