John Kerry

“As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones: my poorly stated joke at a rally was not about, and never intended to refer to any troop.  I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform, and I personally apologize to any service member, family member or American who was offended.  It is clear the Republican Party would rather talk about anything but their failed security policy.  I don't want my verbal slip to be a diversion from the real issues.  I will continue to fight for a change of course to provide real security for our country, and a winning strategy for our troops.”

Senator John Kerry issuing an official statement of apology.  November 1, 2006

John Kerry

“Of course I'm sorry about a botched joke.  You think I love botched jokes?  I mean, you know, it's pretty stupid. … I'm sorry that that's happened.  But I'm not going to stand back from the reality here, which is, they're trying to change the subject.  It's their campaign of smear and fear.”

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) on Imus in the Morning apologizing for screwing up a joke which was intended to target George W. Bush’s stupidity but instead wound up highlighting Kerry’s.  The line was supposed to be, “Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy?  You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq.  Just ask President Bush,”  but Kerry, no stranger to the verbal gaffe, mangled it into “You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well.  If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq,” thus allowing repugnant Republicans to claim that he was calling the troops stupid, which was followed by gutless Democrats distancing themselves from him instead of pointing out that Kerry’s flubbed word or two was insignificant compared to George W. Bush’s never-ending gusher of inelegant phrasings, not to mention his cavalierly lying and costing the lives of almost 3,000 Americans and tens if not hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.  November 1, 2006

Alex Bias

“There can be no excuse for such a remark, only an apology. …  Yvonne, you have my sincerest, heartfelt apology.”

Alex Bias, mayor of Desert Hot Springs, CA, apologizing to Councilwoman Yvonne Parks for telling her, in the heat of an argument, to “go play with yourself.”  October 31, 2006

Doug Belden

“I have realized that my consumption of alcohol affected my judgment when making decisions in my personal life that night.  I have resolved to correct this inappropriate behavior through professional assistance.”

Tampa, FL tax collector Doug Belden apologizing for reportedly approaching a woman in a bar, touching her breast, putting his head in her lap and kissing her on the cheek.  October 26, 2006

Taj Aldin Alhilali

“I unreservedly apologize to any woman who is offended by my comments.”

Australian Muslim Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali apologizing for blaming provocatively dressed women for rapes.  Said Alhilali, “If you take out uncovered meat and place it outside on the street, or in the garden or in the park, or in the backyard without a cover, and the cats come and eat it ... whose fault is it, the cats or the uncovered meat?”  He then answered his own question: “The uncovered meat is the problem.”  October 26, 2006

Rush Limbaugh

“Now people are telling me they have seen Michael J. Fox in interviews and he does appear the same way in the interviews as he does in this commercial.  All right then, I stand corrected. … So I will bigly, hugely admit that I was wrong, and I will apologize to Michael J. Fox if I am wrong in characterizing his behavior on this commercial as an act.”

Pharmacological expert Rush Limbaugh barely apologizing for bigly and hugely exposing his shamelessness by accusing Michael J. Fox of faking his shaking in a pro-stem-cell-research political ad.  Limbaugh’s spastic mocking of Fox’s Parkinson’s disease symptoms – one of the ugliest displays of human depravity ever captured on camera – made all sentient viewers wish for God to smite him on the spot.   October 25, 2006

Alan Hevesi

“It was belated and I am really sorry.”

New York Democratic State Comptroller Alan Hevesi apologizing for taking more than three years to reimburse the state for $83,000 worth of chauffering his wife around.  October 25, 2006

Isaiah Washington

“I sincerely regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on [the] set.  Both are beneath my own personal standards. ... I have nothing but respect for my co-workers ... and have apologized personally to everyone involved.”

Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington apologizing for getting into a scuffle on the set with co-star Patrick Dempsey after calling another cast member, T.R. Knight, a “faggot.”  October 25, 2006

Ola Salo

“Sometimes when I'm onstage, it's my mouth moving and not connected to my brain.”

Ola Salo, lead singer of the Swedish band The Ark, apologizing for saying about planes flying over a party for the opening of the new Swedish embassy in Washington, “In this country, you don't know where those planes are headed.  I hope they fly into the White House rather than here.”  The comment elicited laughter and applause from the crowd.  October 24, 2006

Yutaka Nakagawa for Sony

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologize for the worries.”

Sony Executive Officer Yutaka Nakagawa apologizing for a global recall of laptop batteries because of the possibility that they might catch fire.  October 24, 2006

William McDonald Love

“I just want to apologize to the community of Groton and the submarine community there and tell them I never meant to demean them in any way.  I'm sorry that my message was done in a fashion that was misunderstood.”

New London, CT graffiti artist William McDonald Love apologizing for covering  a landmark submarine sign with yellow paint.  Explained Love, “I can’t discuss the facts.” October 24, 2006

Barbara Cubin

“It was person to person and it was not an attack on the disabled.  In retrospect, I was wrong in what I said and I apologize.”  

Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) apologizing for approaching Libertarian candidate and multiple sclerosis sufferer Thomas Rankin after a contentious debate and saying, “If you weren't sitting in that chair, I'd slap you across the face.”  October 24, 2006

Bobby McCray

“It's a big embarrassment.  It's time-consuming.  It's an embarrassment to the team and myself.  You just look at it and learn from it, and drive slow from here on out.”

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Bobby McCray apologizing after being arrested for reckless driving and possession of Vicodin, for which he said he had a prescription.  October 23, 2006

Steve Kagen

“I did not mean any harm by my words and I humbly apologize if I offended anyone.  That was not my intent.”

U.S. House candidate Steve Kagen (D-WI) apologizing for saying he was late for a meeting on an Indian reservation  because “we’re on Injun time.”  October 23, 2006

Alberto Fernandez

“Upon reading the transcript of my appearance on Al-Jazeera, I realized that I seriously misspoke by using the phrase ‘there has been arrogance and stupidity’ by [the United States] in Iraq.  This represents neither my views nor those of the State Department.  I apologize.”

U.S diplomat Alberto Fernandez apologizing for accidentally stating the truth.  October 22, 2006

Eric Musselman

“First let me say that I'm sorry.  I'm embarrassed and ashamed.  I'm well aware of the seriousness of the situation.  It's not representative of how I live my life and I will never take it lightly.  It was a huge mistake on my behalf.”

Sacramento Kings coach Eric Musselman apoloigizing for his arrest on a drunk driving charge.  October 22, 2006

Sam Harris

“I made a mistake.  I acknowledge and apologize for it, but the rest of this is just an attempt to destroy me personally.”

Great Falls, MT justice-of-the-peace Sam Harris apologzing for making inappropriate comments in an Internet chat room.  A previous Great Falls justice-of-the-peace, Mike Smartt, resigned and subsequently hung himself after he was turned in for having gay pornography on his office computer – by Harris.  October 20, 2006

The Archdiocese of Miami

“While it was long in coming, with God's merciful grace this painful revelation can be the beginning of reconciliation and an instrument of redemption and healing for Mr. Foley.”

The Archdiocese of Miami apologizing to former Florida congressman Mark Foley (R) for the sexual abuse he suffered as a 13-year-old altar boy at the hands of Reverend Anthony Mercieca.  October 20, 2006

Elizabeth Edwards

“Elizabeth Edwards called her and apologized.  They had a good conversation.  The senator thanked her for the call and wished her well on her book tour.”

Hillary Clinton’s adviser Howard Wolfson reporting on an apology by would-be Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards’s wife Elizabeth for saying, “[Hillary] and I are from the same generation.  We both went to law school and married other lawyers, but after that we made other choices.  I think my choices have made me happier.  I think I'm more joyful than she is.”  October 20, 2006

Joe Cisneros for Larry Mead

“He told the court that he never did anything to anyone but himself, but that he betrayed the trust of his family, his community and his students, and he apologized to everyone.  He apologized to his students for not being the role model they needed.”

Joe Cisneros, attorney for former Salinas, CA elementary school teacher Larry Mead, apologizing for his client’s possession and transmission of child pornography, some of which he downloaded onto his school computer.  October 19, 2006

Jo Ann Harper

“Coach [Buddy] Teevens, his staff and his players have acknowledged that the actions displayed Saturday were not in keeping with acceptable standards of behavior at Dartmouth, nor with the great traditions of Dartmouth football and Dartmouth athletics in general.  They join me in apologizing to the Dartmouth community, the Holy Cross community and the public.”

Dartmouth athletic director Jo Ann Harper apologizing for a fight that broke out when, after Holy Cross defeated Dartmouth in overtime, its players celebrated atop the Dartmouth “D” painted on the field.  October 19, 2006

Claire McCaskill

“I think it’s patriotic to fully fund verterans’ benefits, but I shouldn’t have questioned your patriotism.”

Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Claire McCaskill apologizing for calling incumbent Jim Talent a “false patriot” because of his 23 votes to cut veterans’ benefits.  October 18, 2006

Steny Hoyer

“If Mr. Steele did in fact take offense, let me assure him that none was intended.  But Mr. Steele continuously tries to divert attention from the fact that he is an unwavering supporter of the Republican agenda and of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.”

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer apologizing for saying that Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, a black man, supports Republican policies “slavishly.”  October 17, 2006

Tom Potter

“I personally feel the need to apologize.”

Portland, OR mayor Tom Potter apologizing for the death of a mentally ill man who died from injuries sustained while he struggled to avoid arrest.  October 17, 2006

Brandon Meriweather

“I was not part of the initial fight that broke out.  However, I did see that my teammates and, more specifically, the placeholder were being attacked by the FIU players.  At that point I went over the pile so that I could control my teammates and prevent the fight from becoming worse.  When I arrived at the pile, I did not use my better judgment.”

Brandon Meriweather, Miami Hurricanes defensive back, apologizing for stomping on opposing players during a brawl with the Florida International University Golden Panthers.  October 17, 2006

Anthony Reddick

“You'll never see that behavior out of me again.  My behavior was a disgrace to my school, my family and my friends, especially the young kids who look up to me as their role model.  I do understand that what I did was wrong.”

Anthony Reddick, strong safety for the University of Miami’s Hurricanes, apologizing for swinging his helmet and smashing it into an opposing player during the Hurricanes-Golden Panthers brawl.  October 17, 2006

Bonnie Garcia

“While I heard no complaints during my time in the classroom, if anyone was offended by the silly questions asked and the joking answers I gave, I sincerely apologize.  I'm sorry and wish this had not happened.  However, as a parent, I have to ask myself,  if something truly offensive occurred, why did the adults in the room not stop the discussion, approach me after the discussion, or contact my office in the days following my visit?  None of this happened.”

California Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City) grudgingly apologizing for saying of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, during a speech to La Quinta High School students, “I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed.”  October 15, 2006

Perry Patterson

“I'd like to apologize to Syracuse University and fans and everybody who watched the game on Saturday.  I made an out-of-character gesture to the fans and I let them get to me.  It's not what represents Syracuse.  It's not what Coach is trying to build in this program.  It was completely out of character.  I was embarrassed.  I felt bad about it.  I immediately called [West Virginia] Coach [Rich] Rodriguez and apologized to him.  I'd like to apologize to all the fans out there and everybody who roots for the Syracuse program.”

