Out, Damned Spot!

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By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts

Sunday, August 6, 2006

Will Mel Gibson's career survive his drunken anti-Semitic outburst? Are two groveling apologies enough? A look back at historic VIP slurs and their aftermaths.

Who: Earl Butz, secretary of agriculture for Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford

Slur: In 1976, told John Dean an obscene racist joke.

Damage Control: Apologized for "any offense which may have been given to any person or to any group."

Outcome: Forced to resign Oct. 4, 1976, pled guilty to tax evasion in 1981.

Who: Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker

Slur: In a 1999 interview with Sports Illustrated, insulted New York City, immigrants, homosexuals and single mothers.

Damage Control: Apologized by saying, "Even though it might appear otherwise from what I've said, I am not a racist," and "It is not what I believe in my heart."

Outcome: Briefly suspended, fined, ordered into sensitivity training; later traded to the three other MLB teams. Eventually failed in minor leagues.

Who: Bill Clinton

Slur: In a 1991 conversation with mistress Gennifer Flowers , Clinton was recorded saying that then-Gov. Mario Cuomo "acts like" a Mafioso.

Damage Control: First denied it was his voice on the tapes, then sent Cuomo a letter of apology; later suggested, if elected, he might appoint Cuomo to the Supreme Court.

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