LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska coach Bo Pelini went on a profanity-laced tirade against fans and two newspaper writers in 2011 audio that surfaced on the sports website Deadspin. The audio posted Monday catches Pelini speaking with Husker Sports Network play-by-play man Greg Sharpe before his postgame radio interview following Nebraska’s win over Ohio State in October 2011. The conversation was off air.

Pelini had been criticized by fans and media in the days leading to the Ohio State game for the Huskers’ performance the week before in a 31-point loss at Wisconsin. In the audio, Pelini repeatedly uses an expletive to refer to what he calls “fair-weather” fans.

After the audio went viral Monday, Pelini released the following statement:

“I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago which became public today.  I take full responsibility for these comments.  They were spoken in a private room following the Ohio State game.  I was venting following a series of emotional events which led to this moment.  That being said, these comments are in no way indicative of my true feelings.  I love it here in Nebraska and feel fortunate to be associated with such a great University and fan base.  I again apologize to anyone whom I have offended,” Pelini said.