Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Eli Apple aroused the ire of Buffalo players and Bills Mafia with tweets he sent Monday, following the Bengals' 27-10 divisional-playoff win.
One of the tweets, "Cancun on 3" - with the hearts made of hands emoji Damar Hamlin has used during his recovery - was deemed particularly offensive by some because it was perceived as a reference to Hamlin.
Apple explained in a tweet he sent Tuesday afternoon that that's not what he intended, adding that his love, thoughts, prayers and concerns are with Hamlin as his recovery continues:
NBA player Patrick Beverley is known to use the "Cancun on 3" when teams are eliminated from the playoffs.
Late Tuesday, New York Jets defensive back and former Cincinnati Bearcats standout Sauce Gardner joked via Twitter that Apple is the Beverley of the NFL.
Apple also addressed tweets from the Bills' Stefon Diggs and Shaq Lawson:
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