Leeds have fined and warned prop forward Ryan Bailey for jokes he made on Facebook about the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
The 27-year-old former Great Britain international, who was the subject of an internal review by the club, has issued an apology.
The Rhinos say Bailey took full responsibility for the comments in a meeting with chief executive Gary Hetherington and has expressed his deep remorse at the offence caused by his comments.
In a statement, the player said: "First of all, I would like to say sorry to all those who I have offended by my comments.
"Having reflected on the remarks that appeared on my Facebook page, I can see that they would be deeply offensive to those affected in the tragic scenes we have seen in Japan.
"It was not my intention to offend or upset anyone but clearly I have done that and I am deeply sorry for that."
On top of his fine, Bailey has agreed to make a donation to the tsunami relief fund.
Bailey has yet to play this season because of a groin injury but could make his return against Wakefield on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Leeds' teenage winger Zak Hardaker, who made a tryscoring Super League debut against St Helens on Saturday, has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a broken finger.
The 19-year-old, who was recalled from his loan spell with Featherstone after the Rhinos lost Ben Jones-Bishop with a dislocated shoulder, will need to undergo surgery after breaking his finger in an accident at home.
"We are disappointed for Zak as he was impressive last week," said Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott.
"Unfortunately, as in all walks of life, sometimes these things happen but the timing of it is sad for Zak as he had a chance to stake a claim in the team."
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