"Chiefs running back Larry Johnson issued an apology today but has been asked to stay away from team activities, and he is not at team headquarters as the Chiefs returned to practice during their off week.

It is not a suspension but is similar to the punishment Johnson faced after last year's bye week, when the Chiefs benched him after a series of arrests.

A team statement stated that the Chiefs are "continuing to investigate the alleged comments made by Larry Johnson. Until that review is complete, the Chiefs have instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities."

Johnson posted demeaning comments, directed at Chiefs coach Todd Haley, on his Twitter profile hours after Sunday's 37-7 loss to the Chargers. Johnson used a gay slur in one of his Twitter posts while responding to a follower, and he used another gay slur Monday after telling reporters he wasn't speaking publicly until Thursday. "