An investigation by the state inspector general's office found that comments made by a game commissioner against two outdoor writers were "inappropriate and ill advised," but showed no criminal intent or harm.

A final report by the Office of the Inspector General "found no illegal activity or intent on the part of Commissioner (John J.) Riley," said commission Executive Director Vernon Ross in a statement.

"What the inspector general's office did conclude, however, was that Commissioner Riley made some inappropriate and ill advised comments during the two, separate interviews."

In a letter of apology to "Pennsylvania sportsmen and sportswomen," Riley used those same words - "inappropriate and ill advised" - to describe his controversial remarks to the Valley News Dispatch's outdoor writer Karl Power and syndicated newspaper columnist and radio talk show host Jim Slinsky of Jim Thorpe in separate interviews.

"The lengthy interviews were conducted in a free-for-all format," Riley wrote. "As a result, I made some statements, which in hindsight, should not have been made and for those I apologize."

Riley, 70, of Pocono Township, was not penalized by the Game Commission, said commission spokesman Bruce Whitman.

Slinsky said he was disappointed Riley was not punished, especially after Gov. Mark Schweiker's office said it did not condone such remarks from public officials even if they were said in jest.

Slinsky claimed that during a Feb. 26 interview, Riley said, "I would like to take all the outdoor writers in Pennsylvania, line them up against a wall, and take care of them with my AK-47."

Riley told the Valley News Dispatch in March his comments were meant in jest in response to similar comments made by Slinsky about commission officials.

Power said Riley made the same "AK-47" statement to him and a more personal threat on March 4 while discussing antler restrictions.

Power said Riley apparently recognized Power's name from the writer's columns and allegedly said, "Oh, you're the no-good ... that wrote the deer meat processor story. You better be ready for bullets coming through your window and taking you out while you're sitting on your couch watching television."

Of this alleged threat, Riley told the newspaper in March, "there was no foul language, no mention of a window or bullets or TVs to my knowledge."

Power published stories last fall outlining a Game Commission sting operation in which undercover game officers took untagged deer to meat processors. If the processors accepted the deer, they were prosecuted for violating state game laws. The operation was suspended after the publicity generated questions about the legality of the sting.

Power said Tuesday he was not surprised no criminal charges were filed against Riley.

Power and Slinsky said they never wanted Riley arrested.

On Tuesday, Riley said through Whitman he had no further comment on the matter.