Antonio Brown has apologised for filming a live video from the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room after their win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Brown, one of the league's leading wide receivers, went on Facebook Live after the 18-16 win at Arrowhead Stadium but his video included Steelers coach Mike Tomlin aiming profanities towards the New England Patriots.
New England will face Pittsburgh on Sunday in Foxboro for a place in Super Bowl LI.
Brown is potentially facing a fine for breaching the NFL's social media policy, while Tomlin said he would be punished by the Steelers as well.
Tomlin said: "There's consequences to be dealt with from his perspective. We will punish him, we won't punish us. And we'll do so swiftly, and we'll do so internally."
In response to the backlash, Brown wrote: "First I'd like to take this opportunity to say I am sorry for my actions and behaviour after Sunday's game.
"I let my emotions and genuine excitement get the best of me and I wanted to share that moment with our fans.
"It was wrong of me to do, against team and NFL policy, and I have apologised to Coach Tomlin and my team-mates for my actions.
"I'm sorry to them for letting it become a distraction and something they have had to answer questions about while we are preparing for a big game on Sunday."