Steelers' Maurkice Pouncey apologizes for “Free Hernandez” hat

Roughly 24 hours after pictures of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey wearing a hat that read "Free Hernandez" went viral, he apologized through his Twitter account.

"I fully recognize the seriousness of the situation involving my former teammate, and I regret that my actions appear to make light of that serious situation. I apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions," the Tweet read.

Hopefully that closes the circle of a stretch of time right before training camp begins in Latrobe, Pa. While it's unlikely the matter is taken any further than this, there is little doubt Pouncey will be asked about this time and again.

He really doesn't have anyone to blame for that but himself. Clearly, however he intended it to come off isn't how it went, and even while his apology is sincere, the aftermath will result in the creation of a distraction for himself, his teammates and his coaches.