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Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey's busy season is about to begin. The All-Pro defensive back is getting set to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to kick off a season in which Baltimore's sole goal is to disrupt the dynasty.
However, Humphrey is still smarting over the backlash he received during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, when he criticized gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles for bowing to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade after she won gold in the individual floor exercise. Humphrey re-ignited the dormant controversy on the latest edition of his podcast, published days before the 2024 NFL season begins.
Humphrey has it clear: We don't bow to anyone
During his NFL preview edition of his "Punch Line" podcast, Humphrey recalled his role in the controversy -- and where he once expressed contrition for his comments on X/Twitter, Humphrey walked back that sentiment and doubled down on his Biles take.
"I get on ... Twitter, I was like, what the frick? Why are we bowing to anybody? This is freaking America, why are we bowing to another country?" Humphrey told co-host Jack Settleman. "I didn't even know what country that was, honestly."
Humphrey itted that he was unaware of Biles' significant on social media. Rather, the Ravens' three-time Pro Bowl selection said he had something to get off his chest about the show of sportsmanship and did not take the time to think it all the way through.
"(I've) just seen two people bowing, I said, 'This is crazy,' just from a whole human perspective, ethical," Humphrey said. "Should never bow to no man except God. So I said, 'Golly this is wild.'"
It seems that Humphrey and Biles are never going to see the same side of this issue, perhaps owing to the differences in their respective sports. Showmanship is a significant element of football, and wild celebrations -- especially on the defensive side of the ball where Humphrey plays -- are commonplace.
However, Humphrey would be well-served by leaving behind a fight that he can't win and giving all his attention to the Super Bowl chase -- which would get a real shot in the arm if Baltimore can top Kansas City on Thursday night.