Rugby league great Steve Mortimer has apologised for suggesting the women involved in the NRL's sex tapes scandal may have been "looking for a little bit of notice".

Key points: Steve Mortimer had suggested it was not just the players who deserved the bame for the NRL sex tapes

Steve Mortimer had suggested it was not just the players who deserved the bame for the NRL sex tapes Mortimer apologised for his comments, saying players needed to "show respect for women at all times"

Mortimer apologised for his comments, saying players needed to "show respect for women at all times" His comments came after Tyrone May was charged with filming and circulating videos of sex acts with two women without their consent

Mortimer came under fire after making the comments on the ABC on Thursday, as the NRL continues to deal with a number of off-season incidents.

Penrith Panther's player Tyrone May was charged this week with filming and circulating videos of sex acts with two women without their consent, relating to alleged encounters in February and May last year.

"Having seen and read my comments in print, I realise that my choice of words was poor and not an accurate reflection on who I am as a person," Mortimer said in a statement.

"In no way was I seeking to apportion blame for some of the current issues in the game to young women in our society. Again, I apologise that my words suggested that.

"I am passionate about helping young people, and it was my intention to encourage young men and women to think about the choices they make in life before they act.

"Anyone who knows me understands how much respect I have for the wonderful women in my life and those in the NRL and the broader community.

"I want the young men in our game to understand it is a privilege to play rugby league for a living. It's not a free pass to do whatever you want.

"All players in our game must take responsibility for their behaviour and show respect for women at all times."

Mortimer, a two-time premiership captain with Canterbury, said on Thursday it was not just the players involved in the videos who deserved blame for damaging the NRL's reputation.

Tyrone May is alleged to have filmed and circulated videos of sex acts with two women without their consent. ( AAP: Craig Golding )

"I think it can also be the young ladies who are looking for a little bit of notice, that 'oh I've been taken out by a certain rugby league player', and that's just wrong," he said.

Mortimer said NRL players needed to take greater responsibility for their off-field behaviour.

"Today I went and I saw a bloke that I absolutely respect in the game of rugby league, and I won't say who he is, but he showed me this on his iPhone and I just could not believe it, that they were having sex," he said.

"I just thought, how embarrassing is that to yourself, and it should never be … shown that way."