National Football League

Toomer apologizes for 'Gestapo' remark

Published Apr. 22, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer apologized for invoking Nazi-era Germany in criticism of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's conduct during the ongoing labor dispute, the New York Post reported Friday.

Toomer sent an email to reporters Thursday to apologize for comments he made the previous day on ESPN's "Outside The Lines," including saying that Goodell was using his power like Hitler's secret police, the Gestapo.

"I know most of you have seen or heard my comments from [Wednesday] about Commissioner Goodell," Toomer wrote in the email. "Some of you have probably already, rightfully, taken me to task for my remarks. I want to offer this apology.

"Obviously I didn't fully understand the meaning of what I said. I do now. It was a stupid, inappropriate and offensive thing to say. I apologize for my choice of words, and I apologize to Commissioner Goodell for the offensive characterization."

During the panel discussion on ESPN, the 2008 Super Bowl champion lashed out at Goodell, claiming the NFL boss had too much power.

"I think the way Mr. Goodell has handled this, the way he's kind of using his power, is like the kind of a Gestapo-type situation, controlling the players, not letting the judicial system do its work," Toomer said

"It rubs a lot of players the wrong way, and that's why you see a lot of players now lashing out at Mr. Goodell. It's just way too much power for one person to have, and a lot of players take real issue with the way he's using this power."

Toomer, 36, last played in the NFL in 2008, concluding a stellar 13-year career with the Giants. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons from 1999 to 2003.