Wife of Washington Redskins GM apologizes for tweets aimed at ESPN reporter

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- A lot can go wrong in the era of 140 characters or less.

Even after deleting an impulsive thought after posting it on Twitter, doesn't put that thought into the grave nowadays. The blogosphere can be brutal and once you hit send in a moment of ignorance, your tweet can live on forever.

Such was the case with Jessica McCloughan, wife of Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan.

On Wednesday, McCloughan issued a statement, apologizing for "disparaging remarks" she made on Twitter toward an ESPN reporter.

On August 30, McCloughan wrote to ESPN's Dianna Russini: "Please tell us how many BJ'S you had to give to get this story. And did they laugh at your before or after?"

The team originally denied that McCloughan sent the tweet. Redskins senior vice president Tony Wyllie told Pro Football Talk that McCloughan "did not post the tweet, it came from a fake account, and it has been forwarded to the NFL's security department."

The Twitter account has been deleted.

On Wednesday night McCloughan admitted to sending the Aug. 30 tweet and apologized. McCloughan also sent a tweet from the account on Aug. 13 stating: "I'm pretty sure this info is coming from my husband to his new side chick (dianna) It's confirmed."

"I deeply apologize for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account," Jessica McCloughan said in a statement issued by the franchise. "The comment was unfounded and inappropriate, and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN. I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organization and its leadership. My comments in no way reflect the opinions or attitudes of the organization and I regret that my behavior has in any way negatively impacted the team and its loyal fan base."

A Redskins official released the statement.

ESPN also released a statement, supporting its reporter.

"Dianna is an excellent reporter who should never have to be subjected to such vulgar comments," ESPN said. "We are obviously extremely disappointed by today's developments."

McCloughan's response was directed at Russini's story on Kirk Cousins replacing Robert Griffin III as the Redskins' starting quarterback this season.