Perry Patterson, quarterback for the Syracuse Orange, apologizing for giving fans of the West Virginia Mountaineers the finger.  October 15, 2006

Steve Lyons

“If I offended anybody, I'm truly sorry.” 

Fox sportscaster Steve Lyons apologizing after being fired for making fun of co-broadcaster Lou Piniella’s use of a few Spanish words  -- he said Piniella was “habla-ing some Espanol” – and joking about Piniella stealing his wallet.  (Lyons, who distinguished himself on the air just a week earlier by making fun of a nearly blind man, is perhaps best known for his never-apologized-for 2004 comment about Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Shawn Green’s decision to sit out a game on Yom Kippur: “He’s not a practicing Jew.  He didn’t marry a Jewish girl.  And from what I understand, he never had a bar mitzvah, which is unfortunate because he didn’t get the money.”)  October 13, 2006

George Parker

“I sincerely apologize.  I never want them to feel I am treating them differently than anyone else.”

Mason, OH municipal judge George Parker apologizing to law enforcement officials of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Mason police department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, all of whose officers had complained that he intimidated them and treated them with disrespect.  October 10, 2006

Evelyn C. Lynch

“I want to inform the Saint Joseph College community of an event that I deeply regret.  I sincerely regret the embarrassment that this incident brings to Saint Joseph College, and I want to apologize to the entire college community.  I recognize that I am responsible for my serious lapse in judgment, and I have taken immediate steps to address this situation.  I hold Saint Joseph College in very high regard and apologize for the difficulty this news presents to you as members of our outstanding community.”

Evelyn C. Lynch, president of West Hartford, CT’s St. Joseph College, apologizing in a letter for her DUI arrest.  October 10, 2006

Paul Gallagher

“My words were very poorly chosen, and I sincerely apologize for them.  It won't happen again.”

Alderman Paul Gallagher apologizing for defending budget cuts to the New Berlin, WI police department by saying, “Most person crimes and property crimes are committed by poor and minorities.  It's just a fact.  We don't have much of that here in New Berlin.  So, if we had no police department at all in New Berlin, we'd still have a low level of crime. There's just no question about that.”  October 10, 2006

Frank Tassone

“My actions are shameful, deplorable ... I am deeply sorry to the people of Roslyn, to the youngsters of Roslyn ... I hope that my days in prison are spent trying to do some good working in the ministry of teaching, so perhaps I can make up to society in that way.”

Former Roslyn, NY school superintendent Frank Tassone apologizing in court for embezzling over $2 million from his school district.  October 10, 2006

Russell Pearce

“My heart is really hurt to think something like that would go out under my name.  I was very embarrassed I didn't have better diligence and read the whole article.”

Arizona state representative Russell Pearce (R-Mesa) apologizing for bolstering his efforts to bring back “Operation Wetback,” a 1950s deportation program for illegal immigrants, by sending out an e-mail of an article called, “Who Rules America? The Alien Grip on Our News and Entertainment Media Must Be Broken.”  The article, which attacked the way “any racially conscious White person who looks askance at miscegenation or at the rapidly darkening racial situation in America” is portrayed  by the “media masters,” was written by the National Alliance, a West Virginia white separatist group that scoffs at “the Jewish ‘Holocaust’ tale.”  October 10, 2006

Raymond Brown

“I met with the governor this morning and took a picture with her and gave her a letter of apology.  I just explained to the governor that I was under a lot of pressure at that time.”

Louisiana reverend Raymond Brown apologizing to Governor Kathleen Blanco for referring to her as a “no-good bitch.”  October 9, 2006

Tom Reynolds

“At the time, I thought I had done the right thing.  I have since learned that newspapers in Florida and the FBI had copies of the emails for months and that Foley had been confronted by them and lied.  I trusted that others had investigated.  Looking back, more should have been done, and for that, I'm sorry.”

Representative Tom Reynolds (R-NY) apologizing in a political ad for failing to do more about the “odd but not explicit” emails sent by Mark Foley to congressional pages.  October 8, 2006

Thom Brennaman and Steve Lyons

“I am sincerely sorry for our comments if they offended.”

Fox sportscaster Thom Brennaman apologizing for himself and fellow commentator Steve Lyons for making fun of a magnifying device used by Mets fan Stephen Teitelbaum, unaware that the man is almost blind.  (Brennaman referred to the device as a “psycho-meter,” and Lyons observed, “He’s got a digital camera stuck to his face.”)  October 7, 2006

Francine Katz for Anheuser Busch

“We apologize for any misunderstanding about the World Cup Winner's Trophy visit to the United States.”

Anheuser-Busch spokeswoman Francine Katz apologizing for a deceptive news release giving the false impression that the trophy being represented to fans on a tour of U.S. cities as the “FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy” awarded to Italy in July was actually a mere replica.  October 6, 2006

Sienna Miller

“I want to apologize for my comments which seem to have been misconstrued and taken out of context.  I was referring to the fact that we are shooting almost all night shoots on this film and none of us have had an opportunity to fully explore the city.  What I have seen of it is beautiful.  I came once before to visit the Andy Warhol museum whilst researching a film and found both the city and it's inhabitants warm and gracious.  My father is from Meadville and is in town to show me round this weekend.  I sincerely apologize and hope people realize that conversations can be easily manipulated in print.”

Actress Sienna Miller apologizing for referring to Pittsburgh in a Rolling Stone interview as “Shitsburgh” and telling the reporter, “Can you believe this is my life? Will you pity me when you’re back in your funky New York apartment and I’m still in Pittsburgh? I need to get more glamorous films and stop with my indie year,” all of which was somehow “misconstrued” as negative.  October 6, 2006

James Ethridge

“I was trying to help Ms. Sweet.  I now know I did not do this the right way.”

North Carolina district court judge James Ethridge apologizing for “helping” Alzheimer’s victim Rosalind Williams Sweet, who had been declared incompetent, by putting her home in his name and her life savings into a checking account in his name.  October 6, 2006

Dennis Hastert

“I'm deeply sorry this has happened and the bottom line is we're taking responsibility.  The buck stops here.”

House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) pretending to apologize for his failure to act on warnings about Mark Foley’s Internet come-ons to male congressional pages while suggesting that members of his staff were to blame, and that the whole kerfuffle had been orchestrated by a cabal consisting of ABC News, Democratic operatives, and liberal multi-billionaire George Soros, who observed, “By pointing fingers at everyone but himself, Speaker Hastert certainly has an interesting definition of the buck stops here.”  October 5, 2006

Jerry McKenna / DJ No Name

“[He was] less respectful of the event than he should have been.  We are dealing with it internally.”

Jerry McKenna, VP and market manager for Entercom Communications, reporting that KNDD-FM disc jockey DJ No Name had apologized for following news of the shooting at an Amish school by playing Weird Al Yankovic’s “Amish Paradise.”  October 5, 2006

Albert Haynesworth

“It was a blur.  It was a big, big mistake and something I wish I could do anything to take that back.”

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth apologizing for scraping his cleat across the unhelmeted head of Dallas center Andre Gurode.  October 5, 2006

Terrence Kiel

“I feel in so many ways that I owe my teammates an apology for missing the game.  That's something I can't get back.”

San Diego Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel apologizing after being arrested on suspicion of shipping codeine-based cough syrup to Texas.  October 4, 2006

Michael Rosin

“I'm terribly, terribly sorry.  I hope before they make a final decision about me they will be patient, they will be forgiving and they will not be overly strict or harsh as they form their opinion.”

Sarasota, FL dermatologist Michael Rosin apologizing before being sentenced to 22 years in prison for falsely diagnosing dozens of patients with cancer and performing unneeded surgeries, in some cases disfiguring his victims.  October 4, 2006

Vandale Amos Willis

“I want to apologize for everything I did in court.  I’m sorry, your honor.”

Convicted cocaine dealer Vandale Amos Willis apologizing to a judge in  Duluth, MN for interrupting his trial by smearing his feces on the table he was sitting at, on his chair, and on the courtroom floor.  October 4, 2006

Don Sherwood

“While I'm truly sorry for disappointing you, I never wavered from my commitment to reduce taxes, create jobs and bring home our fair share.  Should you forgive me, you can count on me to keep on fighting hard for you and your family.”

Representative Don Sherwood (R-PA) apologizing in a TV spot for cheating on his wife while denying accusations by his mistress that he tried to choke her.  October 4, 2006

Bernard Schmitt

“I cannot explain how much I regret that my letter hurt and angered so many in our community.  I am deeply sorry, and I ask you for your forgiveness.”

Retired Roman Catholic bishop Bernard Schmitt apologizing for having urged a federal judge to go easy on a Wheeling, WV businessman who pleaded guilty in a child pornography case.  October 4, 2006

Steve Jobs

“I apologize to Apple's shareholders and employees for these problems, which happened on my watch.  We will now work to resolve the remaining issues as quickly as possible and to put the proper remedial measures in place to ensure that this never happens again.”

Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs apologizing after an investigation raised “serious concerns” regarding the company’s stock-option practices.  October 4, 2006

Richard Polk

“I made a serious mistake that I deeply regret.  I embarrassed myself, my family, the council and the community.  As an elected official, I have a responsibility to act responsibly at all times.”

Boulder, CO city councilman Richard Polk apologizing for a DUI arrest during which marijuana, a pipe and rolling papers were found in his car.  October 3, 2006

Chuck Reed

“I should have held myself to a higher standard, and I am disappointed in myself, and I'm sorry that I did not.”

San Jose, CA councilman and mayoral candidate Chuck Reed apologizing for using public funds for personal expenses.  October 3, 2006

Joel Sawyer

“Anyone that doesn't have a political agenda who listened to or read the governor's comments knows the context and knows the meaning, which is that the state was dealing with a difficult-to-escape situation.  The governor was not aware that some people view the word as having another meaning, and if anyone was offended by his use of that word, he certainly apologizes.”

Joel Sawyer, press secretary for Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC), apologizing for his boss’s having used the phrase “dancing with a tar baby.”  October 2, 2006

Larry Shirley

“I apologize to those I upset, but I believe this crime has got to stop.  I know we can't really sterilize people, but I wanted to start the dialogue.”

Charleston, SC city councilman Larry Shirley apologizing for saying that parents who can’t prevent their children from committing crimes should be sterilized.  October 2, 2006

KDWB-FM

“KDWB does not condone making light of Islam and Muslims.  We regret that listeners found the ‘Muslim Jeopardy’ comedy skit of one of our on-air hosts to be insensitive.”

Minneapolis radio station KDWB-FM apologizing for broadcasting a bit which included the threat to behead a woman if she gave an incorrect answer.  October 2, 2006

Gerald Barbarito

“I’m truly, truly, truly sorry.  Priests are humans and they make mistakes.  Some make mistakes we can certainly understand.  Others, not so.  Sexual abuse, stealing money, we cannot understand this.  Prayer is our strongest resource.  The Lord is the only perfect one, and we rely on his strength.”

