Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple. Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals' Eli Apple responds to criticism over possible Damar Hamlin-related tweet

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/24/23

Eli Apple posted on Twitter Tuesday afternoon, in the wake of mounting criticism over a Monday night tweet that may have been mocking Damar Hamlin.

All love thoughts prayers and concerns to @HamlinIsland as he continues to recover from that tragic incident. Never would I make light of that scary unfortunate scene. This game is truly a dangerous risk to our bodies mind and spirit. Nothing but love to all my football brothers
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 24, 2023

Apple appeared to have spent hours on Monday tweeting, retweeting and quote-tweeting on the social media app with anything related to bashing the Buffalo Bills.

Apple's Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Bills in the AFC divisional round on Sunday, with the defensive back recording six combined tackles and one pass defended while playing all 63 defensive snaps and doing his part to shut down Bills Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Josh Allen's favorite target finished the loss with just four receptions on 10 targets for scoreless 35 yards.

When the former New York Giants first-round draft pick seemed to allude to Hamlin in a quote-tweet, Buffalo defensive end Shaq Lawson called him out. Apple quote-tweeted one of Diggs' tweets with an emoji making heart hands, which has become Hamlin's famous gesture during his recovery from his cardiac arrest.

Cancun on 3 https://t.co/oOHSw1AMsT
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 24, 2023

You played a good game @EliApple but disrespect my boy @HamlinIsland situation that shit get you beat up frfr. Keep it on the field.
— Shaq Lawson (@Shaq_Lawson90) January 24, 2023

Apple and the Bengals will travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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