An apology that wasn't really an apology

[KaiserDanimal]

"We take very seriously the responsibility that comes with our creative freedom and regret any offense that this segment has caused."

Opie and Anthony do take their responsibility very seriously. That's nothing new- they stay within FCC guidelines on terrestrial radio, and they don't endanger people with their free speech. When they say they regret any offense that the segment caused (specifically to public officials), of course they regret the offense- it could get them fired! They haven't said that they feel they were wrong in saying these things, just that they regret that people were offended by it. This sounds like something XM (and maybe CBS too) wanted them to say, but I really think the wording of it is perfect.

As Anthony had said in the past, if you make one apology, that's it. You apologized, and if you get fired, it's just bullshit. They apologized for offending the thin-skinned, but not for their participation in the comments. Thus far, they haven't gone against their advice to Imus. If, come Monday, they start giving (fake) but seemingly genuine apologies and saying that they were wrong to say what they did, then I think they'd be going back on their plan. Part of this may be to show that apologizing once like a civilized human being doesn't work anymore.

It's kind of like this- if you and your friends all joke with each other, but you have one friend who can never be at the butt of the joke (Master Po), and they get offended, you can regret the fact that they took offense without regretting making the joke. I think this "apology" is just vague enough to appease everyone without sacrificing their integrity. Maybe that was XM's goal, too. If XM says that they feel the boys did something wrong, then they have to either punish them with a suspension or firing or look like they have values that they don't enforce.

It's a shitty situation for everyone, between the merger complications and the flimsiness of their stay at CBS, but just like when you want to scream at someone about to get knifed in a horror movie, it's a lot easier to give advice when you're only living it through an appliance, especially if you don't know the whole story. I'm glad they haven't said "what we said was wrong, and we apologize", and I think we should be proud of them for that.

[mr0range]

O & A are unfortunately a dying breed in a society that has become obviously polarized, fanatically overly-sensitive and worsening day-by-day. There has always been a definitive line between hate speech and humor and O&A have always stayed on the humor side. However, with special interest group leaders erasing that line and blending the two we have truly doomed our society to become even more jaded and more separated since we can no longer verbally express what is on our minds (even in a joking manner) and will have eradicated everything that the 1st Amendment stands for. I offer my full support for O&A and the joy they bring, albeit crude and crass, and as for the special interests groups and “corporate” . . . a wiser man then me once said, "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke".

[WhiskeyWhispers]

I just think they don't want to go down in flames over what SOMEONE ELSE said. If it was something they did/said themselves, I still believe them that they would defend themselves and not apologize. But to lose their jobs over what some homeless schwoogie said? I would'nt go down for that either.

[wwpd]

i totally agree- when i read the apology it screamed "boyfriend apology" to me: "i'm sorry you're upset" is the standard- not sorry for what he did, but sorry he has to deal with an cranky girlfriend. Definite non-apology - GOOD FOR OPIE AND ANTHONY!

[abudabit]

O&A DID apologize, let's not go into denial about it. They apologized after making fun of and criticizing other people for apologizing. The apologized for something a guest did. They apologized.

[WhiskeyWhispers]

O&A DID apologize, let's not go into denial about it. They apologized after making fun of and criticizing other people for apologizing. The apologized for something a guest did. They apologized.

I was hanging out with this kid once, and he jumped this other kid and beat him pretty bad. We get arrested. The detective tells me, "look, all you have to do is tell us he did it and your off the hook". But righteous me wouldn't rat out. I got 2 years probation for that shit. I WILL NEVER TAKE THE FALL FOR WHAT SOME OTHER DUDE DID EVER AGAIN. You have to look after yourself.

Yes they apologized, but I don't expect them to take everyone on for what that dumb fuck said. Opie even said he hoped if they do get fired, it would be for something memorable. This ain't it. I myself haven't heard the apology, but I'm just saying they get the benefit of the doubt from me.

[KaiserDanimal]

O&A DID apologize, let's not go into denial about it. They apologized after making fun of and criticizing other people for apologizing. The apologized for something a guest did. They apologized.

Indoor voices!

There's a big difference between giving a canned, vague apology that doesn't say they are sorry for anything they did and Don Imus saying that what he did was wrong. Wanna give them a little time to explain the situation? You've been a fan since at least 2004, probably longer, don't get too upset over this until we all know more. They couldn't say anything about it today.

