Green Bay Packers WR Devin Funches apologizes for anti-Asian remark

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers receiver Devin Funchess apologized early Sunday morning after he used an anti-Asian slur and gesture during a press conference one night earlier.

"I want to apologize for the disparaging remark I used tonight," Funchess tweeted. "It was not ok. I have grown to develop deep personal and business relationships in the Asian community! I meant no harm, and those that know me, know I have love and respect for all cultures and people. I will learn from this and will continue to grow as a person. I'm forever sorry!"

After the Packers' practice Saturday night at Lambeau Field, Funchess walked into the media auditorium and said he was happy to see reporters in person after previously talking only via Zoom.

"I can talk to people now," he said. "I like smiles."

Vaccinated reporters are still required to wear masks in the media auditorium, and Funchess used an anti-Asian slur and pointed to his eyes when he told reporters that he can still see them smiling even when they're masked.

The veteran receiver signed with the Packers in 2020 but took the COVID-19 opt-out and did not play last season. He hasn't played in an NFL game in nearly two years since he broke his collarbone in Week 1 of the 2019 season while playing for the Indianapolis Colts.

Funchess had his best practice of training camp Saturday night, when he caught a pair of passes during team 11-on-11 periods - including a 25-yard out from Jordan Love. He's locked in a tight competition in a deep receiver group.

The second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2015 has 164 career receptions for 2,265 yards and 21 touchdowns. His best season came in 2017 with 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns.