Donald Trump: Sports stars react to 'locker room' comments

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Donald TrumpImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump described his comments from a 2005 leaked video as "locker room talk"

American athletes have condemned Donald Trump on social media for claiming that obscene comments about groping women were just "locker room talk".

The Republican presidential nominee, whose comments were broadcast in a leaked 2005 tape, apologised for the remarks but said they were "just words" and repeatedly referred to the context of the "locker room", external during Sunday's second presidential debate against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

However, US sporting stars were quick to dismiss Trump's explanation.

Former Leeds United winger and current LA Galaxy player Robbie Rogers - who in 2013 became the first openly gay athlete, external to play in Major League Soccer - was one of those who took offence.

Image source, @robbierogers

Eighteen-time Grand Slam singles winner Martina Navratilova also had strong words for Trump.

Image source, @Martina

NBA Portland Trail Blazers' CJ McCollum and LA Clippers' Jamal Crawford also rejected Trump's comments.

Image source, @CJMcCollum

As did former Philadelphia 76ers basketball player Kendall Marshall.

Image source, @KButter5

Trump's argument drew reactions from a range of sports, with Oakland Athletics baseball pitcher Sean Doolittle adding his name to the criticism.

Image source, Sean Doolittle

Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme and former New England receiver Donte Stallworth both urged Trump to leave the locker room out of it.

Image source, @JacobTamme
Image source, @DonteStallworth

And English former NBA star John Amaechi also added his voice to the criticism.

Image source, @JohnAmaechi

Outside the sporting world, reactions to Trump's comments were less unanimous. BBC Trending has sampled the public mood here.