Gerald Barbarito, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach (FL), apologizing to parishioners of a church from which two former pastors stole $8.6 million.  October 1, 2006

Jose Ernesto Beltran Quinonez

“I don't know why I did it.  I wouldn't want to do any harm to this country.”

Mexican citizen Jose Ernesto Beltran Quinonez apologizing for trying to get revenge on the human smugglers he used to work for by falsely telling authorities that they were bringing a nuclear bomb into the country through Mexicali.  September 29, 2006

Jim Hoeft

“I apologize to Mr. Kellam and his family for the headline.  I meant him no malice. It was my lack of knowledge on how to accurately interpret the document that led to my poor choice of words.”

Jim Hoeft, editor of the blog Bearing Drift, apologizing for stating in a headline that congressional candidate Phil Kellam had been convicted of assault, when in fact the charge was ultimately dismissed.  September 29, 2006

Phil Kellam

“I did not conduct myself as a gentleman, and I regret that.”

Congressional candidate Phil Kellam (D-VA) apologizing for a 28-year-old incident which resulted in his pleading guilty to assaulting a woman who cut him off in traffic, though he claims to have merely shouted at her and pounded her car.  September 29, 2006

Mark Foley

“I am deeply sorry, and I apologize for letting down my family and the people of Florida I have had the privilege to represent.”

Disgraced Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) – not (D-FL), Fox News!!! – apologizing after a series of Instant Messages in which he discussed penis size and masturbation with various male congressional pages became public, resulting in his instant resignation and subsequent checking into a rehab for an alcohol problem that no one who knew him thinks he has.  September 29, 2006

Avril Lavigne

“I’d like to sincerely apologize for my behavior with the paparazzi.  It’s trying at best dealing with their insistent intrusions.   I meant no offense to my fans, whose relationship I truly value.”

Singer Avril Lavigne apologizing after being caught on camera spitting in the faces of photographers from TMZ.com.  September 29, 2006

Jim Hibbard

“When I made this comment, I immediately realized it was not as funny as I thought and apologized.”

Adams County (CO) coroner Jim Hibbard apologizing for telling a staff member that the least expensive way to treat her husband’s colon cancer was with a bullet.  September 29, 2006

Alan Hevesi

“It was irresponsible for me, it's irresponsible for anybody, but for the comptroller of the State of New York, I think it was really inappropriate.  I apologize to the citizens, I apologize to you, I apologize to the taxpayers, I apologize to my family, and I particularly apologize to my staff, and the reason is, boy is this a distraction from us telling the story of what we've done in the comptroller's office.”

New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi apologizing for not reimbursing the state for having a public employee chauffer his wife around for the past three years.  September 28, 2006 

Richard Eckstrom

“I would like to take this opportunity to make a humble apology to the people of South Carolina for an imprudent decision I made two years ago.  Although the law and historic practices provide constitutional officers a vehicle to use at their discretion, including individual use, appearances matter.  I realize how this appears to the public that I serve.  I deeply regret that I used this vehicle as I did.  I wish that I had not. ... I made a mistake in judgment.  I ask for your forgiveness.”

South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom apologizing for using a state-owned mini-van for a 2004 vacation excursion to Minnesota and buying fuel with a state-issued gas card.  September 26, 2006

 

Keith Dennis

“The public reaction to this story has been significant.  A large number of people have contacted us.  Lots of them have seen the humor we were trying to convey, but far too many were clearly bothered by it.  This was simply an attempt at humor that fell short.  I wish to offer my sincere apology to anyone who was offended.  We do not wish to alienate anyone in our community – all of whom are potential customers.”

Keith Dennis, owner of the Columbus, OH ad agency Dennis Mitsubishi, apologizing for unaired “jihad-themed” radio spots for a car dealership that planned to have its sales reps in burqas handing out free swords to kids on “Fatwa Fridays.”  September 25, 2006

Mark V. Hurd

“On behalf of HP, I extend my sincere apologies to those journalists who were investigated and everyone who was impacted.”

Brand new Hewlett-Packard chief executive Mark V. Hurd apologizing for the same thing Patricia C. Dunn, who had just resigned, had apologized for ten days earlier.  September 22, 2006

Brandt C. Downey III

“I acknowledge that my actions were inappropriate.  I beg everyone's forgiveness.”

Brandt C. Downey III, Circuit Judge of Clearwater, FL, apologizing for frequently watching porn on the computer in his chambers.  September 22, 2006

Pope Benedict XVI

“This quote unfortunately lent itself to be misunderstood.  In no way did I wish to make my own the words of the medieval emperor.  I wished to explain that not religion and violence, but religion and reason go together.”

Pope Benedict XVI failing to explain why his reluctance to make the words of the ancient emperor his own didn’t prevent him from blithely quoting them.  September 20, 2006

Leroy Stambaugh

“I will stand accountable to my criminal charges and write this letter without knowing what the state's attorney or the judge will recommend for me.  I just want to do what is right. … Each time I gambled was another turn at sinking deeper into debt and, more unfortunately, deeper into becoming a person I never thought I'd be or ever wish upon anyone. … All I wish to end with is that I meant no harm and know that I have caused much.  Please accept my apology.”

Leroy Stambaugh, former mayor of Amboy, IL, apologizing for stealing less than $100 from a donation jar at the Amboy Depot Museum.  September 20, 2006

Bryan Bentley

“I apologize to my family, to my district, the administration, everyone in the district whom I've worked with.  It was a moment of weakness and stupidity that brought me to this point. I apologize for letting people down.”

Bryan Bentley apologizing for his arrest for possession of cocaine, for which he resigned from the Clarenceville, MI, school board.  September 19, 2006

Jamaal Lewis

“Those two weeks were the longest two weeks of my life.  I went through a lot of emotional states and basically soul searching.  I realize I made a mistake and it got out before I could have a chance to tell my side of the story.  I want to go on record and say sorry to the Sun Devil nation, all the boosters, all the people who support us.  My family and friends, I put them through a lot.  The coaching staff, all my teammates.  It's a team sport and it's rough making a mistake but my parents taught me you make mistakes in life, you take a lesson out of it and you move on. That's why I'm trying to do now.”

Arizona State wide receiver Jamaal Lewis apologizing for his arrest on a reckless driving charge, which resulted in a two-game suspension.  September 19, 2006

Joanne Wile

“I am extremely remorseful and regretful over my uncharacteristic lapse in behavior, for which I offer no excuse.  What I did was wrong and will not be repeated by me or anyone connected to my campaign.”

Albany (CA) City Council candidate Joanne Wile apologizing to her opponent, Francesco Papalia, for removing Papalia’s campaign material from voters’ doorsteps.  September 18, 2006

Pope Benedict XVI

“I am truly sorry for the reactions caused by a brief passage of my speech.  These were quotations from a medieval text that do not express, in any way, my personal opinion.”

Pope Benedict XVI apologizing for quoting that Byzantine Christian emperor, though why he was quoting words that “do not express, in any way,” his own opinion went unexplained.  September 17, 2006

Pete Rose

“I’m sorry I bet on baseball.”

A message in block letters on 30 baseballs signed by Pete Rose for friends that somehow found their way to a New Jersey auction house that announced they would be up for bid in April 2007.  “Pete made zero dollars for signing them,” said his business agent Warren Greene.  This obviously stuck in his client’s craw, because two days later, Rose’s own Web site began marketing identical balls for $299 each, plus $4.99 shipping and handling.  September 18, 2006

Tarcisio Bertone for Pope Benedict XVI

“[The Pope] sincerely regrets that certain passages of his address could have sounded offensive to the sensitivities of the Muslim faithful.”

Deputy Pope Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone explaining that the Pontiff’s quoting of a Byzantine Christian emperor who said, “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached,” was not intended to portray Islam as violent.  September 16, 2006

John A. Lynch

“I deeply regret it, not merely because it will irreparably stain my reputation but, more importantly, because it will further erode both the citizens' faith in their public officials and the country's perception of this great state.”

Former New Jersey Senate president John A. Lynch, who pleaded guilty in a Newark courtroom to charges of official misconduct and tax evasion, apologizing in a written statement distributed by his lawyer.  September 15, 2006

Robert Dunford

“We had no idea of this.  If we had, we would have contacted the officer and said, ‘Listen, we're not able to do this.’ … Myself and the commissioner, we apologize for any unintended injury to this victim.”

Robert Dunford, superintendent of the Boston police department, whose policy is to provide uniformed escorts for the funeral processions of the immediate family members of current officers, apologizing for providing the courtesy for a cop’s brother who was a convicted child rapist.  September 13, 2006

Jim Webb

“I am completely comfortable with the roles of women in today's military.  To the extent that my writings subjected women at the Academy or the active armed forces to undue hardship, I remain profoundly sorry.”

Democratic Virginia Senate candidate and former Navy secretary Jim Webb apologizing for a 27-year-old article he wrote for The Washingtonian magazine called “Women Can’t Fight,” in which he made disparaging remarks about women attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and referred to a dorm housing 4,000 men and 300 women as “a horny woman’s dream.”  September 13, 2006

Phil Mask

“I apologize this has happened, but I authorized the sale upon the advice of my experienced detective, whom I rely on to either follow proper and legal sale of these weapons or to dispose of them.”

Saline County sheriff Phil Mask apologizing for selling 108 confiscated weapons to gun dealer John Norrell of Little Rock, AR.  September 12, 2006

Marguerite Wageling

“I deeply apologize that my comments were or would have been misconstrued to represent another belief, particularly on such a solemn day.  Obviously, I'm human and people make mistakes every day.  I should have been more articulate in saying what I did.”

Attorney Marguerite Wageling of Hillsborough County, NH, apologizing for saying at a ceremony commemorating the people who died in the 9/11 attacks, “What happened to us, in my humble opinion, is the result of the intolerance we have for people who are different.”  September 12, 2006

George Allen

“I've learned a valuable lesson about the power of words, about how words carelessly chosen, or in my case, even made up, can have a totally unintended meaning and impact for another person from another background or from a different cultural perspective. … The point is, symbols matter, they should matter, and this is something that I wish I learned a lot earlier.  Even if your heart is pure, the things you say and do and the symbols you use do matter because of the way others may take them. … What I appreciate, and wish I had sooner, is that that symbol, which for me was fit for simply rebelling against authority, and for others was fit for pride in heritage, was and is for black Americans an emblem of hate and terror, an emblem of intolerance and discrimination.”

Senator George Allen (R-VA) apologizing yet again, this time not just for calling someone a “macaca,” but also for his lifelong love affair with the Confederate flag.  September 12, 2006

Patricia C. Dunn

“Unfortunately, the investigation, which was conducted with third parties, included certain inappropriate techniques.  These went beyond what we understood them to be, and I apologize that they were employed.”

Hewlett-Packard chairwoman Patricia C. Dunn apologizing for a company inquiry into media leaks in which private investigators posed as board members and journalists to gain access to the phone records of suspected leakers.  September 12, 2006

Tom Noe

“I recruited others to make contributions to the campaign.  I knew it was wrong to do so.  I alone accept responsibility.”

