Ticats linebacker Simoni Lawrence took to Twitter Monday morning to apologize for comments he made following Hamilton’s 12-6 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks.
Lawrence, responding to criticism from Henry Burris over a first quarter hit on the Redblacks quarterback, said Burris was acting “like a girl” and “ho.”
My comments after the game was not acceptable..Not being the face of a great organization it’s not about me in heated moments it’s always US
— Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) November 2, 2015
And for all the kids that had to watch my actions after the game I apologize that is not how you should handle yourself in any situation .
— Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) November 2, 2015
If coach Austin and O taught me anything it’s you are going to make mistakes just be a man and own up to them and I apologize for post game.
— Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) November 2, 2015
Lawrence also responded directly to father of a female football player in Ottawa.
@jefflaprade tell her absolutely nothing… Poor choice of words after a tough battle as she would no how temper fly after a tough battle — Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) November 2, 2015
Lawrence also clarified that while he wasn’t trying to hurt Burris, a former teammate, he wasn’t apologizing for the hit that angered the 40-year-old quarterback.
I was not trying to hurt Hank just trying to make a play against a good QB that has a hell of a stiff arm in the open field… — Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) November 2, 2015
I am not apologizing for the hit on Hank ..I am apologizing for my actions after the game… I made a football play on that I don’t regret.. — Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) November 2, 2015
The hit continues to fuel debate on social media, with strong opinions on both sides. Lawrence was not flagged on the play.