Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is facing scrutiny after a moment during a live-streamed esports event sparked controversy, landing just as his rookie season reached a career milestone.
According to ESPN, the incident occurred Wednesday night, February 4, during Streamer Bowl VII, a charity gaming competition held ahead of the Super Bowl. While playing in the event, McMillan was heard shouting a racial slur after making an in-game interception.
The clip circulated quickly online, prompting questions about the moment and the Panthers’ response.
McMillan addressed the situation the following day with a public apology shared to his Instagram story. “Yesterday, while on live stream, I used a term I should not have,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse for what I said — I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better.”
When asked for comment, the Carolina Panthers directed inquiries to McMillan’s statement.
The timing of the controversy was notable. Just hours after the apology was posted, McMillan was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, capping off a standout debut season. He earned the honor over a competitive field that included quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Selected eighth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan quickly became a focal point of Carolina’s offense. He finished the regular season with 70 receptions on 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns, leading all rookies in receiving yards and setting a new franchise record for a first-year Panther.
Carolina’s turnaround in 2025 was fueled in part by McMillan’s production and his on-field chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers went on to win the NFC South, earning a playoff berth in McMillan’s first year in the league.
In his postseason debut, McMillan recorded five catches for 81 yards in a narrow 34–31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.