Former Toledo, OH rare coin dealer Tom Noe apologizing as he was sentenced to more than two years in prison for violating the campaign finance reform law via a money-laundering scheme in which he gave friends money to donate to the 2004 Bush-Cheney election effort.  September 12, 2006

Dan Trerice

“The bottom line is that it was on the tape and it shouldn’t have been. … We were in the wrong.”

Dan Trerice, athletic director of Burke High School in Omaha, NE, apologizing for the warm-up music broadcast over the school’s public address system, which somehow included the voice of a hillbilly type who claimed to be from the Ku Klux Klan.  September 11, 2006

Harvey Kaye

“In my capacity as provost, I apologize on behalf of the university that this controversy has arisen, and trust that my letter will lay this matter to rest.”

Harvey Kaye, Provost and Chief Executive of Touro University in Vallejo, CA, apologizing for a statement by dean of students Nathan Church mistakenly claiming that because gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles conflicted with the values of the Jewish school, a campus club dedicated to examining those issues had lost university funding.  September 11, 2006

John Johnson

“We apologize for the error.”

Farm Service Agency deputy administrator John Johnson apologizing to Kansas cattlemen for a miscalculation that, when corrected, resulted in a $3.8 million cut in the state’s drought aid.  September 11, 2006

Mark Zuckerberg

“We did a bad job of explaining what the new features were and an even worse job of giving you control of them.”

Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook.com, apologizing for adding new features to the social networking Web site that users felt threatened their privacy.  September 8, 2006

Richard Pattenaude

“We owe the state of Maine an apology for not doing our homework on the issue.”

Richard Pattenaude, president of the University of Southern Maine, apologizing for the school’s staging of an exhibit of the paintings of cop killer Thomas Manning, who was referred to in promotional materials as a “political prisoner.”  September 8, 2006

Arnold Schwarzenegger

“Anyone out there that feels offended by these comments, I just want to say I'm sorry.  I apologize.  The fact is that if I would hear these kind of comments in my house, by my kids, I would be upset.  It's one thing when you say things, but it's another thing when you read it in the paper.  It made me cringe.  It made me feel uncomfortable.”

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) apologizing after an audio recording was obtained by the Los Angeles Times in which he speculated thusly about the ethnic identity of Republican Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia:  “She maybe is Puerto Rican or the same thing as Cuban.  I mean, they are all very hot.  They have the, you know, part of the black blood in them and part of the Latino blood in them that together makes it.”  September 8, 2006

Brian Williams

“I want to apologize to the Weavers, coach Del Rio, my teammates, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Jacksonville community.”

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Brian Williams apologizing for his arrest on drunk driving charges and his subsequent behavior, which consisted of “cursing the entire time he was in the back seat of the police car,” according to arresting officer Ernest Bridges, and using “racial slurs continuously on the trip to the jail.”  September 8, 2006

Richard Armitage

“It was a terrible error on my part.  There wasn't a day when I didn't feel like I had let down the president, the secretary of state, my colleagues, my family and the Wilsons.  I value my ability to keep state secrets.  This was bad, and I really felt badly about this.”

Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage apologizing for blowing CIA agent Valerie Plame’s cover to journalist Bob Woodward and columnist Robert Novak.  September 7, 2006

Joe Cullen

“I would like to apologize to the Detroit Lions organization, our fans, my family and friends for any embarrassment these incidents have caused.  These incidents represent a mistake in judgment on my part.  I deeply regret them and have learned a valuable lesson.  It won't happen again.”

Defensive-line coach Joe Cullen apologizing for two alcohol-related arrests in the space of eight days, including one in which he was found driving nude.  September 6, 2006

Bert Blyleven

“I apologize to the viewers for my language. ... It makes me feel bad.  I'm sorry.”

Minnesota Twins commentator Bert Blyleven apologizing for uttering two profanities during a live pre-game telecast.  September 3, 2006

Cory Boyd

“I want to say that I apologize to my university, my coaches and my family for the actions I took after a play during the game.  I really let my team down.  I'm sorry for the actions that happened.  It will never happen again.”

South Carolina tailback Cory Boyd, who had been suspended for the 2005 season, apologizing for turning to the camera after his 54-yard touchdown catch and saying, “I’m back.  I’m back like cooked crack.”  September 2, 2006

Lee Siegel

“I’m sorry about my prank, which was certainly not designed to harm a magazine that has been my happy intellectual home for many years.”

New Republic editor Lee Siegel apologizing after being suspended from the magazine for using a pseudonym to attack those who posted critical comments on his blog.  Among the postings signed “sprezzatura” was this response to anyone who took issue with his attacks on Daily Show host Jon Stewart: “Siegel is brave, brilliant and wittier than Stewart will ever be.  Take that, you bunch of immature, abusive sheep.”  September 1, 2006

C. Ray Nagin

“I want to make sure that everyone in New York understands I love New York City, I've been here on many occasions, and I think that we as New Orleanians and New Yorkers understand what tragedies are all about, and we understand the difficulties in trying to recover from a tragedy. … What I'll never do again is refer to that site as a hole.  It's a sacred site that is currently in an undeveloped state.”

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin apologizing for responding in a 60 Minutes interview to a question about why flooded-out cars and other debris still littered his city’s streets a year after the hurricane by saying, “You guys in New York can’t get a hole in the ground fixed, and it’s five years later.  So let’s be fair.”  September 1, 2006

Kyra Phillips

“All the heavy hitters are in New Orleans at the one-year anniversary of hurricane Katrina.  The president speaking just minutes ago.  And by the way, we apologize for an issue we had with our mics.  There was a crossover.  We didn't realize there was a problem.  We've looked into it, we think we have it solved.  So we apologize for a little bit of an interruption there during the president.”

CNN anchor Kyra Phillips apologizing for having accidentally left her microphone on during a bathroom break, resulting in Bush’s irony-free speech about hurricane preparedness being partially overridden by Phillips’ chat with a co-worker, in which she praised her husband as “a really passionate, compassionate, great, great human being” and dished her sister-in-law as “a control freak.”  August 29, 2006

NBC

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the many families who lost loved ones in the plane crash in Kentucky on Sunday, and to the entire community that has suffered this terrible loss.  In no way would we ever want to make light of this terrible tragedy.  The filmed opening during the Emmy telecast was meant to spoof some of television's most well-known scenes.  The timing was unfortunate, and we regret any unintentional pain it may have caused.”

NBC apologizing for opening the awards broadcast with a filmed skit parodying the plane crash in Lost hours after 49 people were killed when a jet went down in Kentucky.  (On the Lexington affiliate, the skit immediately followed local news coverage of the real-life crash.)  August 28, 2006

George Allen

“I made a mistake.  It was a mistake, and I'm sorry for it, very sorry for it, and I'm going to try to do better.”

Who else?  George Allen again, this time to the NBC affiliate in Harrisonburg, VA.   Seconds later, he told the ABC affiliate, “I regret it, it was a mistake, I'm solely responsible for it, and I'm very, very sorry. …  It was a mistake, I was wrong, it's my fault, and I'm very, very sorry to hurt anyone.”  August 24, 2006

Kevan Barlow

“If I could take it back, I would.  I was very emotional at the time.  All I knew at the time was San Francisco.  That’s where I started my career, that's where my house was, where my home was.  And I was emotional at the time.”

New York Jets running back Kevan Barlow apologizing for reacting to his trade by the San Francisco 49ers by telling the Contra Costa Times that head coach Mike Nolan “walks around with a chip on his shoulder, like he's a dictator, like he's Hitler.”  August 23, 2006

Dick Wadhams for George Allen

“Senator Allen made a heartfelt apology.”

Dick Wadhams, George Allen’s campaign manager, reporting that Allen phoned S.R. Sidarth and personally apologized to him for calling him a “macaca.”  August 23, 2006

George Allen

“I take full responsibility.  I'm not offering any excuses because I said it, and no one else said it.  It's a mistake.  I apologize, and from my heart, I'm very, very sorry for it.”

Senator George Allen apologizing for “macaca” on Sean Hannity’s radio talk show.  August 22, 2006

George Allen

“I deeply regret those comments.  I have no one to blame but myself.  A person was insulted and others were.  I'm fully responsible for it.  I want to live up to all your expectations.  I'm very sorry and I apologize.”

Senator George Allen embarking on week two of apologizing for the “macaca” thing, this time at a Northern Virginia retirement community.  August 22, 2006

Joseph Paulus

“For reasons that are difficult to articulate, I lost my moral compass in 1998 and engaged in professional misconduct with my close friend and fellow attorney, Milton Schierland.  In the most fundamental way, I lost sight of the basic values that were instilled in me as a lifelong resident of the county.  In the most simple terms, I succumbed to greed and jeopardized everything that I cherished.”

Former Winnebago County (WI) District Attorney Joseph Paulus apologizing in an open letter to his former constituents mailed from the federal prison where he’s serving 58 months for bribery and filing a false tax return.  August 22, 2006

Murray Johnson

“With the emotions of the time, I was looking to blame things and people that weren't to blame.  I want people to know that's not what we think and feel.  It was totally wrong to make those comments.”

Murray Johnson, trainer for Perfect Drift, one of the losing horses in the Pacific Classic race at Del Mar, CA, apologizing for claiming that the race track had altered the racing surface to favor the ultimate winner, Lava Man.  August 21, 2005

Michael DelGiorno

“My request for your forgiveness comes with this intention.  I intend to not ever gamble in the future, and I intend to not even place myself in a position where I might be tempted to gamble in the future, and I just hope you will understand and support me in this effort. … I also feel like I have embarrassed a God who I take serving very seriously.  Probably that's who I am most embarrassed for.”

Tulsa radio talk show host Michael DelGiorno, a frequent decrier of the evils of gambling and the destructive effects of Indian (or as he has called them, “Injun”) casinos on the Oklahoma economy, apologizing after a story broke about his having gone to a Creek Nation casino a year ago and promptly having been banished after he was caught on videotape stealing poker chips from a dealer’s pile.  “For some of you, for me to have even gone to a casino or to gamble would be perceived as hypocritical, and I want you to know I agree that it is,” he said, explaining to listeners that he had initially gone to the casino to conduct research.  “A year ago, I went into a casino originally thinking to myself to see what games are being played, to stay informed, to be able to talk about it, perhaps even write a book about it, but then I started playing, and I know now that I never should have gone to a casino.”  August 21, 2006

Andrew Young

“It’s against everything I ever thought in my life.  It never should have been said.  I was speaking in the context of Atlanta, and that does not work in New York or Los Angeles. … The only thing I can do is to ask that people judge me about a life of working together with people who are different and bringing people together without violence and without rancor.  I would hope that would count for something.”

Andrew Young apologizing once more before resigning as chairman of Working Families for Wal-Mart, a group organized by the company to shill for it in minority communities that might otherwise be properly fearful of its employment practices.  August 17, 2006

Andrew Young

“I understand I've created a whole firestorm out there.  It's unfortunate and I should not have said it, and I apologize for it.  It has not been my experience or my meaning. … I guess I was sort of being confronted and challenged for supporting the big monster Wal-Mart, as they call it.  I was attempting to say that these large shops have been good for my community, and in this meeting I said it too quick.  And instead of giving a long explanation, it was a racist shorthand, which was wrong. … That's not how I feel and not how I am, but it is a demagogic statement.  It's the kind of statement that I have always spoken and worked against.”

