Calgary Stampeder Nik Lewis has apologized and has pledged to donate a paycheque to a woman's charity after he drew a fury of public condemnation with a tweet referencing O.J. Simpson.
Lewis was fined by the CFL and was the target of a Twitter maelstrom after the Stampeder slotback tweeted on Monday, "I just bought OJ's gloves on eBay. Now all I need is a white girl named Nicole." He also added a hashtag — #maybealittletofar.
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On Thursday, Lewis offered a public apology.
“It’s not in my character or nature to condone violence in any way, especially violence against women. I made a huge mistake with my tweet and I apologize sincerely to everyone. I am truly sorry," said Lewis in a statement issued by the Stampeders.
“I didn’t realize until today how many people were offended by my comment. I didn’t mean to cause anyone grief. I know this doesn’t change anything that’s been done, but I will be donating my West Final game cheque to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.”
The club said Lewis also apologized directly to the Stampeders ownership group who, will match Lewis' contribution to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.
"The ownership group expresses its dismay and regret at the action of the player," the Stampeders' release states.
"This player and all members of the team are expected to conduct themselves publicly and privately with professionalism and respect for the community and everyone in it."
This is only the latest public storm the CFL has been subjected to in recent weeks.
B.C. Lions defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell was fined an undisclosed amount by the CFL on Wednesday for posting a message containing a racial slur on his Twitter account.
While tweeting about the U.S. presidential debate, Mitchell posted a message with a term that is derogatory towards Chinese people.
My Teamate said who I think Won the debate. I said the American Ppl. Cause if they watched carefully BOTH OF THEM Hide Money with the Chinks
— Khalif Mitchell (@TruthWillFree96) October 17, 2012
Dean (Boomer) Molberg, a morning show co-host at Calgary's Sportsnet 960 The FAN, said on air on Nov. 8 that he hoped the Saskatchewan Roughriders' plane would crash and wished four of the players would die.
Molberg apologized for the comment Thursday but a statement later that week on the station's Facebook page said Molberg had been suspended.
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