TORONTO — Odell Willis has apologized to CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie after a controversial tweet voicing his displeasure at being given a fine.

The B.C. Lions defensive lineman was fined the maximum amount by the CFL on Wednesday for a high hit on Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros. The exact amount wasn't divulged by a maximum fine is half a game cheque.

Willis took to Twitter on Thursday to voice his displeasure. In a tweet including the handle of the commissioner's Twitter account, Wills wrote: "Y'all fined me the maximum amount for leading with my shoulder, that's kool!!! Next time ima just lead with my head since y'all gon fine me the max anyway" followed by three "man shrugging" emojis.

After some Twitter users criticized Willis for the tweet, particularly the reference to leading with his helmet, Willis sent out an apology.

"@RandyAmbrosie with all due respect I'm sorry and I apologize for the tweet if it came off negative or threatening," he wrote. "It wasn't meant for that. I just don't understand and I open to any feedback u might have. Again I apologize 4 the earlier tweet. It wasn't meant 2 be negative"

Willis delivered the hit on Collaros in the first quarter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 35-16 win over the B.C. Lions. There was no flag thrown on the play, and only after the Riders challenged was an unnecessary roughness penalty called.

Collaros was forced top leave the game and was replaced by Canadian Brandon Bridge.