[danny666]

I didn't hear today's show yet so I don't know if they gave a groveling apology.
But the written 'apology' I read was fair. First off they didn't do anything wrong. Some black bum said what he said. I like how the press said they were joking about punching Rice. It was actually the homeless guy who later added that. O and A were just joking at the thought of this lowly bum having sex with Rice and if that happened it would unlikely be voluntary on her part.

Anyway that is tone to have. THey have to have some type of weak written apology that basically reminds those bitches(and the press) that they are public officials, unlike those Rutger hoop napsters. So now the press can refer to the apology and they met their minimum requirement for their bosses. And if anyone wants to whine it should be Rice and Bush. No one needs to speak up for them. They are public officials and fair game for anyone. And they should have bigger problems than what some degranged homeless person said.

[fandango86]

O&A DID apologize, let's not go into denial about it. They apologized after making fun of and criticizing other people for apologizing. The apologized for something a guest did. They apologized.

So if the choice was no apology or no show, which would you choose?

[abudabit]

Then why do they mock every other person who apologizes? Are O&A special?

[OnASoldier]

waddle doodle... apologize!

[fandango86]

I didn't say they weren't hypocrites about the free speech issue. I got uppity over the .net thing, and I'm still listening. Sure, they're hypocrites, but they're the funniest hypocrites I've ever heard and I hope to keep listening. Everyone is a hypocrite sometimes...

[KaiserDanimal]

Then why do they mock every other person who apologizes? Are O&A special?

They didn't mock JV and Elvis for a single canned apology. They thought (at the time) that it was a bad idea, but that doesn't make them hypocrites. They wouldn't have mocked Imus if he had apologized just once, they mocked him when he started groveling.

[danny666]

Hey the fact is this was XM and their in merger talks and O and A dissed some powerful people of the still ruling party(of the DOJ and FCC). So they have to give them something. I think their 'apology' accomplished a lot. It stressed that they Rice and Bush were public officials. And they also were saying to their bosses they appreciate the freedom they were given.
I don't think O and A had any problem with people apologizing. I think they had issue with who radio hosts were apologizing to. I agree with do it once, and weak written apologies are the best. I would have issue with an apology tour.

[habeasrob]

you may believe it wasn't a real apology, but no one else will. Check out the headline on foxnews and elsewhere..Shock Jock's appologize. No hint of sarcasm in headlines

[habeasrob]

Indoor voices!

There's a big difference between giving a canned, vague apology that doesn't say they are sorry for anything they did and Don Imus saying that what he did was wrong. Wanna give them a little time to explain the situation? You've been a fan since at least 2004, probably longer, don't get too upset over this until we all know more. They couldn't say anything about it today.


there is no difference when the headline reads "SHOCK JOCKS APOLOGIZE"

[Plunkies]

Well the apology accomplished one thing, my moral is fucking gone. I was all psyched for a fight but now, fuck it.

[danny666]

You need to issue an apology in order for this story to go away. Otherwise they can milk the story until Monday. 'Will O and A issue an apology'. They already did. A weak ass one at that. Nothing to see here.

Hopefully there will be some type of big story this weekend. I still have my hope on the four of the ten A-rabs who weren't caught in the Fort Dix shooting.

[abudabit]

You need to issue an apology in order for this story to go away.

Do ya? That's not what O&A have been saying for the past few years. They've been saying the opposite.

[JohnnyRed]

I remember them saying never to apologize and Opie saying he never would if he was in the JV & Elvis situation. Yes they do rule the funny on the radio but yes they are also hypocrites.

On the flip side I would rather have them apologize then have no show at all BUT I was totally shocked when I clicked on foxnews.com and saw the headline saying they apologized. Read into it any way you want, it is an apology.

Well the apology accomplished one thing, my moral is fucking gone. I was all psyched for a fight but now, fuck it.

This guy kinda hit the nail.......

[FACE]

They did not really apologize the company did it for them. The report said XM apologized.

[abudabit]

They did not really apologize the company did it for them. The report said XM apologized.

O&A also issued an apology, actually they did twice. The XM one came first, but O&A did one the next day.

[Minge]

They did not really apologize the company did it for them. The report said XM apologized.

The show started with an apology.

FINE! O&A know what they're doing. This is not the time to dissect the show. It's time to fight the interest groups. It's time to support the show.

http://www.peopleagainstcensorship.org/

[danny666]

If you say something to make your bosses take notice you need to issue an apology. My opinion is you do it quickly as possible and as weak as you're allowed to.

I think the issue was apologizing to some activist group seeking publicity. No good could ever come of that.

One generic apology is good for all. It is necessary to ending a story. Because if you wait a few days and then issue one then that creates a new AP article about the apology. Get 'er done as soon as possible.

I think the bbboys a little more humble because it's XM. They syndicate their show and control everything until 2010. If it were just CBS they would have more leeway to say Fuck off.

[ZapBrannigan]

How many times have you heard Ant say, "Nothing we do on the show is scripted..."? I can't be the only one who heard *apology* followed by *crinkle crinkle crinkle*. Therefore we can assume, as most of us already have, that the apology was written up for them by bigwigs and fat cats. If you know their show, you know they didn't really mean it.

[thefirebuilds]

This garbage is on cnn now.

[bushleaguer]

This garbage is on cnn now.

Translation: Slow news day, must fill airtime.

[patbattlefield]

regardless of whether they meant the apology or not its still out there as an admission of guilt. precedent has been set. it is my personal belief that they made a serious error in judgment for showing any kind of remorse for comments made in a comedy setting. the people offended aren't listeners and they don't care about the show. IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR TURN THE GOD DAMN DIAL YOU WORTHLESS PIECES OF SHIT.

[Gonzoid]

Bottom line is that an apology was issued. You can argue whether it was half-assed, insincere, corporate-issued or whatever, but everyone else is interpretting it as OnA apologized. Fact is, as much as they play it off, they do not want to get publically humiliated for being fired for the 3rd time in 10 years...especially over something a homeless guy said. This is a bullshit story, but the way radio is it is enough to get the lynch mob going. And given the climate of radio, I don't know if they can get another job for a while. This won't be a Viacom deal where they'll get paid teh remainder of their contract and sit out...they'll be fired with no $$$ coming in. Who teh fuck would want that?

[midgetstilts]

Here's the actual mp3 of the apology if anyone wants to hear it. (http://www.schmidtbits.com/download_demo.asp)

[underdog423]

Holy shit. That apology was hilarious.

[thrawn42]

That apology was obviously something canned that XM forced them to read.

Oh well. If that's as far as it goes, I really don't mind.

[jobson]

i know that they are just trying to save themselves and the apology wasn't really an "apology" but it still upset me to hear the boys make that kind of statement after saying for the last month that they would never apologize if something like this were to happen. Still love the show, but i was just a little disapointed

[jackgates1]

Am I the only one who interpreted the bell that they were ringing (the innappropriate bell) on the XM side after they apologized as showing that what they were saying was innappropriate and forced? Am I looking too far into it? They rang it like 30 times

[brancle1177]

That apology was definatly handed down from some big wig at XM. The crumpling paper was a message to the pests saying "this isn't from us". They know we are smart enough to figure this out.

B

[KaiserDanimal]

Most of us are smart enough to figure this out, anyway. The rest can go screw.

[23 Skidoo]

Opie and Anthony do take their responsibility very seriously. That's nothing new- they stay within FCC guidelines on terrestrial radio, and they don't endanger people with their free speech. When they say they regret any offense that the segment caused (specifically to public officials), of course they regret the offense- it could get them fired! They haven't said that they feel they were wrong in saying these things, just that they regret that people were offended by it. This sounds like something XM (and maybe CBS too) wanted them to say, but I really think the wording of it is perfect.

As Anthony had said in the past, if you make one apology, that's it. You apologized, and if you get fired, it's just bullshit. They apologized for offending the thin-skinned, but not for their participation in the comments. Thus far, they haven't gone against their advice to Imus. If, come Monday, they start giving (fake) but seemingly genuine apologies and saying that they were wrong to say what they did, then I think they'd be going back on their plan. Part of this may be to show that apologizing once like a civilized human being doesn't work anymore.

