ApologifyStephen A. Smith Owns Up; Mike Elko Sidesteps
Stephen A. Smith shows the value of naming the harm, while Mike Elko regrets the reception rather than the insult. Across six cases, concrete repair remains a recurring gap.
Every week we read the public apologies so you don’t have to, and score each one on what it admits, explains and repairs. These are the 6 that mattered between Oct 5 – 11, 2026. Disagree? Give your own score under each one.
Stephen A. Smith
Admits mocking mental health and apologizes, but offers no concrete repair or prevention steps.
“I messed up. Because I made light of the issue of mental health”
Stephen A. Smith apologized on First Take after making light of Lane Johnson’s decision to retire to prioritize his mental health. He admitted making light of mental health and regretted potentially discouraging people from seeking help, but offered no concrete repair or prevention measures.
Your score
Mike Elko
Regrets how the TexAgs insult was received without apologizing for calling users a cesspool.
“I regret the way it was taken, I regret the way it came out. I regret the way it ran.”
After Texas A&M lost to Missouri, Mike Elko called the TexAgs fan community a “cesspool.” At his Monday news conference, he expressed regret about his answer and how it was received, but did not apologize for the insult or offer repair.
Your score
Also this week
Cristiano Ronaldo
Owns snubbing fans and accepts punishment, but blames Jesus and offers no concrete repair.
“A failing that is solely my responsibility and that should not have happened.”
Ronaldo apologised for leaving Portugal’s squad and failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match. He accepted responsibility and possible federation punishment, but also blamed coach Jorge Jesus for allegedly breaking promises.
Your score
Emeka Rollas
Rollas apologises for his handling and timing, but offers no correction or concrete repair.
“I may still hold my convictions about some of the issues I raised then, but I take responsibility for my actions and my timing.”
Emeka Rollas apologised to Regina Daniels, Ned Nwoko, Rita Daniels and colleagues over his public comments during the couple’s marital dispute. He accepted responsibility for his conduct and timing while retaining some convictions, but offered no concrete repair.
Your score
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
Acknowledges failed moderation and apologizes to attendees, but offers no concrete safeguards against racist disruptions.
“We missed the mark with our moderation and pledge to do better in future events.”
A participant repeatedly disrupted an online Puget Sound Energy rate hearing with racist remarks. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission acknowledged inadequate moderation, apologized to attendees exposed to hate speech or discouraged from commenting, and promised to improve future events.
Your score
Jersey City Bar
Fires the host and pledges revenue, but offers limited ownership in the quoted statement.
“our trivia host awarded ‘best team name’ to a team that had a truly offensive name”
Pint’s owners apologized after their trivia host awarded best team name to “Cornell 7 inches,” referencing sexual assault allegations. They said the award violated the bar’s standards, fired the host and pledged to donate that night’s revenue to sexual violence prevention programs.
Your score
That’s the week. If someone in your own life is owed an apology, take the lesson from the top scores: name what you did, own it, and offer to make it right.
Write yours on ApologifyApology News, every Tuesday.
The week’s public apologies, scored. Free, five minutes.