Riverhounds' Danny Griffin denies using racial slur in game at Hartford Athletic
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is standing behind its captain.
Midfielder Danny Griffin on Thursday released a statement on Instagram denying an accusation that he used a racial slur during the Riverhounds’ game Saturday night at Hartford Athletic.
“I want to make it absolutely clear: I did not use a racial slur at any point during the match, nor have I at any other point in my life.
“This accusation is completely false and quite hurtful, in many ways. I stand strongly against racism (and any other form of discrimination) and would never engage in such behavior.”
The accusation stemmed from late in the Hounds’ 2-1 win over Hartford Athletic on Saturday when Griffin and Hartford Athletic’s Marlon Hairston reportedly had a verbal confrontation with six minutes of stoppage time left on the clock. After Hairston was seen pleading with an official, Hartford Athletic players and coaches left the field, and the match was called.
Hartford Athletic released a statement after the game that said, “The club has requested the league to conduct an investigation regarding the use of racially offensive language by a Pittsburgh player.”
In his statement, Griffin said the accusation has done “extreme harm and damage to my reputation” and that he has fully cooperated with the USL Championship’s investigative review. He stated that he voluntarily took a polygraph exam, and the results confirmed he did not use a racial slur.
“I hope this helps bring clarity and allows everyone to move forward,” he said.
The Riverhounds released a statement as well Thursday, supporting Griffin.
“We know his character, we know his values and we fully support the statement he has released today. We are unequivocal in our position: He did not use a racial slur.”
It also read: “We have supported fully the league’s review process, and Danny went above and beyond by voluntarily undergoing and sharing the results of a professional, licensed polygraph exam that confirmed what he has maintained from the start: No racial slur was used. The facts are clear, and we expect they will be respected.”
Club statement in support of Danny Griffin. pic.twitter.com/lXxStvxUyn
— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) September 25, 2025
The Riverhounds (9-9-7) are scheduled to host Las Vegas at 7 p.m. Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
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