James Sparklin, the Uber driver who posted a video of seven Ottawa Senators players criticizing their special teams coach, has spoken for the first time since the incident went viral.

"I was not in the right state of mind," Sparklin said, mentioning he wrestled with the decision and ultimately posted part of the video on YouTube while intoxicated, according to Kelly Egan of the Ottawa Citizen.

Sparklin said he was aggravated about an unspecified incident that happened early in the trip regarding the number of passengers he had to transport, saying he was concerned he wouldn't be covered by his insurance in the event of an accident.

"What really upset me the most was, if I were to get in an accident, I don't believe the insurance would cover it. The million-dollar policy would go very fast," he said.

Uber fired Sparklin for violating its terms of service, and he showed remorse for the incident.

"I didn't think about my actions at all," Sparklin said. "I wasn't trying to get money or anything like that. I got contacted and took it down right away.

"I'm worried about my name getting out, my life being ruined, and my children."

The Senators players involved in the video have since apologized, and the team has gone 1-1 since it was thrust into the spotlight.

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