They're Sorry. So Sorry

  • It was a great week to watch famous people try to squirm out of bad situations. Pete Rose's confession that he bet on ball games came 14 years too late — and was insufficiently repentant — for many fans. But he had plenty of company. How sincere were the others in the headlines? That's for the rest of us to judge.

    Steve Irwin
    TRANSGRESSION The Crocodile Hunter host held his month-old son in one hand while feeding a 13-ft. crocodile with the other.

    HOW CONTRITE? Initially defiant, he has been coming around: "I am sincerely sorry that I've scared people."

    Hillary Clinton
    TRANSGRESSION Speaking at a fund raiser, the Senator joked that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis.

    HOW CONTRITE? Nauseatingly so. "I have admired the work and life of Mahatma Gandhi," she said. "I truly regret if a lame attempt at humor suggested otherwise."

    John Rowland
    TRANSGRESSION The Connecticut Governor is accused of accepting gifts for the renovation of his lakeside cottage.

    HOW CONTRITE? As only a politician in jeopardy can be. "I humbly ask for a renewed opportunity to earn back your trust," he told voters in a televised address.

    Elecia Battle
    TRANSGRESSION Claimed falsely to have lost a winning lottery ticket.

    HOW CONTRITE? "I'm not a bad person," she cried. Still, she was charged with filing a false police report.

    Britney Spears
    TRANSGRESSION Married a childhood friend for one day.

    HOW CONTRITE? Her lawyers said she "lacked understanding of her actions." We won't buy it until she sobs to Diane Sawyer.