I apologize

Each week a new slew of politically incorrect politicians, ball players and washed up sitcom stars beg the public for forgiveness.

What does this trend really mean?

This weeks public offender is an NBA player. I don't hold these guys to high standards to begin with, but I understand that they represent the NBA once they accept the large contract and their own line of sneakers.

My problem is not with the bigot who made the intolerant comments about gay men, I find fault with the forced apology. It's almost as if you mutter two magic words and suddenly the public must welcome the verbal assailant back into the world of civility.

If you are racist, sexist, homophobic or part of any other exclusionary groups, do not back down from the insensitive comments that you are caught making in public.

I don't care how funny Kramer was, that was not Michael Richards first time saying the N word. It was the first time he got caught.

I'm not a fan of his behavior, but I find his apology and healing time with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton a bit repugnant. And a lot staged.

What does an apology mean if those who were offended or hurt have to scream for one?