Ex-Cowboys Executive Apologizes For Dwayne Haskins Comments: ‘Maybe If He Stayed In School A Year’

Former Dallas Cowboys executive and class of 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame member Gil Brandt apologized Saturday for his comments earlier in the day after the passing of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins. 

“This morning while learning of Dwayne Haskins’ passing, I reacted carelessly and insensitively on a radio interview,” Brandt posted to Twitter. “I want to apologize to Mr. Haskins’ family and anyone who heard my poor choice of words. I truly apologize. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.”

This morning while learning of Dwayne Haskins’ passing, I reacted carelessly and insensitively on a radio interview. I want to apologize to Mr. Haskins’ family and anyone who heard my poor choice of words. I truly apologize. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 9, 2022

Haskins was killed early Saturday morning in South Florida after being struck by a dump truck as he walked on a highway. 

“He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic,” Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda said, and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Brandt, who is 90-years-old, hopped on Sirius XM Radio following the news, and said that Haskins “was a guy that was living to be dead.” 

“I hate anytime anybody is killed or anybody dies, but he was a guy that was living to be dead, so to speak,” Brandt said. “They told him ‘Don’t under any circumstances leave school early. You just don’t have the work habits, you don’t have this, you don’t have that.’ What did he do? Left school early.”

“It’s a tragic thing,” Brandt continued, ”anytime anybody dies, it’s tragic. Especially when you’re 24 years old, and you got your whole life ahead of you, but maybe if he stayed in school a year he wouldn’t do silly things … jogging on a highway on a road like that, that leaves it open.”

Doesn’t sound like mere carelessness to me. More like hate.https://t.co/pABIsGheOu

— David Wiebe (@dwiebe99) April 9, 2022

The reason why Haskins was attempting to cross the highway is still unclear.

Haskins was drafted by the now Washington Commanders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft after a spectacular 2018 season at Ohio State, throwing for 50 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He struggled in his first two NFL seasons, starting just 13 games for Washington. Haskins signed with the Steelers prior to the 2021 season.

“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time,” the statement continued.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera expressed his condolences to Haskins’ family.

“I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr. Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him,” Rivera said in a statement. “This is a very sad time and I am honestly at a loss for words. I know I speak for the rest of our team in saying he will be sorely missed. Our entire team is sending our heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers to the Haskins family at this time.”

Haskins would have turned 25-years-old on May 3rd.

Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers, and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].

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