Steelers coach McCarthy regrets heated exchange with Rodgers: 'Not best choice of words'

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy has said he regrets the heated exchange with Aaron Rodgers, recorded on the show by the Thursday Night Football broadcast.

The controversy erupted when, with less than six minutes left in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers got a first down on third-and-16 after the Browns were flagged for roughing the passer.

As the other 10 players on offence stood ready to huddle with Rodgers, the quarterback stood with his arms spread wide, looking at the Pittsburgh sideline.

Then, on-field microphones picked up Rodgers shouting, “What? What the f***! Call it!”

The cameras then panned towards McCarthy, who appeared to be upset and whispered profanity.

Regretting his choice of words, the Steelers coach said, “Communication sometimes is not the best choice of words, but everybody’s competing on the field.”

"I think what’s said on the field, the way I grew up in this game, usually stays on the field. That’s not the case today. I understand that. But any negative communication on my part, I wish I wouldn’t use those words,” McCarthy regretted.

The Pittsburgh were defeated by the Cleveland Browns 27-24 on Thursday night.

Rodgers finished 22 of 40 attempts for 299 yards, but he was hit 10 times, including five sacks, and threw two interceptions.