To Apologize or Not to Apologize? Brent Musberger has still not apologized for harming the lives of John Carlos and Tommie Smith. Penn State Alum Lavar Arrington apologizes for not detecting the suffering of “Victim #4″ in the Sandusky trial; and Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander offers “The Greatest Apology in History” after reflecting on his gay cricket joke. His introspection and explanation set a new standard for apologies.
Links and quotes below:
After 44 Years, It’s Time Brent Musberger Apologized to John Carlos and Tommie Smith
Dave Zirin, Edge of Sports
Says John Carlos: “We are talking about someone who compared us to Nazis. Think about that. Here we are standing up to apartheid and to a man in Avery Brundage who delivered the Olympics to Hitler’s Germany. And here’s Musburger calling us Nazis. That got around. It followed us. It hurt us. It hurt my wife, my kids. I’ve never been able to confront him about why he did this.”
Zirin continues: “It’s been 44 years. It’s time Brent Musberger apologized for slandering these two young men as “black-skinned stormtroopers.” It’s time he apologized for his absence of journalistic ethics in ignoring their message and instead obsessing on the color of their skin. It’s time he apologized for making the lives of John Carlos and Tommie Smith that much harder. Nearing the end of a distinguished career, he should address this scar on his legacy. Brent Musburger: the ball is in your court.”
Jerry Sandusky Trial: I Wish I Paid More Attention to One Man’s Pain
Lavar Arrington, Washington Post
Say Lavar Arrington: “it’s mind-blowing to realize that a kid I took an active interest in during my time at [Penn State] was suffering right in front of me and I had no idea that the pain allegedly came from someone in my own football program. …I hate everything that has happened, and now I must admit I feel even worse, knowing what allegedly was happening so close to me, and that I was unaware.
As a parent, I pray I can come to some peace about this and prepare my family for living in a world like this. I will never just wonder why a child is mad. I will never just assume ever again. I will always ask, and let them know that it’s okay to tell the truth about why they are upset.
My anguish and disappointment doesn’t compare to that of the victims. All I can do is hope that Victim 4 finds this entry and can see that I’m offering my sincerest apologies. I am so sorry this happened.”
Jason Alexander Offers Greatest Apology in History for “Gay Cricket Joke”
Cyd Zeigler, Jr., OutSports
Says Jason Alexander: “It is not that we can’t laugh at and with each other. It is not a question of oversensitivity. The problem is that today, as I write this, young men and women whose behaviors, choices or attitudes are not deemed “man enough” or “normal” are being subjected to all kinds of abuse from verbal to physical to societal. They are being demeaned and threatened because they don’t fit the group’s idea of what a “real man” or a “real woman” are supposed to look like, act like and feel like.
For these people, my building a joke upon the premise I did added to the pejorative stereotype that they are forced to deal with everyday. It is at the very heart of this whole ugly world of bullying that has been getting rightful and overdue attention in the media. And with my well-intentioned comedy bit, I played right into those hurtful assumptions and diminishments.” Read full apology here.
TELL GOODELL: NO MORE RACISM
THE LAST CLOSET