Andrew Young expanding on his statement of apology to the Los Angeles Times.  August 17, 2006

Andrew Young

“I recently made some comments about former store owners in my neighborhood that were completely and utterly inappropriate.  Those comments run contrary to everything I have dedicated my life to.  I apologize for those comments.  I retract those comments.  And I ask for the forgiveness of those I have offended.”

Former U.N. ambassador and Atlanta mayor Andrew Young apologizing in a statement for comments in an interview with the Los Angeles Sentinel in which he praised Wal-Mart for running the “mom and pop” stores out of his neighborhood because “those are the people who have been overcharging us – selling us stale bread and bad meat and wilted vegetables.  And they sold out and moved to Florida.  I think they’ve ripped off our communities enough.  First it was Jews, then it was Koreans and now it’s Arabs.”  August 17, 2006

Tramm Hudson

“I said something stupid.  I apologize for it and would apologize in person to anyone hurt by my comments.”

Florida congressional candidate Tramm Hudson (R) apologizing for following up a story about a black soldier he’d once seen almost drown in a river with this reminiscence: “I grew up in Alabama and I understand and I know this from my own experiences that blacks aren't the best swimmers or may not even know how to swim.”  August 17, 2006

Bob Rosencrans

“It was intended to lighten the mood.  It didn’t work that way.”

Moraine, OH mayor Bob Rosencrans apologizing for telling attendees at a Civic Center meeting (prompted by rumors that a local church was about to open a soup kitchen in the neighborhood) to leave their ropes at the door because he’d promised the church’s black minister that there would be no lynchings.  August 16, 2006

Tom Stenger

“I was wrong again. … I know I’m my own worst enemy.”

Tacoma, WA councilman Tom Stenger apologizing for a rant against a fellow council member that included the word “Fuck,” which rant came a week after a council meeting where he attacked a local business owner as “prejudiced” and a “bigot.”  August 15, 2006

Ned Lamont

“Look, I understand that Tom made some comments.  I think they're unfortunate.  We apologize for them.”

Connecticut Democratic Senate candidate Ned Lamont apologizing for campaign manager Tom Swan’s description of Waterbury as the place “where the forces of slime meet the forces of evil.”  August 15, 2006

George Allen

“In singling out the Webb campaign’s cameraman, I was trying to make the point that Jim Webb had never been to that part of Virginia – and I encouraged him to bring the tape back to Jim and welcome him to the real world of Virginia and America, outside the Beltway, where he has rarely visited.  I also made up a nickname for the cameraman, which was in no way intended to be racially derogatory.  Any insinuations to the contrary are completely false. … I never want to embarrass or demean anyone and I apologize if my comments offended this young man.”

Senator George Allen apologizing yet again in a statement confirming that he was now officially in a Trent Lott-like state of apol-orgy.  August 15, 2006

George Allen

“In no way was it meant to demean him, and I'm sorry if he was offended. … It was just made up.”

Senator George Allen apologizing again in a telephone interview with the Associated Press.  August 15, 2006

George Allen

“I would never want to demean him as an individual.  I do apologize if he's offended by that.  That was no way the point.”

Senator George Allen (R-VA) apologizing for referring to 20-year-old S.R. Sidarth, a Virginia-born Indian-descended volunteer for his Democratic opponent James Webb who was on assignment shooting videotape of Allen’s campaign stops, as “This fellow here, over here with the yellow shirt, macaca, or whatever his name is … Let’s give a welcome to macaca here.  Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia.”  The word “macaca” has various derogatory meanings (among them, a monkey or an African immigrant), though Allen claimed to be using it because it sounded like “Mohawk” and Sidarth had a Mohawk haircut (though his haircut was actually a mullet).  August 14, 2006

John Kline

“I am, of course, very concerned regarding any allegations surrounding misconduct by U.S. troops in Iraq.   Such allegations must be taken seriously, but we should never rush to judgment before all the facts are known and the military criminal justice process is completed. … I would never want to publicly insinuate, implicitly or explicitly, that I have prejudged what took place that day on the battlefield or afterwards.”

Representative John Kline (R-MN) apologizing for having seemed to imply that the Marines under investigation in connection with the killings of two dozen Iraqi civilians in the Haditha case were guilty.  August 14, 2006

Daniel Walsh

“I made an error in judgment by waiting to report Rev. Ochoa's admission.  I should have acted immediately, and not delayed.  For this I am deeply sorry.”

Santa Rosa (CA) Roman Catholic bishop Daniel Walsh apologizing for the “caution” that kept him from notifying police of sexual abuse charges against a priest for several days, allowing the accused to flee.  August 12, 2006

Tracey Frey

“I can't tell you how sorry I am for what I have done.  It has torn my family apart.  I don't ask you to forgive me... I just ask you to give me a chance to make it right.”

Tracey Frey, former treasurer of an Arizona parent-teacher group, apologizing – before being sentenced to two months in jail – for stealing about $30,000 from the organization.  August 11, 2006

Thomas Coughlin

“There's no excuse for my conduct, no one to blame.  It rests squarely on my shoulders.”

Thomas Coughlin, the number two executive at Wal-Mart, apologizing for a series of petty workplace thefts that earned him 27 months of house arrest and five months’ probation and cost him any chance of someday running the company.  August 11, 2006

Marty Schottenheimer

“I've often said if you stand in front of a microphone as many times as I do, you are invariably going to make a mistake and I made a mistake.  But the good thing about it is I will never forget that mistake.”

San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer apologizing for saying that the moment of truth for the team’s new quarterback would be “when the bullets start flying,” a metaphor criticized in a letter to the San Diego Tribune (by an overly sensitive retired Marine colonel) as inappropriate while U.S. troops are in combat.  August 10, 2006

Miguel Tejeda

“I want to apologize to everyone, especially to the Orioles fans and the fans in Toronto, for my action in Wednesday's game.  I was frustrated and should not have let things get to me.  I am sorry and hope people will accept that and know that is not the kind of person I am.”

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejeda apologizing in a statement on the team Web site for giving fans the finger.  August 10, 2006

J.B. Van Hollen

“The voters deserve an honest debate on the issues that matter and I regret that I lowered myself to his level with my language choice.”

J.B. Van Hollen, a candidate in the Republican primary for Wisconsin attorney general, not actually apologizing to, but rather further insulting, his opponent Paul Bucher, to whom he said during a break in a radio debate, “Will you ever listen?  That's why you suck, Paul, because you only listen to people who agree with you,” prompting Bucher to report the attack to listeners when the debate resumed, adding, “Well, you know what?  I don’t suck.”  August 10, 2006

John Brooks

“I'm here to apologize for the comments.  They were inappropriate and unprofessional.  Looking back at the tape, in hindsight, I shouldn't have said those things.”

Major John Brooks of the Broward County (FL) Sheriff’s Office apologizing for comments captured on a police training videotape in which he and other officers laugh and congratulate each other for shooting protesters at a free trade summit with rubber bullets.  August 9, 2006

AOL

“This was a screw-up, and we're angry and upset about it.  Although there was no personally-identifiable data linked to these accounts, we're absolutely not defending this.  It was a mistake, and we apologize.”

AOL issuing a statement apologizing for publishing a list of the Web search queries of 658,000 users (who, though they weren’t named, sometimes provided information that would allow others to deduce their identities) on a public Web site.  Explained spokesman John Buckley, this “wasn’t a violation of the AOL privacy policy.  It was an absolute violation of what is our corporate policy: not to do stupid things.”  August 7, 2006

Barrett Brooks

“I apologize to [owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers] the Rooneys.  Their family is a great family and they believe in not doing stuff like this, but I really didn't do anything.  I was just riding a motorcycle, and that was it, that was the extent of it.”

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Barrett Brooks apologizing while denying wrongdoing for being arrested on charges of fleeing from police on his motorcycle.  August 7, 2006

Sherman Parker

“I very much regret that this incident may detract, in these last few days, from the issues I have been stressing in this campaign.”

Sherman Parker, candidate in the Republican primary for a St. Charles, MO congressional seat, apologizing after being arrested for failing to appear in court for a speeding ticket and failing to register his car properly.  August 4, 2006

J.D. Quinn

“I made a mistake.  I mean, I feel bad for it. … The situation in Oklahoma for me was a bad deal I put myself into, and I just want to apologize for the choices that I made.”

Similarly dismissed Oklahoma University offensive lineman J.D. Quinn apologizing for the same offense as Bomar’s.  August 2, 2006

Rhett Bomar

“One thing I just want to say to the fans, to my coaches, to my teammates: I'm sorry. … You know, we made a mistake, and I have to live with that and I accept my responsibility for my actions.  But I just want everybody to know that I'm truly sorry, and I just wish the best for the state of Oklahoma.”

Quarterback Rhett Bomar apologizing for breaking NCAA rules by accepting money for a no-show job, which led to his dismissal from the Oklahoma Univeristy team.  August 2, 2006

James Harney

“My personal judgment has been severely flawed. … The disgrace which I have placed upon the division, myself and my family will remain with me forever. …  I am truly sorry for the humiliation and disgrace that I have caused to the Division of State Police.  The scar that I have placed upon the division is inexcusable and was never contemplated by me.  My actions must be judged personally and should not reflect upon any of your members as they are good, honest and hardworking individuals.”

New Jersey state trooper James Harney resigning from the police force and apologizing before pleading guilty to running a sports betting ring.  August 2, 2006

Mel Gibson

“There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark.  I want to apologise specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the night I was arrested on a DUI charge.

 

“I am a public person, and when I say something, either articulated and thought out, or blurted out in a moment of insanity, my words carry weight in the public arena.  As a result, I must assume personal responsibility for my words and apologise directly to those who have been hurt and offended by those words.

 

“The tenets of what I profess to believe necessitate that I exercise charity and tolerance as a way of life.  Every human being is God’s child, and if I wish to honour my God I have to honour his children.  But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite.  I am not a bigot.  Hatred of any kind goes against my faith.

 

“I’m not just asking for forgiveness.  I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing.

 

“I have begun an ongoing program of recovery and what I am now realising is that I cannot do it alone.  I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery.

 

“Again, I am reaching out to the Jewish community for its help.  I know there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, and that would be understandable.  But I pray that that door is not forever closed.

 

“This is not about a film. Nor is it about artistic license. This is about real life and recognising the consequences hurtful words can have. It’s about existing in harmony in a world that seems to have gone mad.”

Mel Gibson issuing a statement supplying the details of what the earlier apology was actually for.  Meanwhile, a question arose as to whether he had actually called the female officer “sugar tits” or something more obscene.  July 31, 2006

Clay DeLoach

“I'd just like to say I'm sorry for coming down and poisoning the community.”

Chicago gang member Clay DeLoach apologizing in federal court for conspiring to sell crack in Sioux Falls, SD.  July 31, 2006

Odell Thurman

“I want to say that I did make a mistake.  I want to apologize to my teammates, the guys who sweat with me, this organization, my friends and family and, most of all, to the fans and the kids that look up to me.”

