Carolina Panthers

Robinson warns Panthers of prostitutes, Broncos player caught in sting

Published Feb. 2, 2016 9:54 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

On the same day Eugene Robinson warned the Carolina Panthers not to do what he did — infamously getting arrested the night before the Super Bowl for soliciting a prostitute — Denver Broncos practice squad player Ryan Murphy is headed home after being caught up in a prostitution sting.

Police in San Jose, Calif., said Murphy and his brother were questioned along with a suspected prostitute after the three were discovered in a car in an area known for sex trafficking. Murphy was not cited but his brother and the woman were.

On Tuesday night, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak released a statement saying the team was sending Murphy home.

“Although practice squad safety Ryan Murphy was not cited by police, we decided it was best for the team if we continued our preparations for Super Bowl 50 without him," the statement said. “Ryan is returning to Denver but his status as a practice squad player has not changed at this time.”

Earlier that day in San Jose, Robinson warned the Panthers not to mess up like he did. Robinson, a member of the Panthers' broadcast team, was a Falcons safety in 1999 when he was arrested the night before the Super Bowl for solicitation of a prostitute, while his wife and children were in a nearby hotel. Robinson played in the Super Bowl the following day, but gave up an 80-yard touchdown pass and missed a tackle on a long run as Atlanta lost 34-19 to the Denver Broncos.

''It was just to tell these guys, don't mess this up,'' Robinson said Tuesday. ''... I can be a living example — don't mess this up.''

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the speech seemed to resonate with players, who gave Robinson a standing ovation.

''It was painful. I cried the entire night,'' said Robinson, who remains married to his wife of 30 years. ''I was like, `How did I get so far over here when I was way over there? It's easy to lose your way when you're selfish and you're only thinking about yourself. That's what I did.''

The Associated Press contributed to this report.