Gronkowski Apologizes For White Hit After NFL Suspension

Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski discussed his 2017 suspension, apologized to former Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White, and reflected on recent Patriots performances during interviews reported by sports.yahoo.com and suaragarut.id.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Gronkowski was suspended without pay after a fourth-quarter incident against Buffalo in 2017, when he struck White after an interception by Tom Brady. The Patriots won 23-3, while White entered concussion protocol.

Gronkowski explained that his frustration was directed at officials after he believed White committed pass interference without a penalty call.

"I never have, but in high school I used to, and I learned my lesson. It never worked in my favor. I was always the one getting more punished than what the referee was getting punished for.

So I learned my lesson young. But in the NFL, there was one instance where I really wish I attacked- not truly attacked the referee, but went after the referee verbally instead of attacking Tre'Davious White. I was very frustrated.

Defenders were draping all over me throughout that season. And then for that instance right there, that play, Tre'Davious White held me three times. There was no flag on the play.

He caught the interception. And I was so frustrated with the referees because there was no flag call that I elbow-dropped Tre'Davious White. So it wasn't Tre'Davious White's fault.

I just took my frustration out on him. So I'm sorry, Tre'Davious White. I should have elbow-dropped the referee." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

Gronkowski also described his view of the play and the officiating during the 2017 matchup against the Bills.

"At the top of the route, it felt like it was a big hole at the top, and then the throw was definitely, I mean, I felt like he kind of pushed me a little bit and made the play. I just don't understand why there wasn't a flag. It was a couple times in the game, and they're calling me for the craziest stuff ever.

And it's crazy, like, what am I supposed to do? And then they don't call that on White. It was just frustration, and that's what happened." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

Former Bills safety Micah Hyde criticized the hit and questioned why Gronkowski was not ejected, according to sports.yahoo.com.

"That's a dirty play, man. That's not cool. It's amazing to me that you don't get ejected for something like that.

It's crazy. He obviously saw him on the ground. It's like a wrestling move.

I don't know — elbow, shoulder — I don't know what it was. I saw on the replay it was just a dirty play, man. That's something the NFL talks about all the time about not wanting.

If the refs didn't see it live, they had a good chance to see it on the replay. Just a dirty play. Just touch him.

Put your foot on him. Tackle him. You don't need to drive your shoulder or elbow into him.

That wasn't cool. Obviously, the game was already — it was a pretty big margin at that time. There was just no need for that in the game we play." said Hyde, former Buffalo Bills safety.

Gronkowski later praised Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs after Doubs recorded 58 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Bills, according to yardbarker.com and suaragarut.id.

"The team helped him [Maye] big time. McDaniel was calling some great plays. Also, the wide receivers were getting open.

For example, Romeo Doubs on those two touchdowns. I didn't think Romeo Doubs had this in him, but he showed confidence at the top of the route, finishing the play" said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

He continued discussing how Doubs created separation and supported quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots victory.

"The way that he scored on the fade route, the cornerback was draped all over him, but he gave the little booster right at the end to get open, and Drake Maye led him. That's the type of confidence and quality of routes that Drake Maye needs so he can go out there and place the ball, complete passes, and score touchdowns." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

Gronkowski also previewed the Patriots matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, highlighting the teams' form and Tom Brady's connection to both franchises, according to suaragarut.id.

"That’s going to be a good game; it really is. The Raiders are very solid. They’ve got a tough defense.

They’re putting it together on offense as well with Kirk Cousins. This is going to be probably the game of the week." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

Brady, who spent nearly two decades with New England and later became a limited partner of the Raiders, was another focus of Gronkowski's comments about the matchup.

"And also [with] Tom, being Mr. Patriot that he is but also having some ownership in the Raiders, this is going to be a rivalry. I’m excited to watch. I’m excited to see a good game." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

Gronkowski also attended the Great Sports Legends Dinner, an event supporting spinal cord and brain injury research, where he discussed the fundraiser's significance.

"It really does. It’s absolutely legendary to be here." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.

The event was described by Gronkowski as a long-running sports fundraiser that has raised more than half a billion dollars over 41 years, according to suaragarut.id.

"This is one of the best fundraisers of all time, especially, you know, in the sports industry. It’s been going for 41 years now. Over a half a billion dollars raised throughout those 41 years. It’s just absolutely incredible." said Gronkowski, former New England Patriots tight end.