Montreal Alouettes’ Arland Bruce is brought down by Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Evan McCollough during first half East Division semifinal CFL action in Guelph, Ont., on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
CFL veteran Arland Bruce has apologized for a crude posting on social media aimed at openly gay football player Michael Sam.
The Montreal Alouettes receiver issued a statement offering "my deepest and sincerest apologies for any harm I have inflicted on University of Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam.
"Michael Sam is someone's son, someone's brother and it is not my business nor my right to comment on his sexual orientation. My comment ... was inappropriate and disrespectful and I apologize for the lack of discretion."
Bruce and Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive lineman Bryant Turner Jr. were fined undisclosed amounts by the CFL on Tuesday for comments made about Sam.
Turner also apologized.
Bruce's future with the Alouettes was put in doubt when the club issued a statement to "unequivocally denounce" the comment, in which Bruce urged Sam to "submit to God."
The CFL Players Association also issued a statement saying it "in no way endorses the unfortunate comments made by two of its members."
It said the players' comments "do not reflect the beliefs of the CFLPA nor the vast majority of its members."