Former Georgia and current Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Jake Fromm apologized Thursday afternoon for a racially insensitive comment he made during a text exchange from March 2019 that became public.
In that exchange, which was a discussion about guns, Fromm wrote, "Just make them very expensive so only elite white people can get them."
Fromm, who guided the Bulldogs to a 36-7 record and three Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championships in his three seasons in Athens, said Thursday that he apologized to Bills coaches and teammates during a meeting.
"I am extremely sorry that I chose to use the words 'elite white people' in a text message conversation," Fromm posted on social media. "Although I never meant to imply that I am an 'elite white person,' as stated later in the conversation, that's no excuse for that word choice and sentiment. While it was poor, my heart is not.
"Now, more than ever, is the time for support and togetherness, and I stand against racism 100%."
Fromm was projected by CBS in spring 2019 as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft if he bypassed his senior season, but he wound up sliding until the fifth round. The Bills selected the 6-foot-2, 219-pounder as the 167th overall pick.
ESPN analyst Myron Medcalf, when learning of Fromm's comment, said Thursday that the Bills should cut him immediately.
"He cannot be on that roster moving forward," Medcalf said.
The Bills released a statement Thursday night that read: "Earlier today, we became aware of comments made in a text message conversation involving Jake Fromm in 2019. He was wrong, and he admitted it to us. We don't condone what he said. Jake was honest and forthcoming to us about the text exchange.
"He asked an opportunity to address and apologize to his teammates and coaches today in a team meeting, which he did. We will continue to work with Jake on the responsibilities of being a Buffalo Bill on and off the field."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524. Follow him on Twitter @DavidSPaschall.