Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson said he’s sorry for using a gay slur to diss his coach in a message to one of his Twitter followers. But his apology wasn’t enough to halt his suspension from the team until the matter has been investigated.

The brouhaha ignited Sunday night, following yet another loss, when the two-time Pro Bowler blasted the credentials of Coach Todd Haley. The coach declined to discuss the accusations Tuesday, saying the incident is still being investigated.

The Chiefs have told Johnson he cannot practice with the team or participate in team activities until the matter is resolved. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league would have no comment pending the investigation, The Associated Press reports.

I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate," Johnson said through a spokesman. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said." Johnson, who needs only 75 yards rushing to become the Chiefs' all-time leader, apologized to Haley, the team, fans and the league "for the words I used.

Johnson, who turns 30 in December, signed a five-year extension in 2007 that included $19 million guaranteed.