...except after "C"

His first statement (from the July 31 BBC article):

"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.
"I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA County sheriffs.
"The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person.
"I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable.
"I am deeply ashamed of everything I said and I apologize to anyone who I have offended.
"Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behaviour. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself.
"I disgraced myself and my family with my behaviour and for that I am truly sorry.
"I have battled the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse.
"I apologize for any behaviour unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."

I noticed several things:

• It begins and ends with the excuse of alcohol use, and makes careful note of the disease of alcoholism, vs. the sin of drunkenness.
• It downplays the seriousness of his offense by pointing out what could have happened ("before I caused injury to any person") rather than what did happen (I abused alcohol, broke the law, said hurtful things, etc.)
• It is not specific to whom he is apologizing: "I apologize to anyone who I have offended."
• It focuses on himself twice as much as others ("...been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself."; "I disgraced myself and my family..."; "...ensure my return to health.")
• It de-personalized his behavior ("I acted like a person completely out of control," vs. "I was completely out of control.")

Cf. some quotes from his second statement (from the August 1 Fox story):

"I want to apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community"
"I must assume personal responsibility for my words and apologize directly to those who have been hurt and offended by those words."
"This is about real life and recognizing the consequences hurtful words can have."

Then Cf. some Biblical accounts of apologies:

Exodus 10:16
Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron and said, "I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you."
Joshua 7:20
And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did..."
2 Samuel 12:13
David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die."
Psalm 41:4
As for me, I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me;heal me, for I have sinned against you!"
Micah 7:9
I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light;I shall look upon his vindication.
Luke 15:21
And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

He's taken some good first steps, but I think Mel still has some ground to cover.
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