From Reggie Bush: An apology for USC's sanctions. Kind of.
In a culture of chest thumping, trash-talking and slamming your rivals, I think generations of Americans have probably forgotten how to apologize and mean it (sincerity).
Here's Reggie Bush's feigned attempt.
“Whether it’s all true or all wrong or whether we’re guilty or not guilty, it’s still my responsibility and I have to accept that. And I have to deal with it as it is and try to manage it as best as I can. With that, we plan to aid USC as much as possible in the appeal with the NCAA. I’m gonna do everything I can to make it right, to make it better, and that’s really all I can do.”
A non-apology apology.
"I didn't do anything wrong. But if I did and if I get implicated at any point in the future, then it's my responsibility to lawyer-up. And if at some point, I totally exhaust all of my appeals and have to face the music, then ALLEGEDLY, I offer my humblest and most sincere non-denial."
Really though, if he is sincerely interested in helping out USC (a debatable point), the best thing he could do is offer a non-apology apology though. If he comes out and says, I'm sorry that I took money and/or items of monetary value and I'm sorry I did that because it has caused problems for USC, then he sinks any appeals chance that USC has.
Now of course you can argue that USC doesn't have a chance at appeals anyways, but from the perspective of someone trying to help USC (that would be Bush, not me), this is really the best he could do.
No?
Just to clarify though, I do share your complaint that it sucks that the best we ever get out of famous folks is the non-apology apology.
Truth will set you free Reggie!
I fucking hate cop out apologies. They're worse IMO than just saying "fuck you," because at least then you're speaking from the heart, and taking a stand. All of this "I'm sorry if I offended anyone, and if I did I apologize" garbage needs to go. Either say you were wrong, and apologize, or say you don't apologize. Don't try to play the, if I did anything wrong I apologize card. reggie, you took money, you fucking cheated, and you know you did. Be a man, say you were wrong, and move on.
And at this point, it's not like has anything to lose. Just say it.
"I did what I did not out of greed or malice, but to help my family. In hindsight, I realize that I chose a shortcut...the easy way out. For that, I am sorry. I hope my young fans will forgive me and realize that life offers no short cuts. I'm truly sorry that other players will have to suffer for my actions. That is something I'll always have to live with and I ask for their forgiveness."
Boom. Done. End of story.
Pride goes before a fall!!!
“...... we plan to aid USC as much as possible in the appeal with the NCAA.”
Where was he when the entire investigation was taking place? He could have aided USC then.....why wait until the hammer has fallen to decide "now's the time to do my part."
What a crock.
Just go to hell Bush and take the Trojans with you.
he should write an "if i did it book" like OJ.
forgive you Reggie. Consider the ban lifted
when publisists and lawyers get involved. Apologies without apologies.
It is what it is....