This topic has been on my to-do list for some time. Recent examples of the behavior I’m about to describe motivated me to elevate the topic to the top of the heap.
In a recent game pitting arch-rivals the Oregon Ducks against the USC Trojans, Oregon quarterback Donte Moore was cheap-shotted by an ‘SC defender while sliding to the turf. Moore’s body immediately began twitching, a sure sign of having been concussed. He remained on the field for several moments, ultimately being transported to a local hospital. (Fortunately he was reported to have movement in all extremities.) Plays like this unfortunately happen. Some targeting is not purposeful while other instances truly are.
This one was indeed intentional. That was bad enough. But the culpable player’s reaction and antics after the hit were completely unacceptable. He smiled. He clapped. He raised his arms swinging them back and forth encouraging the throngs of SC fans to cheer. OMG. Nauseating behavior.
Rightfully so, he was ejected from the game but allowed to sit on the sidelines for the remainder of the game, often seen with a smirk on his face in the immediate aftermath. At a minimum this is bad optics by the coaching staff. He should have been “sent to the showers,” i.e., banned from being on the field for the remainder of the game. ‘SC coach Lincoln Riley claimed he didn’t see the reaction. Yeah, sure. And that’s a polite characterization.
The following morning it was announced that the player would be suspended for one game. Better one than none I guess. In a statement from Riley, he asserted that the player’s actions “are not reflective . . . of his personal character.” Are you kidding me? If he was of any moral character he would have shown remorse, either by his words or his actions. He would have walked towards Moore to assess his condition, demonstrating his concern for a fellow combatant. But instead, he had a shit-eating grin from ear to ear. He encouraged applause to celebrate a player lying on the ground in obvious distress.
I am so fed up with these “apologies” that are not heartfelt. They are crafted by public relation “experts” attempting to diffuse a sensitive issue. Nothing more.
Reminds me of the “apology” offered by New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo who faced heavy backlash a few months ago after calling CTE . . . and asthma . . . “fake” and an “excuse” during a podcast appearance. He later issued a public apology, claiming he “had a lapse in judgement” and “assuring that I’ll be more mindful and respectful going forward.” (I believe another public relation cover up.)
Fast forward to the NFL’s opening weekend of the 2026 season. A commercial run that day that was shocking. The very same “apologetic” Cam Skattebo is seen bashing his head into a wall, repositioning a truck on a street curb by ramming his noggin into the rear panel and then, finally, head-butting another person. Oh my goodness! The onset of CTE is becoming more and more associated with repeated head trauma, such as could occur by his actions in the commercial.
So I ask, when is an apology not an apology?
Another possible example of this behavior, albeit the least egregious of what I write, is Texas QB Arch Manning’s response to a question about a social media video that may have been altered by AI. In response, he offered, “Have you all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe.” Rowe is a highly respected sports journalist who covers football from the sidelines. In what world is slapping a woman funny? That world doesn’t exist.
His admission seemed the most sincere when compared against the two above. To paraphrase, he wrote, “I made an insensitive comment. There is nothing funny about it.” He continued, “I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I’m deeply sorry for that. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.” Given his lineage, from grandfather Archie, to uncles Payton and Eli, I’m betting on this experience to be one of a kind.
But I believe society needs to do better. Be more accountable for one’s actions. Do not offer psychobabble attempting to skirt the real issues. Be heartfelt when extending apologies. Most of us really do know the difference.