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman apologizing for the four-day suspension that resulted from his violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.  July 31, 2006

Eric Fehrnstrom for Mitt Romney

“He was unaware that some people find the term objectionable and he's sorry if anyone's offended.”

Eric Fehrnstrom, spokesman for Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (R), apologizing on behalf of his boss, who said of the troubled Boston “Big Dig” project, “The best thing politically would be to stay as far away from that tar baby as I can.”  July 31, 2006

John DePetro

“On Tuesday, the language that I used was offensive.  It was stupid, there was no excuse for it and I apologize.  There were many, many members of the local and national community who were offended by that language.  I apologize to those people.  I apologize to the management and listeners - you - of WRKO.  That is not the type of language that should be used on any show and certainly will not be used on my show ever again.  We discuss topics very passionately on this show, but I should never allow offensive language to enter into our discussion, no matter how intense it gets.  I want to repeat, there is no room for offensive language on this show by anyone, period.  And I apologize.”

Boston radio host John DePetro apologizing for calling Boston “Big Dig” construction project boss Matt Amorello (sometimes referred to as “fat Matt”)  “fag Matt.”  July 21, 2006

Mel Gibson

“After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.  I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA County Sheriffs.  The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person.  I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable.  I am deeply ashamed of everything I said, and I apologize to anyone who I have offended.  Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior.  They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself.  I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry.  I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse.  I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health.”

Mel Gibson apologizing for various aspects of his behavior after being stopped by police for drunk driving in Malibu, among them his observation, “Fucking Jews … The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world,” his subsequent asking the arresting officer, “Are you a Jew?” and his comment to a female sergeant at the police station: “What do you think you’re looking at, sugar tits?”  July 29, 2006

Timothy Jackson

“There is no excuse for me to offend my constituents and fellow Americans because of a personal sense of injustice.  There is no excuse to demonstrate this by throwing down the American Flag.”

Morristown, NJ councilman Timothy Jackson apologizing in a written statement for protesting the approval of the doubling of the mayor’s salary by throwing the flag mounted behind the council on the floor and storming out of the meeting.  July 27, 2006

Robert Bennett

“Ohioans expect and deserve a competitive contest for governor focused on the substantive issues important to leading our state. While public records, comments, platforms and proposals are fair game, we will not engage in rumor and innuendo.”

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Robert Bennett apologizing to Democratic Senate candidate Ted Strickland and his wife Frances for an e-mail sent by an underling containing a link to a blog that implies that they’re gay.  July 27, 2006

Conrad Burns

“Please accept my apology for any hard feelings that my comments may have caused.  I have the utmost respect for the job firefighters have done in Montana.”

Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) apologizing for confronting a team of “hotshot” firefighters who had flown in from Virginia to fight a southern Montana blaze and telling them they’d done a “poor job.”  July 27, 2006

Peter Cook

“I love my wife, I have loved her since the day I met her…for a lifetime I've tried to prove how much I love her.  This is an aberration.  I'm sorry.  I'm contrite.  I'm stupid.  Foolish.  No excuse.”

Christie Brinkley’s husband Peter Cook apologizing through his lawyer Norman Sheresky for having an affair with an 18-year-old employee.  July 25, 2006

Paul O'Neill

“I would just like to say to the public that I'm very sorry they had to see such a thing.  I've never done it before and it will never happen again.”

Jockey Paul O’Neill apologizing for reacting to being thrown from his horse at London’s Stratford races by head-butting the animal with his helmet.  July 25, 2006

Tony Snow

“I will go ahead and apologize for having overstated, I guess, overstated the president's position.”

White House press secretary Tony Snow apologizing for telling reporters that George W. Bush “believes strongly that for the purpose of research it's inappropriate for the federal government to finance something that many people consider murder. He's one of them. The simple answer is he thinks murder is wrong.”  Bush, it turns out, believes that the research constitutes “the destruction of human life,” which he doesn’t equate with “murder.”  July 24, 2006

National Enquirer

“[We] now accept that their marriage is not over and they are not getting divorced.  These allegations are untrue and we now accept Britney's position that the statements are without foundation.  We apologize for any distress caused.”

The National Enquirer apologizing in its British edition for publishing two articles about the imminence of Britney Spears’ divorce from Kevin Federline.   July 18, 2006

Jackie Chan

“I was wrong.  I shouldn't play with my friendship with Jonathan Lee in public.  I apologize to Jonathan Lee and I apologize to the audience that night.”

Action star Jackie Chan apologizing for climbing on stage during a concert by Taiwanese singer Jonathan Lee and drunkenly exchanging insults with the audience.  July 16, 2006

Pete Coors

“I made a mistake by driving myself home after a friend's wedding celebration.  I should have planned ahead for a ride.  For years I've advocated the responsible use of our company's products.  That's still my message and our company's message, and it's the right message.  I am sorry that I didn't follow it myself.”

Denver beer magnate Pete Coors, whose failed 2004 Senate campaign included an effort to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18, apologizing for his drunk driving arrest.  July 13, 2006

Andy Solberg

“Some comments I made at the meeting were insensitive and created other concerns within the community.  I want to apologize for the comments that I made and hope that the community will forgive me.”

D.C. Police Inspector Andy Solberg apologizing for reacting to a Georgetown murder by encouraging residents to be on the lookout for persons of a darker hue, saying, “This is not a racial thing to say that black people are unusual in Georgetown. This is a fact of life.”  July 13, 2006

Nanako Kato for Sony Computer Entertainment

“We only intended to make a sharp contrast between black and white, but never meant to discriminate against anyone.  Even though the ad was perceived in an unexpected way, we'd like to apologize to the people who were offended by the ads.”

Sony Computer Entertainment spokeswoman Nanako Kato apologizing for a Netherlands billboard campaign for its new white PlayStation Portable unit, meant to supersede its existing black model, that featured a Caucasian woman dressed in white grabbing a scared-looking black girl’s face.  July 12, 2006

Zinedine Zidane

“I apologize to all the children [who were watching] … There was a serious provocation.  My act is not forgivable.  But they must also punish the true guilty party, and the guilty party is the one who provokes.”

French soccer midfielder Zinedine Zidane blaming his head-butting of Italian soccer star Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final on the victim, who he said repeatedly insulted his mother and sister.  July 12, 2006

Brett Myers

“First, while I dispute that the facts are as alleged, I recognize that my behavior was inappropriate and for that I apologize.  I recognize that the incident created an embarrassing situation for many people, including my wife and family, my teammates, the Phillies organization, and fans, and I am very sorry for that.”

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers apologizing for his arrest after allegedly slapping his wife in the face and dragging her by her hair in an altercation on a Boston street.  June 27, 2006

Beth Bacha for Comcast

“Comcast has reached out to the customer to apologize for his unsatisfactory customer experience. … I can assure you we are taking all appropriate actions and are investigating thoroughly.”

Vice president of communications Beth Bacha apologizing after a video of a Comcast technician sleeping on a customer’s couch appeared on YouTube.com.  June 23, 2006

Ozzie Guillen

“I will apologize to people I offended because I should have used another word.  I should have called him something different.”

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen apologizing for calling Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti a “fag” for writing critical columns and then not showing up in the clubhouse to defend them.  Explaining that he was referring not to Mariotti’s sexuality but rather to his lack of courage, Guillen then referred to the writer with another word: “garbage.”  June 21, 2006

Santonio Holmes

“I understand that being a Pittsburgh Steeler carries along with it the demands for responsible behavior off the field.  I want to apologize for the negative attention that my arrest on Monday has brought upon the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, especially in light of my previous arrest in May.”

Steelers top draft pick Santonio Holmes apologizing for his arrest on domestic violence and assault charges following his arrest three weeks earlier for disorderly conduct.  June 20, 2006

John M. Fabrizi

“I thought that these were personal, private matters to me and my family, that I could deal with these issues with my family and myself.  I now recognize my actions affected many others, and I want to apologize to my family, my friends, and all of the people of the city of Bridgeport for my actions, my past actions. … I will do everything, and I mean everything I can, to redeem the respect and the support that you the employees of the city of Bridgeport, and of you my friends, and of you the great people of the city of Bridgeport.”

Democratic Bridgeport (CT) Mayor John M. Fabrizi apologizing after admitting that he had used cocaine while in office, though not in the past eighteen months.  June 20, 2006

Kevin O'Connor

“We made a mistake here and I apologize to the mayor and anybody else named there.  That information should not have come out in that form and that manner.”

U.S. Attorney Kevin O’Connor apologizing for the inadvertent filing by federal prosecutors of a court document that quoted a Connecticut politician claiming to have a videotape of the mayor of Bridgeport snorting cocaine.  June 16, 2006

Reuben Droughns

“I apologize to everybody about it, but it’s not Reuben Droughns.”

Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns apologizing for his arrest on assault and harassment charges after an altercation with his wife in which, according to the police report, she asked for a divorce and he picked her up and literally threw her out of the house.  June 16, 2006

Ben Roethlisberger

“I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws.  I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger apologizing for not having been wearing a helmet when he wrecked his motorcycle and landed head first on a car windshield.  June 15, 2006

Joshua Belile

“I apologize for any feelings that may have been hurt in the Muslim community.  This song was written in good humor and not aimed at any party, foreign or domestic. … I will never perform this song again, and I will remove all video and text in relation to this that I have control of.”

Marine Corporal Joshua Belile apologizing after a video of him performing a song about killing members of an Iraqi family was posted on YouTube.  Among the good-humored lyrics:  “I grabbed her little sister and put her in front of me.  As the bullets began to fly, the blood sprayed from between her eyes, and then I laughed maniacally. … I blew those little fuckers to eternity. … They should have known they were fucking with the Marines.”  June 14, 2006

Irene McLaughlin

“It’s our responsibility and we failed miserably.  The fact that the book went out in the form it did was a grave mistake on our part.”

Northport (NY) High School principal Irene McLaughlin apologizing for failing to notice that two seniors picked selections from Mein Kampf as the quotes that appeared under their yearbook photos.  June 12, 2006

Alan Hevesi

“Nobody feels worse about this than I do.  I have made thousands of speeches.  And I have never done anything like that. … I made a remarkably stupid, incredibly moronic, totally offensive statement in attempting to compliment Chuck Schumer and I am abjectly apologetic for the level of stupidity which that comment reflected and the offense it may have given.  What I intended to say is that Chuck Schumer is incredibly smart, courageous, willing even to stand up to the president of the United States on issues of public policy.  What came out of my mouth is that Chuck Schumer is smart and brave and capable of putting a bullet between the president's eyes.”

New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi apologizing for joking that Senator Charles Schumer “will put a bullet between the president’s eyes if he could get away with it.”  June 1, 2006

Brett Hall

“We were talking in a friendly way.  It was not meant to offend anyone.  If I did, I apologize.”

Brett Hall, communications director for Governor Ernie Fletcher (R-KY), apologizing for his answer to a reporter’s query about the possibility of the governor’s resignation following his indictment on charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination: “Fuck no, he’s not going to resign.”  June 1, 2006

Donna K. Milanovich

“We are just very sorry that it happened.  We have really a very good student body, and I think the students involved in this have learned a very valuable life lesson.”

