Donald Trump said a 2005 conversation he had with "Today" show co-host Billy Bush was "locker-room banter."
In the leaked audio, Trump can be heard making crude and offensive remarks about women, including "Days of Our Lives" actress Arianne Zucker.
"I've got to use some Tic Tacs, just in case I start kissing her," Trump said after seeing Zucker. "You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful (women). I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait."
Trump also said that he would "grab" women inappropriately and that his celebrity status allows him to get away with doing things regular people can't.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley said Trump's explanation for the language was not accurate.
"Just for reference. I work in a locker room (every day)... that is not locker room talk," Conley tweeted. "Have I been in every locker room? No. But the guys I know and respect don't talk like that. They talk about girls but not like that. Period."
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme and Boston Red Sox first baseman Cody Decker echoed Conley's sentiments, with Decker calling Trump's comments "sociopathic misogynistic sex offender banter."
The Republican presidential nominee apologized Friday after the leaked audio was made public.
"This was locker-room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course -- not even close," he said in a statement. "I apologize if anyone was offended."
Trump said his comments to Bush "don't reflect" his character.
Bush was suspended from the "Today" show.
Other athletes who spoke out after Trump's comments include former Kansas City Royals player and coach Frank White, Cleveland Cavaliers' Dahntay Jones, C. J. McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers and professional soccer player Robbie Rogers.
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