Missouri's Lock apologizes for offensive past tweets

Missouri quarterback Drew Lock issued an apology Thursday for offensive tweets he posted years ago that used homophobic slurs and racially insensitive language.

The posts were made by Lock in his early teenage years. He deleted the tweets recently after they were brought to his attention. Lock submitted a formal apology via the Columbia Daily Tribune:

I was recently made aware of five tweets from my eighth grade year in middle school that were perceived as insensitive and inappropriate. An anonymous person brought these to the attention of the Columbia Daily Tribune, and I appreciate having the opportunity to address them.

I didn't intend to offend anyone with those messages, but I understand that this is an example of how words, even when written by a young teenager, can be interpreted by others as newsworthy, harmful and inappropriate.

By revisiting those tweets it gives us all yet another opportunity to grow from past history and strive to be more understanding and compassionate with each other in today's society. The most encouraging part for me is looking back at myself as a 14-year-old kid versus today as a 21-year-old leader of men and realizing how much I have grown as a person.

I have much more appreciation, understanding and compassion for all others. This moment in time gives me clarity and encouragement that everything I have experienced from 2011 to now has truly made me a better person. Thank-you to all who have helped shape me into the person I am today.

Lock is set to enter his senior campaign at Missouri as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft.