Vanderbilt University apologizes for controversial tweet from football team

NASHVILLE (WPVI) -- Vanderbilt University in Nashville is apologizing for a controversial tweet which was meant to be a motivator for its football team.

The tweet, which has since been deleted, read: "We are relentless and tough and intelligent. We don't need your permission."

Many called it poorly worded after two former Vanderbilt football players were found guilty of rape earlier this year.

The University removed that tweet and issued an aplology in two parts, stating: "We apologize for today's tweet. It's not a comment about sexual assault. Sex without permission is always wrong and not accepted."

They added in a second tweet: "Sexual assault is not acceptable at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt Athletics and Vanderbilt Football."