 Chiefs RB Johnson apologizes for gay slurs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs have barred running back Larry Johnson from team activities pending an investigation into his use of a homosexual slur this week.
Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl running back for the Chiefs, apologized Tuesday to his team, fans and the NFL "for the words I used."
"I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate," he said. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said."
Johnson posted the slur on his Twitter account Sunday in a response to another tweet. On Monday, he said it again in refusing to talk with reporters, according to a recording made by the Kansas City Star.
The Chiefs and the NFL are investigating.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) , The president of a national gay advocacy group is asking the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs to take action after running back Larry Johnson used a homosexual slur this week.
Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl running back for the Chiefs, posted the slur on his Twitter account Sunday in a response to another tweet. On Monday, he said it again in refusing to talk with reporters, according to a recording made by the Kansas City Star.
The president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Jarrett Barrios, says the NFL and Chiefs need to take disciplinary action. Barrios says the word is used to ridicule and harass young gay and transgender athletes.
The Chiefs and the NFL say they are looking into the matter. Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore declined immediate comment Tuesday.
TMZ has the whole comment
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson just issued an apology for hurling a gay slur at reporters yesterday -- but it was too late ... the team has already sidelined him from team activities.
Here's Johnson's apology:
First of all, I want to apologize to the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL, Commissioner Goodell, the Chiefs organization, Coach Todd Haley, his staff, and my teammates for the words I used yesterday"
"I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said. "
"I also want to apologize to all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model. We all make mistakes, and the challenge is to learn from them. I will do my best to learn from this one as I move toward becoming a better person, teammate, and member of the Kansas City chiefs team and community."
The Chiefs have "instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities" while they conduct an internal investigation.
It's unlikely the incident will effect Larry's play -- it can't get any worse this season.
The man is a pro football player, his job is to run as fast as possible and slam into people. But don't use harsh words they might offend someone.  | 
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