To date, there’s no concrete evidence that anyone form the Panthers directed homophobic slurs at Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. during Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. Possibly for that reason, the NFL has no comment on the situation.
The league’s decision not to chime in on the subject comes on the same day that the NFL circulated, and released to the media, a memo reminding teams about the rule relating to foreign objects.
The NFL likely won’t take any action relative to the claim of homophobic slurs unless Beckham raises the issue during Wednesday’s hearing regarding his one-game suspension, with proof that it happened. And it may take something more than uncorroborated claims from Beckham alone. Absent, at a minimum, testimony from teammates or, ideally, objective proof like a recording of the remarks, it’s unlikely the league will do anything about it.
Moreover, absent such proof, it’s fair to regard the entire angle as, to quote Panthers coach Ron Rivera from Tuesday, “somebody’s attempt at spin control.”