Canada's TSN issues apology for offensive tweet

TORONTO (AP) Canadian sports network TSN has issued a public apology to Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, his wife actress Elisha Cuthbert, and forward Joffrey Lupul after it aired an inflammatory fan tweet about Cuthbert and Lupul.

The apology was read by host James Duthie on ''Sportscentre'' on Tuesday night and posted prominently on the network's website after Phaneuf, Cuthbert and Lupul sent a letter threatening legal action.

The insinuating tweet about Lupul and Cuthbert was included in an ongoing social media crawl at the bottom of the screen Monday.

''In spite of TSN's protocols to prevent unfounded and inappropriate tweets from making it to air, a false, and inappropriate tweet was allowed to run,'' TSN said. ''There was no basis for the false allegation made in this tweet.

''TSN unreservedly apologizes to Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert, and regrets any embarrassment this unfortunate incident has caused to them.''