Jan 17, 2017 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday it was regrettable he was caught on a video in the moments following Pittsburgh’s win Sunday in Kansas City using some choice words when talking about the New England Patriots.

But he also did not necessarily back away from the message.

Tomlin called wide receiver Antonio Brown’s decision to record the Steelers’ locker room in the aftermath of the Steelers’ 18-16 AFC Divisional Playoff game “foolish” and “selfish,” among other things, and said Brown will be punished internally for his actions. Tomlin was more upset that his postgame remarks to the team, which included profanities, were made available for all to hear on Facebook Live.

“This thing that is the National Football League, this platform that we have, is a precious and awesome thing,” Tomlin said. “Not something we take very lightly. The responsibility associated with being in this thing just from a role-model standpoint is something I personally embrace. So I apologize for the content of the video from that perspective.”

Tomlin doesn’t believe the video will be a motivational tool for New England, noting that the Steelers won’t be sneaking up on the Patriots in Sunday’s AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium.

“You aren’t going to creep in the back door of New England and win a football game, and creep out of there with an AFC championship,” Tomlin said. “I am not worried about our team’s ability to deal with the potential distractions. We are not concerned about that. That has no consequence on us or our preparation, and ultimately, our play.”

Both Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said they were disappointed with Brown’s decision. Tomlin said he has not spoken to Brown about the incident, and while the receiver’s punishment won’t be anything that keeps him off the field against the Patriots, it could be significant.

Brown is one of several athletes and celebrities who were paid money last summer to produce videos on Facebook Live according to a story in the Wall Street Journal. It was reported that Brown will receive $244,000 to provide content on Facebook Live.

Brown previously made videos in the Steelers’ locker room following games. But he had not captured Tomlin’s postgame speech until Sunday.

“Coach talks and then I talk, and you don’t want everyone to know what’s going on in there with the family,” Roethlisberger told KDKA-FM.

“I just wish AB would have been listening to Coach and myself instead of being on the other side of the locker room filming.”

Tomlin was more harsh in his response to that part of the incident.

“It was foolish of him to do that,” Tomlin said. “It was selfish of him to do that. It was inconsiderate of him to do that. Not only is it a violation of our policy, it’s a violation of league policy. Both of which he knows.”

While Tomlin was upset that some of his verbiage got out to the public, his message was sincere. When asked about his feelings regarding New England and how the Steelers have not had to beat the Patriots on their way to reaching the Super Bowl in 2005, 2008 and 2010, Tomlin was quick to respond.

“Professional respect. Competitive animosity. They haven’t had to go through us either, since I’ve been here. So stay tuned,” he said.

Linebacker James Harrison is dealing with shoulder and triceps issues that will limit him in practice. … Tight end Ladarius Green remains in concussion protocol but could return to practice this week. Others who could be limited with injuries include linebacker Anthony Chickillo (ankle), running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (concussion), safety Sean Davis (shoulder), defensive end Ricardo Mathews (ankle) and linebacker Vince Williams (shoulder). Davis and Williams played through injuries last week.