It's kind of like this- if you and your friends all joke with each other, but you have one friend who can never be at the butt of the joke (Master Po), and they get offended, you can regret the fact that they took offense without regretting making the joke. I think this "apology" is just vague enough to appease everyone without sacrificing their integrity. Maybe that was XM's goal, too. If XM says that they feel the boys did something wrong, then they have to either punish them with a suspension or firing or look like they have values that they don't enforce.

It's a shitty situation for everyone, between the merger complications and the flimsiness of their stay at CBS, but just like when you want to scream at someone about to get knifed in a horror movie, it's a lot easier to give advice when you're only living it through an appliance, especially if you don't know the whole story. I'm glad they haven't said "what we said was wrong, and we apologize", and I think we should be proud of them for that.
Very well put, sir.

Let's just weather this bullshit until Monday. I firmly believe this is going to lose its legs over the weekend. The boys did what they HAD to do and nothing more and they will be there Monday morning, with the proverbial bells on. The inappropriate bells, that is. Ha ha.

O & A PARTY ROCK!

[Ben's Bulge]

O&A DID apologize, let's not go into denial about it. They apologized after making fun of and criticizing other people for apologizing. The apologized for something a guest did. They apologized.

This guy is right. I don't blame them because they had no choice, but they did apologize. Trying to rationalize it into something else really doesn't hold up.

[Action JAckson]

:D I heard They were going to lose thier jobs beacues of bad ratings on free FM... ????????? I know I am going to take alot of shit for this? But is there any truth to this?

[Big Dick Mcgee]

I don't have a problem with them doing what they did. I would rather them do that and save their jobs then go without them to listen to.

[CoatHngrReject]

FUCK APOLOGIES. Just another hypocritical ONA thing. :(

[WOWmagnet]

How many times have you heard Ant say, "Nothing we do on the show is scripted..."? I can't be the only one who heard *apology* followed by *crinkle crinkle crinkle*. Therefore we can assume, as most of us already have, that the apology was written up for them by bigwigs and fat cats. If you know their show, you know they didn't really mean it.


Agreed.

[Capt.Caveman]

hopefully this will get bumped by the fire in california. and what would be even more sweet would be if all of the hippies burned to death

[KaiserDanimal]

Alright, some of you guys are just being fucking idiots now. Their point was that Don Imus didn't owe an apology to the black community (note that their canned apology was given to PUBLIC OFFICIALS, not their listeners). They said you apologize ONCE and then move on and let everyone see what asses these leeches are by not accepting the first apology, but you don't start groveling about it (like Don Imus did). There is a BIG difference between these two situations, and anyone not recognizing that is just being ridiculous. What's the matter- a short, fake, boyfriend apology to save their jobs and their staffs jobs is hypocritical when they never condemned it in the first place?

[WhiskeyWhispers]

Alright, some of you guys are just being fucking idiots now. Their point was that Don Imus didn't owe an apology to the black community (note that their canned apology was given to PUBLIC OFFICIALS, not their listeners). They said you apologize ONCE and then move on and let everyone see what asses these leeches are by not accepting the first apology, but you don't start groveling about it (like Don Imus did). There is a BIG difference between these two situations, and anyone not recognizing that is just being ridiculous. What's the matter- a short, fake, boyfriend apology to save their jobs and their staffs jobs is hypocritical when they never condemned it in the first place?

QFT. People are acting like they begged for forgiveness and offered up blowjobs to those offended. Ant couldn't have read that "apology" with more indifference. I could hear the disdain in his voice. O ye of little faith, with friends like you who needs enemies?

[Its A Hemi]

Ant sounded like he was smiling when he read it, I was ready to say they were being hypocrites but the apology was fucking hysterical. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet.

Who wants to be fired over some hobo anyway?

[ffuege]

I'm impressed with how this is being handled so far. I don't see them kissing anyone's ass, begging forgiveness, or apologizing for what was said. They apologized that someone might have had a bad reaction to it. This is the right thing to do in this situation.

If you're pushing the envelope and a bad spotlight starts shining your way I think it is best to pause a second and let the easily offended know they should probably move along so we can get back to our program. That's all the apology was. Stand there a minute and whistle quietly until these fools stop watching for something to complain about and then everything can go back to normal.

