Johnson Apologizes for Using Slur

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was ordered to stay away from the team Tuesday while the NFL and the Chiefs finish their investigation into his use of a homosexual slur twice this week, according to the Associated Press. Johnson issued an apology and a national gay rights advocacy organization called on the league and the team to take action against the two-time Pro Bowler.

The latest chapter in Johnson's turbulent career began Sunday night when he questioned coach Todd Haley's football credentials on his Twitter account. He used the slur during an exchange with one of his Twitter followers. On Monday, Johnson used the slur again as he brushed off reporters and told them he would not comment, according to the Kansas City Star, which recorded the comment. Johnson later apologized to Haley, the team, fans and the league "for the words I used."

"I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate," he said through a spokesman. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said."

Johnson also apologized 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."

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Johnson's Mouth Gets Him in Hot Water

Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is catching heat from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation (GLADD) for the use of anti-gay slurs. According to the Kansas City Star, Johnson yelled at reporters, in the locker room telling them to "get your f****t ass out of here." Jarrett Barrios, president of GLAAD, has called on the NFL to take action against Johnson and condemn the future use of anti-gay epithets. "All too often this is the word that is used to ridicule and harass young gay and transgender athletes on local sports fields across America," Barrio says. "Professional athletes who use this word need to be held accountable for feeding a climate of intolerance toward our community."—Nazenet Habtezghi