Eric Tillman spoke to reporters on Tuesday about his being charged. (Niall McKenna/CBC)

The Canadian Football League has removed comments from a Saskatchewan Roughriders online fan forum after earlier running a number of posts from Eric Tillman, the team's suspended general manager.

Shocked Roughrider fans found out Tuesday that Tillman, 51, was charged with sexual assault last week.

A 16-year-old girl came forward with a complaint last August, Regina police said. Tillman, who has been put on paid leave, is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 24.

Tillman held a news conference in Regina on Tuesday afternoon where he said he has fully co-operated with police. He asked people to wait for all the facts to come out before they come to any conclusions.

Early the next morning, under the name "Happy to be green," Tillman posted a number of comments on the fan forum on the CFL's website.

He responded to the many messages from Rider fans, some wishing him the best and others urging him to resign.

"Reading some of these posts are interesting insight into life... and people," he wrote. "I do understand how painful and unpleasant this is for so many of you, and that hurts more than words can ever express. I care deeply about the good name of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I also value my reputation... and, most importantly, love and care about my wife and children."

CBC News spoke with Tillman on Wednesday afternoon and he confirmed he was using the name "Happy to be green" to post messages on the website.

In his online postings, Tillman did not reveal any details about the allegations he's facing. He took issue with people speculating about his relationship with the complainant.

"Even injecting the word 'consensual' in this dialogue when your have no idea as to the allegation is incredibly unfair," Tillman wrote in the post. "Until the truth comes out over the coming weeks (and it will), I would respectfully ask you without your opinions until THEN!"

On Wednesday afternoon, the comments were removed and replaced with a note from CFL communications:

"We have closed this discussion topic regarding Mr. Tillman while it is in the hands of the authorities. We hope you understand the need to be respectful of the legal process."