Apology for Domestic Abuse Comments

Good morning.

On Friday, right here speaking on First Take about the subject of domestic violence, I made what can only amount to the most egregious error of my career. While elaborating on thoughts concerning the NFL's ruling versus Ray Rice filing a domestic dispute with his then-fiancée, I ventured beyond the scope of our discussion by alluding to a woman's role in such heinous matters, going so far as to use the word "provoke" in my diatribe. My words came across that it is somehow a woman's fault. This was not my intent. It is not what I'm trying to say. Yet the failure to clearly articulate something different lies squarely on my shoulders. To say what I actually said was foolish is an understatement. To say I was wrong is obvious. To apologize to say I'm sorry doesn't do the matter its proper justice, to be quite honest. But I do sincerely apologize.

As a man raised by the greatest mother in the world and four older sisters, I've religiously spoken out against domestic violence all of my life. I've done so repeatedly over 20 years in the business, as well as these very airwaves right here on First Take. My primary reason for doing so is because I've experienced and dealt with the matter in my own family. Unfortunately, I did an incredibly poor job of asserting my point of view this past Friday. For that, again, I am truly, truly sorry; particularly to victims of domestic abuse and to my female family members and loved ones that I've disappointed and who know I know better. You all deserved a better professional, and quite frankly a better man last Friday sitting on this very set and this very chair. My heartfelt apologies to each and every single one of you.