Updated

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) North Carolina coach Larry Fedora has apologized to a female reporter for a comment made during the Atlantic Coast Conference's preseason media days regarding the emotional maturation of male players.

Brooke Pryor with North State Journal asked Fedora on Thursday about how cornerback Des Lawrence had matured since an off-field incident that led to a 2014 suspension.

According to a transcript tweeted by Pryor, Fedora's response at one point included: ''For a woman, you don't realize it, there's a huge growing process for a young man from 17 to 21, 22 years old.''

When Pryor responded that women also mature at those ages, Fedora noted that he has three daughters.

Pryor later tweeted Fedora had sought her out and apologized, which was also confirmed by UNC team spokesman Kevin Best.