Costly comment

NEW York Giants cut ties with Janoris Jenkins (left) for the latter’s ‘retard’ reply. AFP

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The New York Giants are severing ties with one of their top defensive players, Janoris Jenkins, after he lashed out a fan on social media by calling him a “retard.”

The move comes two days after Jenkins responded to a critical fan by writing, “I can only do my job… retard.”

On Friday the Giants announced they were waiving Jenkins with an injury designation after he suffered an ankle injury in their last game against the Eagles.

“This was an organizational decision,” coach Pat Shurmur said.

The team said Jenkins’ refusal to “acknowledge the inappropriate and offensive language” was part of their decision to let him go.

Jenkins, who is black, initially explained the use of the word as “just part of my culture” and “a hood thing.”

“Where I’m from, we use all kind of words for slang. If it offends anybody, I’m sorry,” Jenkins said. “It’s a culture that I grew up in where I’m from. We use all kinds of words for all kinds of slang. If you don’t know, it’s a hood thing.”

After learning of the team’s decision Jenkins then tweeted: “Best news ever… Thank you.”

The 31-year-old cornerback leads the Giants with four interceptions and is sixth in tackles with 54.

He had started 29 consecutive games for the Giants and all 53 of his games since joining the team as a free agent in 2016.

He had one year left on a five-year deal which was due to pay him $14 million next season.