I definitely believe the boys know how to handle this. It would be a mistake to suddenly push it farther and get in some real trouble just to try to prove a point. They'll last much longer this way without compromising what is right about free speech.

[george]

Bottom line is that an apology was issued. You can argue whether it was half-assed, insincere, corporate-issued or whatever, but everyone else is interpretting it as OnA apologized. Fact is, as much as they play it off, they do not want to get publically humiliated for being fired for the 3rd time in 10 years...especially over something a homeless guy said. This is a bullshit story, but the way radio is it is enough to get the lynch mob going. And given the climate of radio, I don't know if they can get another job for a while. This won't be a Viacom deal where they'll get paid teh remainder of their contract and sit out...they'll be fired with no $$$ coming in. Who teh fuck would want that?


I think it is pretty clear that they HAD to do that. Did you hear the piece of paper being torn up? I would also think that they have negotiated a better deal than not getting paid if they are let go before their contracts are up.

[THE FEZ MAN]

first, the statement was read before the show started, buy anthony, (so in my mind opie did not appoligize) and as far as im concerned its over. now if they grovel like imus then that would be differnt . they were men about it, you accept responsablity and thats that.

[abudabit]

I think it is pretty clear that they HAD to do that. Did you hear the piece of paper being torn up? I would also think that they have negotiated a better deal than not getting paid if they are let go before their contracts are up.

Vs. all the other people who they made fun of for being forced to apologize? Face it, they did what they mocked everyone else for doing.

And I've seen so many wackbaggers say shit about apologizing jocks like "I supported them, but after that apology fuck them."

[Gonzoid]

I think it is pretty clear that they HAD to do that. Did you hear the piece of paper being torn up? I would also think that they have negotiated a better deal than not getting paid if they are let go before their contracts are up.

I totally agree they had to do the apology. If it came down to them losing their jobs or apologizing , it is a no-brainer.

However, while I am not SuperAgent Bob Eatman, I also do not think they have any type of contract which is guaranteed. The only reason they got paid last time was b//c Viacom did nto want them competing with Stern. Now, if they do get fired (which I do not think is going to happen, thank god) it would be similar to Imus and they won't see a dime remaining on that contract.

What I do not see them doing, and what they would rightfully be called hypocites for, is groveling like Imus did. We can all stand on our Pride Mountain and say "Fuck taht, I won't apologize." But if it came to a choice between your integrity and a multi-million dollar contract when you have big mortgages, family, business investments and no guarantee that you will ever be hired again...I think all of us here would have done the same thing. '

Semantics about how they did the apology is irrelevent, IMO. Like being sorta pregnant.

[mendozathejew]

they said apologize once and thats it. they said that multiple times about imus and jv and elvis.

what they knocked what the repeated begging for forgiveness.

[Stalker2]

Maybe it was a Jedi mind trick,:"...Go on,apology accepted you may continue with your broadcasts."

[KaiserDanimal]

Don't try to tell that to abudabit, mendoza. He's not listening.

[Big Dick Mcgee]

They did what they had to do to keep their jobs. They said I'm sorry on the CBS side and on XM and thats all if no one understands what they did then fuck them don't listen to the show any more.

[Vyce]

You know what.......I don't give a shit.

They shouldn't have given them even THIS.

I'm legitimately disappointed.

[Beeman99]

I was dissapointed when I first saw on the net that they apoligized, but really, they want to keep their jobs, and they didn't kiss ass and look to make good with some fucking black womans group or shit like that. Really, does it matter in the end'

I did find it funny that I got an email in my inbox today saying to stop sending letters to the CBS officials as most of them didn't know about this until we told them

[HUMMERJON]

I heard so many apologies for things they may say in the future that they know will offend someone.

[Vyce]

Really, does it matter in the end'



It might not if they hadn't been talking for weeks now how a) Imus should never have apologized and b) they wouldn't apologize if they got into a similar situation.

Only they did, and they have.

[abbazabba]

Oh my god! This is retarded! I'm moving ot canada. It can't be that bad there, eh?

[23 Skidoo]

Hearing the boys compromising on the "no apologies" things > No O&A at all

[gasbuddah]

Actually I was a little disheartened at the apology, but I understood. then I felt better as Ant kept dinging the bell thru the intro. I kinda took it as a sign...of what I'm not sure, but the bell made me feel better. Hang in there boys, and don't offer anymore apologies. One was more than enough.