Pittsburgh public school superintendent Donna K. Milanovich apologizing for students from largely white Baldwin High School driving onto the 30% black Brashear High School campus waving Confederate flags.  June 1, 2006

Cory Rodgers

“First off, I want to apologize to my family, the Packers organization, my teammates, my coaches, and especially the fans. I made a mistake and I have to live with it.  I just want my fans and the Packer organization to know that I'm deeply sorry for the incident that happened and I have to respect the judicial system and I would hope that the fans and the media respect that, too. I have no more to comment on.”

Rookie Green Bay Packers receiver Cory Rodgers apologizing for his arrest after firing a gun into the air outside a club.  May 31, 2006

Scott Sauerbeck

“I want to apologize first and foremost to my family.  I'm sorry to my teammates, the organization and fans for causing any embarrassment. … In trying to do the right thing I made a terrible error in judgment, something I'm going to have to live with for the rest of my life.  I'm a big boy and I'm going to have to handle it.”

Cleveland Indians pitcher Scott Sauerbeck apologizing after being arrested with an intoxicated woman not his wife who was driving his 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible.  With the police in pursuit, the woman, Lily Miller, pulled the car into a driveway, and she and Sauerbeck jumped over a fence and hid, not very successfully, in the bushes.  May 30, 2006

Christian Brando

“Your honor, I deeply, deeply apologize for my conduct.  This has been going on for five years.  I had absolutely nothing to do with this.  I meant no disrespect for your honor or the court.  I have to watch my mouth.”

Marlon Brando’s son Christian apologizing to a Los Angeles judge for leaving the witness stand in the Robert Blake murder trial and mouthing the words “He did it” in front of the jury.  May 26, 2006

Brandon Davis

“My behavior on May 16 was inexcusable … What started out as a joke got completely carried away and I am horrified at the words that came out of my mouth.  I consider Lindsay a friend and I hope she accepts my sincere apology for my reprehensible actions last week.”

Rich kid Brandon Davis apologizing for entertaining his good friend Paris Hilton by trashing actress Lindsay Lohan in a vulgar rant that included crude humor about her private parts. (He reportedly called her “fire crotch.”)  May 25, 2006

Emily Robison

“I wanted to write you directly to apologize for my comment in Time magazine.  … My intention was not to insult ‘The View’ … We never meant to disrespect you, your show, or your viewers.”

Dixie Chick Emily Robison apologizing in a letter to the women of ABC’s morning show The View for her comment in a Time magazine cover story that the group was going to be very selective about where it promoted its new album.  “Natalie’s new motto is, ‘What would Bruce Springsteen do?’” Robison said.  “Not that we’re of that caliber, but ‘Would Bruce Springsteen do The View?’”  And that same article featured singer Natalie Maines retracting the 2003 apology extorted from her after telling a London audience that she was ashamed that George W. Bush came from her home state of Texas: “I apologized for disrespecting the office of the President.  I don't feel that way anymore.  I don't feel he is owed any respect whatsoever.”   May 24, 2006

James Veitenheimer

“We would like to express our regrets for any distress.”

James Veitenheimer, superintendent of the Keller, TX school district, apologizing in a letter to parents of students of Liberty Elementary School for a yearbook cover photo that featured the Liberty nickel with the words “In God We Trust” removed.  Stickers with the missing words were provided to students who wished to affix them in the appropriate place on the photo.  May 22, 2006

Ben Kessler

“Instead of providing hope for all, I offended some by my words.  I sincerely apologize to each person I offended.”

Ben Kessler, an honors graduate from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, apologizing for a commencement speech in which he scolded fellow seniors who use birth control, criticized them for a recent food fight, and called them “selfish.”  May 22, 2006

The Northwestern University Women's Soccer Team

“We fully accept responsibility for our behavior and understand the magnitude and severity of the current situation … This incident does not reflect the values, integrity and qualities we seek to embody.  … We never foresaw that what began as a well-intentioned night of team unity and celebration would have such severe consequences, and we are embarrassed that our actions have become the source of such harsh criticism.”

Northwestern University's women's soccer team apologizing for the “negative attention, press and controversy” that resulted after photographs of members of the team – some blindfolded, some with their hands bound behind their backs, some drinking, and all wearing only T-shirts and underwear – turned up on the Internet.  May 22, 2006

William M. Lori

“I am deeply sorry that this parish family is undergoing such a severe test and came in person to apologize.”

Bishop William M. Lori apologizing to parishioners of the Diocese of Bridgeport (CT) after their long-time pastor, Rev. Michael Jude Fay, resigned suddenly amidst accusations of having stolen money from their church.  May 21, 2006

Mike Wallace

“Barbra, I do apologize. I have nothing in the world but respect and admiration for you.”

Mike Wallace apologizing on 60 Minutes for his confrontational demeanor in a fifteen-year-old interview with Barbra Streisand.  May 21, 2006

Keith Morris for Wal-Mart

“[The letter was] overly aggressive and did not reflect the company's position.”

Wal-Mart spokesman Keith Morris apologizing for a letter sent to homeowners in Putnam County, FL threatening the use of eminent domain to obtain property the owners refuse to sell.  May 16, 2006

Alfred A. Owens Jr.

“During my Palm Sunday sermon, I used words that the D.C. Coalition of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Men and Women has denounced as offensive.  It was not my purpose to wound anyone or discriminate against any group, and I apologize for any offense.”

Alfred A. Owens Jr., pastor of Washington, DC’s Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, apologizing in a letter to The Washington Post for telling parishioners, “It takes a real man to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. I'm not talking about no faggot or no sissy.”  May 18, 2006

Jodi Rell

“I will never forgive myself for that.  Having been through what I have been through for handing out invitations is frankly, in my opinion, incredible, but it was my responsibility and I take the blame for it.”

Governor Jodi Rell (D-CT) apologizing for having had state commissioners hand out invitations to a Rell fundraiser to their underlings.  May 16, 2006

Johnny Winton

“You can work your entire life to build a good reputation and through choices severely damage that reputation in the blink of an eye.  My choices last evening did precisely that.”

Miami city commissioner Johnny Winton apologizing for an alcohol-fueled scuffle with police at Miami International Airport – in which he not only violently resisted arrest but also assaulted one of the officers, chipping his tooth – though he did feel compelled to describe one of the arresting officers as “the most aggressive person I've probably ever met.”   May 16, 2006

Brian Olsen

“I am sorry.  I have let my family, my friends and my colleagues down and all of you and there is nothing that can justify that.”

Brian Olsen, mayor of Eagle Mountain, UT, apologizing for lying about having received a master’s degree.  May 16, 2006

The BBC

“We interviewed the wrong person.  We apologize to viewers for any confusion.”

The British Broadcasting Corporation apologizing for presenting a cab driver as an expert on downloading music from the Internet.  May 15, 2006

Ron Gonzales

“This showed a lack of respect to our Canadian neighbors, to the players of both teams, and to our own residents.  I sincerely hope that this occurrence of bad behavior by a small number of fans is an aberration caused by misplaced enthusiasm and an ignorance of the expected courtesy that we should extend to all teams and players in every stadium, ballpark and arena.”

San Jose mayor Ron Gonzales apologizing for the booing of the Canadian national anthem by Sharks fans before a hockey playoff game against the Edmonton Oilers.  May 15, 2006

Michael Maxwell

“I made a horrible mistake that I regret.  I want to apologize to my students, my colleagues, and to the community.”

St. Joseph, MO high school teacher Michael Maxwell apologizing for asking students to write about who they would kill and what methods they would employ.  May 14, 2006

Hillary Clinton

“I said, ‘I'm sorry, I didn't mean to convey the impression that you don't work hard.’  I just want to set the bar high, because we are in a competition for the future.”

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in a commencement address at Long Island University, using her apology to her daughter Chelsea as a device to apologize to all young people – or, more importantly, young voters – for having said of their generation, “A lot of kids don’t know what work is.  They think work is a four-letter word.”  May 14, 2006

Hideki Matsui

“Due to this injury, I feel very sorry and, at the same time, very disappointed to have let my teammates down.  I will do my best to fully recover and return to the field to help my team once again.”

New York Yankees left-fielder Hideki Matsui apologizing for breaking his wrist while diving for a ball.  May 12, 2006

Mary Ann Thode for Kaiser Permanente

“I want to personally apologize for any frustration, any problems or

concerns that this may have caused any of our members and I feel very accountable for that and very accountable for correcting any of those problems, as well. … No, this isn't the way Kaiser works and I deeply apologize to anyone who feels that they made a complaint and that their complaint was not noted or handled appropriately.”

Kaiser Permanente’s Mary Ann Thode, president of the northern California region, apologizing to patients whose voluminous complaints documenting their extreme dissatisfaction with the HMO’s new San Francisco kidney transplant center – where, a Los Angeles Times investigation found, two people died last year while waiting for kidneys for every one who actually received them – were ignored.  May 10, 2006

Clear Channel Radio

“Power 105 finds recent remarks broadcast by Troi Torain of the Star and Buc Wild Morning Show to be wholly unacceptable.  As of late this afternoon, he is no longer with Power 105.1 or Clear Channel Radio.  We sincerely apologize to those who may have been offended by his remarks.”

Clear Channel Radio apologizing for a rant by the New York hip-hop DJ known as DJ Star, in which he escalated a feud with rival DJ Envy by telling listeners that he wanted to rape Envy’s four-year-old daughter, or as he put it, “I would like to do an R. Kelly on your seed, on your little baby girl.  I would like to tinkle on her.”  Oh, and he called Star’s half-Asian wife a “gook” and a “slant-eyed whore.”  May 10, 2006

Alphonso Jackson

“I deeply regret the anecdotal remarks I made at a recent Texas small business forum and would like to reassure the public that all HUD contracts are awarded solely on a stringent merit-based process.  During my tenure, no contract has ever been awarded, rejected, or rescinded due to the personal or political beliefs of the recipient.”

Housing and Urban Development secretary Alphonso Jackson apologizing for boasting in a speech to Dallas businessmen that he had rescinded an advertising contract after the contractor uttered some less-than-laudatory words about George W. Bush.  “Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president, so they can use funds to try to campaign against the president?” Jackson had said.  “Logic says they don't get the contract.  That's the way I believe.”  May 10, 2006

Michele Schulte and Andrew Bencze

“We had decided that our players were reacting unsafely to pitches that came at them in games, putting themselves at risk.  In an effort to teach them how to get hit safely, the team used the pitching machine set at the lowest speed, to try and teach this skill.... In hindsight, if we knew students would get bruised, would we have done it? No.”

Michele Schulte and Andrew Bencze, the principal and the athletic director of Burbank’s Providence High School, jointly apologizing for trying to teach players how to deal with inside pitches by having a pitching machine throw hard balls at them.  May 4, 2006

Bill Swanson

“This was an error in judgment on my part, which I sincerely regret.”

