Broncos coach apologizes after suggesting NFL free of racism

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) — Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio is apologizing for suggesting discrimination and racism aren’t problems in the NFL.

“After reflecting on my comments yesterday and listening to the players this morning, I realize what I said regarding racism and discrimination in the NFL was wrong,” Fangio said in an apology posted on the team’s Twitter account Wednesday.

“While I have never personally experienced those terrible things first-hand during my 33 years in the NFL, I understand that many players, coaches and staff have different perspectives,” Fangio added. “I should have been more clear and I am sorry.”

Fangio said he only meant to convey that in his experience, there weren’t those ills in locker rooms or on the playing field where teams rallied behind common goals. “Unfortunately, we don’t live or work only within those confines,” Fangio said. “Outside of those lines — both in the NFL and society — there is a lot of work to be done in the areas of diversity and providing opportunities across the board for minorities.”

He concluded his lengthy apology by saying, “I look forward to listening to the players — both individually and collectively — to support them and work hand-in-hand to create meaningful change.”

Fangio, a 61-year-old white head coach, had been criticized as being tone-deaf after his comments Tuesday in a video call with members of the media.