They are only sorry they got caught...

When an athlete apologizes for anything it is for one reason only because their agent told them to, it is good PR.. A Celebrity/Athlete will try and get away with anything, then when they are caught they apologize, just like the politicians...thats why I do not trust politicians nor do I care what the celebrities or athletes do or say, they don't effect my pocket book....but I can effect theirs by not buying tickets to their movie/event.

Unless it is at a press conference, (not a selected few) the script was probably written by their agent or attorney.

They are sorry they got caught, that's it.

The only thing they are sorry about is the they got caught.

After listening to McGuire 'apologize' during the Costas interview, it was obvious that, aside from the outright lying ("I took steroids for health purposes"), that most, if not all of these high-profile athletes could care less about the fans. McGuire is an example of greed...he's been offered the hitting coach job from LaRussa with a possible pinch-hitting role thrown in. This means he once again becomes a target of press (with the Hall of Fame looming, also), so he's going to go public and lie and cry.

It's pretty pathetic.

About as often as I believe the politicians' non-apologies. "I'm sorry you took it wrong." "I'm sorry the press took my remarks/actions/bribes out of context." "I'm sorry my attorney wouldn't 'allow' me to tell the truth when I testified before Congress that I'd never used steroids." And so on, ad nauseam.

I won't believe or trust any of them until somebody stands up and says "I did wrong. I abused my position. I am sorry and I will work to make it right," and then moves AWAY from the cameras and gets to work trying to fix whatever damage his actions caused.

I usually believe they're sorry. What is tricky is figuring out whether their remorse is really focused on the act itself or on the resulting fallout. When someone delays for years and years like McGwire, I find it hard to really believe the apology is about the deed. When someone makes his way through fire and punishment and can't even count on reinstatement, like Michael Vick, I'm much more inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

well said, Matha, well said.

correction: Martha (not Matha).

When you wait (for years in this case), it's obvious you have an agenda and a series of events have prompted you to come forward.

Sorry, Mac, but you lied to Congress and you lied to Costas.

No soup for you!

I worked in Public Affairs. Whenever they had an interview lined up, attorney would submit like 15 questions for them to answer. Their attorney would send back like 10 of the questions with the answers to them. Then our office would set a time and date for interview. (This was non sports company)

Same here, Attorney writes statement, agent proofs it for public "acceptance", Attorney "tweeks" it, Moron stands in front of camera and reads it!

Athlete's apologies are about as wortles as tit's on a board. All they care about is how much more money they can get.

Then they take there gun's into locker room's, bars, and anywhere they think they can get a away with it.

It really all depends on the athlete, what was done wrong, and what the financial impact of that act has on his lifestyle.

Did the act harm (physically or financially) anyone else other than the athlete?

It all depends of the circumstances! Can't be answered with a broad stroke.

the only thing they are sorry about is that they got caught!!

When I say something that hurts someone's feelings, I might instantly apologize for not having said something right. Sometimes I'm apologizing for the way I stated something, having not at all meant it that way. Other times I'm sorry that in saying something I did mean, rather than finding it helpful to someone, they took offense.

Whether we're super stars or little old ladies, apologies don't necessarily mean that we're sorry we said or did something. I'm unconcerned about whether he "meant" it. I think what's more important is to know whether they see it as a poor choice and will refrain from repeating it.