'League' Star Steve Rannazzisi -- I Lied About Escaping Twin Towers During 9/11

"The League" star Steve Rannazzisi has pulled a Brian Williams ... he's been lying for years about narrowly escaping from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Rannazzisi was forced to admit he made the whole story up after the New York Times put the heat on him. Rannazzisi now says, "I don’t know why I said this. This was inexcusable. I am truly, truly sorry."

Rannazzisi's tale was that he was working for Merrill Lynch on the 54th floor of the south tower when the first plane struck the north tower. He said he escaped before the second plane hit. He says it was a life-changing moment and decided to pursue his dream ... a career in Hollywood.

The comedian is featured in commercials for the restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings. The company told the Times they're re-evaluating their relationship with him. As for "The League" ... it's a moot point -- the show is in its last season.