Redskins linebacker Mason Foster apologized Thursday for “inappropriate language and derogatory remarks” that were sent to fans from his since-deactivated Instagram account earlier this month.

Foster, a team captain, did not appear in Washington’s locker room when it was open to the media Wednesday or Thursday, instead issuing the apology via a team spokesman Thursday afternoon. He said the messages were sent by a cousin who had been using his account to promote a charity initiative.

Foster’s apology came a day after Redskins Coach Jay Gruden was asked about a private Instagram conversation between Foster and a fan that was posted on social media. Images of the conversation showed a message from Foster’s account reading “F— this team and this fan base” following Washington’s loss to the Eagles on Dec. 3.