Raytheon chief executive Bill Swanson apologizing for failing to credit W.J. King, the author of the 1944 book “The Unwritten Laws of Engineering,” in the company-produced booklet “Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management,” which contained phrases lifted virtually verbatim from King’s work.  May 3, 2006

Kenyon Martin

“First and foremost, I want to apologize to my teammates and coaching staff for my actions on Monday night.  There is nothing more important to me than being a good teammate and giving one hundred ten percent effort each and every day. Nothing will ever change that. I sincerely regret if this situation has been a distraction for the team and the Denver Nuggets organization.”

Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin apologizing after his suspension for reacting to not playing much in the first half of a playoff game by showing up on the bench several minutes into the third quarter and sitting there with a towel over his head.  April 26, 2006

Kaavya Viswanathan

“When I was in high school, I read and loved ... Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings, which spoke to me in a way few other books did.  Recently, I was very surprised and upset to learn that there are similarities between some passages in my novel ... and passages in these books.  While the central stories of my book and hers are completely different, I wasn't aware of how much I may have internalized Ms. McCafferty's words.  I am a huge fan of her work and can honestly say that any phrasing similarities between her works and mine were completely unintentional and unconscious.  I sincerely apologize to Megan McCafferty and to any who feel they have been misled by these unintentional errors on my part.”

Harvard sophomore and novelist Kaavya Viswanathan apologizing for plagiarism in her debut chick-lit novel, How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life.  “When I was writing,” she explained on NBC’s Today show, “I genuinely believed each word was my own.”  April 24, 2006

Keith Hernandez

“In my discussion I made a couple of inappropriate comments.  If I have offended anybody I sincerely apologize.”

New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez apologizing for saying, after seeing massage therapist Kelly Calabrese in the San Diego Padres dugout, “I won’t say women belong in the kitchen.  But they don’t belong in the dugout. … I think this is a man’s game and I feel very strongly about it.”  April 23, 2006

Tom Lynch

“The purpose in my remarks was in no way meant to be demeaning to any person or group.  I was actually stating a premise that procedures needed to be in place to help protect any and all children that are being harassed or bullied.  Again, if anyone was offended by this misunderstanding, I sincerely apologize.”

Palm Beach County school board chairman Tom Lynch apologizing for referring to gays and lesbians as a “protected species.”  April 18, 2006

Cynthia McKinney

“There should not have been any physical contact in this incident. … I am sorry that this misunderstanding happened at all, and I regret its escalation.  And I apologize.”

Black congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) apologizing for hitting a white police officer in the chest with her cell phone because he stopped her after failing to recognize her as she hurried to a Capitol Hill meeting sans ID.  She had earlier refused to apologize, insisting that she was a victim of racial profiling and “inappropriate touching” by the cop.  April 6, 2006

John Green

“I regret the embarrassment that this story causes ABC.  It was an inappropriate thing to say, and I'm deeply sorry.”

John Green, producer of the weekend Good Morning America, apologizing after being suspended for sending an email during the first Bush-Kerry debate in which he wrote, “Are you watching this?  Bush makes me sick.  If he uses the ‘mixed messages’ line one more time, I’m going to puke.”  March 31, 2006

Dave Lenihan

“‘A big coon?’  Oh my god.  I am totally, totally, totally, totally, totally sorry for that.  OK?  I didn't mean that. That was just a slip of the tongue.”

St. Louis radio host Dave Lenihan instantly apologizing for saying that getting football fan Condoleezza Rice as commissioner of the National Football League “would kind of be a big coon.”  He claimed to have meant to say “a big coup,” but was nonetheless instantly fired.  March 22, 2006

Arianna Huffington

“I now realize that I made a big mistake in posting a blog without clearly identifying that the material in it didn't originate as a blog post, but was pieced together from previous interviews.  I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier.”

Arianna Huffington apologizing to readers of The Huffington Post for a compilation of opinions previously expressed by George Clooney that were published as if the actor/director had posted on her blog.  March 18, 2006

William Donald Schaefer

“You have handled ‘the affair’ as a trooper.  Sorry you were put thru [th]is ordeal!”

Maryland comptroller William Donald Schaefer in a handwritten apology to 24-year-old administrative assistant Elizabeth Krum for ogling her during a meeting as she was leaving after bringing him tea, then calling her back to his table just so he could tell her, “Walk again,” and stare at her some more as she left a second time.  “She’s been embarrassed to death over this.  She doesn’t deserve this,” he’d said hours before delivering his apology, when he was still insisting that no apology was necessary and blaming the media for turning “something very small into something big,” adding, “It’s just too bad she’s being subjected to this.”  February 17, 2006

Harry Whittington

“My family and I are deeply sorry for all that Vice President Cheney and his family have had to go through this past week.  We hope that he will continue to come to Texas and seek the relaxation that he deserves.”

Texas lawyer Harry Whittington apologizing for sticking his face in front of Dick Cheney’s shotgun.  February 17, 2006

Britney Spears

“I made a mistake, and so it is what it is, I guess.”

Singer Britney Spears not so much apologizing as verbally shrugging after being photographed driving with her four-month-old son in her lap.  February 9, 2006

Geoffrey Knoop

“The jig is up.  I do want to apologize to people who were hurt.  It got to a level I didn’t expect.”

Rock musician Geoffrey Knoop apologizing for his part in the creation of an H.I.V.-positive former drug addict and prostitute named JT Leroy, under whose name Knoop’s long-time life partner Laura Albert wrote fake memoirs of life as a street hustler.  February 4, 2006

Jyllands-Posten

“The drawings are not against the Danish law but have indisputably insulted many Muslims, for which we shall apologize.”

The Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten apologizing for publishing cartoons making fun of Muhammad, including one in which the Muslim prophet was depicted wearing a bomb-shaped turban.  January 30, 2006

Oprah Winfrey

“I regret that phone call.  I made a mistake and I left the impression that the truth does not matter and I am deeply sorry about that.  That is not what I believe.  And to everyone who has challenged me on this issue of truth, you are absolutely right.”

Oprah Winfrey apologizing for her earlier defense of James Frey’s largely fabricated memoir, A Million Little Pieces – she’d dismissed the media kerfuffle as “much ado about nothing” in a phone call to Larry King Live – during an interview with Frey on her show in which she berated him repeatedly for making her “feel duped” and betraying “millions of readers … that bothers me greatly … I feel that you conned us all.”  January 26, 2006

C. Ray Nagin

“I said some things that were totally inappropriate. … It shouldn’t have happened. … I need to be more sensitive and more aware of what I'm saying.”

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin apologizing for saying that “God is mad at America” for invading Iraq “under false pretenses” and thus “is sending hurricane after hurricane” as punishment.  January 17, 2006

Bode Miller

“The most important thing is that I wanted to come straight out and apologize to mostly my family, friends.  But also we have a lot of people who supported me along the way. … And because of the way I made those comments in the 60 Minutes interview it caused a lot of confusion and pain for all those people and obviously that's nothing I want to do so firstly I'd like to apologize to them. … Obviously, the message that came through is not something that I would promote, or that I'm about in any aspect of my sporting career.”

U.S. Olympic skier Bode Miller apologizing for implying in a 60 Minutes interview that he skied drunk, or at least seriously hung over, during a previous race.   January 12, 2006

Pat Robertson

“My zeal, my love of Israel, and my concern for the future safety of your nation led me to make remarks which I can now view in retrospect as inappropriate and insensitive in light of a national grief experienced because of your father's illness.  I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people of Israel.”

Pat Robertson apologizing in a letter to Ariel Sharon’s son for saying that God punished the Israeli prime minister with a stroke for giving land to the Palestinians.  January 12, 2006

Farris Hassan

“They had to divert resources and all kinds of stuff.  They have a war to run.  They don't need to be dealing with kids running off to Iraq. … I want to apologize for all the inconvenience I caused them, and I want to sincerely thank all the soldiers who risked their lives trying to get me out of Iraq and keep me safe.”

Florida high school student Farris Hassan apologizing for traveling to Iraq and then involving the military in getting him out safely.  January 9, 2006

Richard Smith

“I will regret for the rest of my life that I did not just call in sick.  I was on the wheel.  I was responsible.  I stand ready to suffer the consequences.”

Assistant Capt. Richard Smith apologizing for crashing the Staten Island ferry into the dock and killing eleven people.  January 9, 2006

Marcus Vick

“I deeply regret that I allowed my competitive emotions to take control.  To all of the Virginia Tech community, I sincerely apologize.”

Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick apologizing after being kicked off the team for stomping on the calf of a fallen opponent’s leg.  January 7, 2006

Wal-Mart

“We are deeply sorry that this happened.”

Wal-Mart apologizing after its Web site suggested that buyers of Planet of the Apes DVDs might also be interested in “Similar Items” like Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream/Assassination of MLK and Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.  January 5, 2006

Jack Abramoff

“Your honor, words will not be able to ever express how sorry I am for this, and I have profound regret and sorrow for the multitude of mistakes and harm I have caused.  All of my remaining days, I will feel tremendous sadness and regret for my conduct and for what I have done.  I only hope that I can merit forgiveness from the Almighty and from those I have wronged or caused to suffer.  I will work hard to earn that redemption.”

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff apologizing while pleading guilty in federal court to conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion.  January 3, 2006

Paul Mirecki

“I accept full responsibility for an ill-advised e-mail I sent to a small group of students and friends that has unintentionally impugned the integrity and good name of both the university and my faculty colleagues.  My words were offensive, and I apologize to all for that.”

University of Kansas religion professor Paul Mirecki apologizing for referring to right-wing Christians as “fundies” and for saying that a course he was teaching exposing intelligent design as a myth would be a “nice slap in their big fat face.”  November 28, 2005

Randy (Duke) Cunningham

“The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office. … In my life I have had great joy and great sorrow, and now I know great shame.  I learned in Vietnam that the true measure of a man is how he responds to adversity.  I can't undo what I've done, but I can atone. … I intend to use the remaining time that God grants me to make amends.  And I will.   The first step in that journey is to admit fault and apologize.  And I do apologize.”

Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham apologizing during his resignation speech after pleading guilty to tax evasion and taking more than $2 million in bribes from defense contractors.  It wasn’t his first public apology – that was back in 1995, when protests by gay rights activists forced him to say, “If the term ‘homos in the military’ is offensive, then I apologize and I will not use it again.”  November 28, 2005

Jean Schmidt

“While I strongly disagree with his policy, [I never] wished to attack Congressman Murtha.  I only take exception to his policy position.”

Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH) apologizing for saying of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA), a former marine who spoke out supporting the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, “Cowards cut and run, Marines never do.”  November 22, 2005

Bob Woodward

“I apologized because I should have told him about this much sooner.”

Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward publicly revealing his private apology to the paper’s executive editor, Leonard Downie Jr., for keeping it a secret that a Bush higher-up had told him about Valerie Plame’s C.I.A. involvement more than two years ago.  Observed Eric Boehlert, author of Lapdogs: How The Press Rolled Over For Bush, “It just looks really bad.  It looks like what people have been saying about Bob Woodward for the past five years, that he's become a stenographer for the Bush White House.”  November 16, 2005

My Bad Song

Check out the "My Bad" song (soon to be a Vidlit!) Go here.

Who's Sorry Now

The Bad Goes On. Stay tuned to the blog for new apologies as they're offered.