ESPN apologizes for report on Michael Sam's showering habits

ESPN apologizes for a report about St. Louis Rams rookie defensive end Michael Sam’s showering habits.

ESPN apologized on Wednesday for a report about St. Louis Rams rookie defensive end Michael Sam’s showering habits, saying the network failed to meet standards in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-related reporting.

"ESPN regrets the manner in which we presented our report. Clearly yesterday we collectively failed to meet the standards we have set in reporting on LGBT-related topics in sports,” ESPN said in a statement. 

On Tuesday, ESPN reporter Josina Anderson answered a question from anchor Jay Crawford about how Sam was fitting into the locker room with his teammates. Anderson quoted an anonymous St. Louis player, who said he knew about Sam's shower habits with the team.

Rams defensive end Chris Long tweeted criticism of the network Tuesday afternoon.

Sam, who came out publicly in February, is fighting for a roster spot. He has three sacks in the team’s three preseason games.

WATCH: Michael Sam sacks Johnny Manziel, does his money sign

Here is video of ESPN's report on Tuesday.

- Scooby Axson