9/25 8:59 AM PT -- Matthews spoke with media about the charges on Wednesday ... saying "I regret any of my actions or whatever put a distraction on the team or distress any individual."
"I take a lot of pride in preparing myself for the season and representing the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as I can. So, unfortunately, due to the situation, I can't really make any other comments."
WATCH: Auston Matthews gives comment, but no questions.
— Lucas Meyer (@meyer_lucas) September 25, 2019
“ I regret any of my actions or whatever that put a distraction on the team.” pic.twitter.com/2G3ZFS6Yuf
Leafs coach Mike Babcock also spoke about the incident ... calling it an "unfortunate situation," and saying he was not aware of the allegations until Tuesday night.
NHL superstar Auston Matthews is facing disorderly conduct charges in AZ ... after the Maple Leafs center allegedly dropped trou and grabbed his ass in front of a female security guard, TMZ Sports has confirmed.
According to the police report ... the guard was sitting in her vehicle outside Matthews' condo complex in Scottsdale around 2 AM on May 26 ... when the 22-year-old and his friends tried to open the locked car door.
The guard -- who claims the group appeared to be drunk -- says the guys thought it would be funny ... but she didn't consider it a laughing matter.
In the report, the guard claims Matthews started to walk away when he dropped his pants to his ankles and grabbed his butt cheeks -- while keeping his skivvies on.
According to the report ... the whole interaction is on video, showing a man walking towards the building's elevator with his pants around his ankles.
The guard filed a complaint with cops a few days later ... and was ultimately charged with 1 count of disorderly conduct.
Matthews -- the #1 overall pick in 2016 -- has a hearing later this week.
Matthews is a STUD on the ice -- he's had more than 200 points in 3 seasons and just inked a $58 million contract extension earlier this year.
Matthews' NHL squad released a statement on Tuesday ... saying “The Toronto Maple Leafs are aware of the complaint of disturbing the peace against forward Auston Matthews."
"Auston is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities but neither he nor the Club will comment any further out of respect for the process involved.”
Originally Published -- 9/42 4:30 PM PT