[Vyce]

Hearing the boys compromising on the "no apologies" things > No O&A at all

Yeah? Let's wait and see if they're still around Monday.

[SinA]

it would have been a bigger deal than it already isn't if they had said "no, we won't apologize"

they can make an apology, make it sound good, and get on with the show. fortunately there is no real outrage. mancow/fox news is stirring up the whole thing just so they can talk about it. something will bump it over the weekend and we can talk about boobs and farts again.

[RMM46]

I'm a little disappointed that they apologized, especially after hearing them say for the last 5 weeks, "Never apologize!"

But fuck it. I don't look to O&A to be my moral compass. I look to O&A for laughs and entertainment. They did what they had to do, and I hope to God that they'll be back on Monday and there on out. It's my entertainment, but it's their lives and careers. Stay strong, boys. We're with ya.

[kidconnor]

Ok we all heard the bell. Its obvious they don't agree with the apology and most of us don't either.. especially with all the grandstanding about NOT apologizing. I can actually picture both of them screaming at the execs and stating their case about how AGAINST apologizing they are... and the counter from the execs about the merger and how there are bigger things than their beliefs to fight for at this point in time..

I know having the boys get fired is not a good thought and many are happy they DID apologize rather than get fired.. We can guess WHY they had to do it and what made them acutally agree to do it..

BUT if not fight now then when? I've heard "the greater the risk the greater the reward' or "the best things are worth fighting for" and as cheeesy and horrible as they sound they do hold a bit of truth. Standing up for what you believe in is not done alot in todays climate and the the boys have ALOT to lose. 2 years in limbo and not knowing if they would ever work again to being on both sattelite radio AND the morning drive in Howards spot is a long way back. It' something they worked hard for and earned. To throw it all away on a rambling homeless man, especially in the face of a merger that may strengthen their position in radio even more may not be a wise choice..

Bottom line is I do feel dissapointed that they read that drivel.. I wish they would have stood their ground. I realize how tough it is to defend comments on r*ape on public officials. I realize that all they would be left with is their pride, a mortage, and many bills that may go unpaid...all while OFF the air AGAIN and that is a HUGE hit to take ONCE forget abotu TWICE.

Bottom line is I am torn. Is it better show your integrity and character rather than become something you hate (like Nick Nolte in Blue chips) for an industry that has become something you hate. OR is it better to just look out for yourself and go with the flow to keep YOUR place secure even though you don't belive it?: OR... is it better to let this one pass and stage that fight when a better time comes along. Knowing that they might have got you now but a fight is coming and when it comes next time you will be ready? to CHOOSE you battles so to speak?:huh:


I smell a poll....

[george]

god damn people - would you rather have them not apologize and lose their jobs? I wouldn't. I'd rather hear an empty "We're Sorry" than a day of Jim Blasingame commercials.

[Kurto2021]

so let me get this straight. It is OK to tell **** jokes just as long as they aren't about women in power. I have been listening since they started on XM and I would guess that they have joked about **** at least 50 times.

How many times has HS said he wants to bang a chick. I don't get why it matters who you are bashing. If it isn't OK to make these joke where were the complainers 3 years ago?

[okterrificsk2]

O&A DID apologize, let's not go into denial about it. They apologized after making fun of and criticizing other people for apologizing. The apologized for something a guest did. They apologized.

.

[23 Skidoo]

This is the last God damn thing I'll say about this apology business. Put yourself in their shoes on Friday. If they apologize, they are allowed to broadcast that day and have a strong chance to continue to broadcast (it has been confirmed they'll be on both shows Monday). If they do not apologize, NO FUCKING CHANCE of going on the air. O&A SHOW.... OVER!!!!!

So please quit the hand-wringing about them not taking a stand. They crumpled the paper after reading an apology they were forced to read. It was clear they did not want to read this, so take that into consideration, will you, people? I, for one, am damn glad they'll be on Monday. I'd rather they hadn't read that apology as well. But you know what, that's a small price to pay for them to continue to entertain me, and for them to keep fighting the lonely fight against political correctness.

Again, no apology, no show. PERIOD.

Every one of you in their position would have done the same damn thing.