White Asks Forgiveness for Remarks

Reggie White said Thursday he may have used inappropriate examples of racial differences in remarks to Wisconsin lawmakers during a speech that also criticized homosexuality.

White faxed a statement to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in which he said he didn’t intend to slight anyone in his March 25 address to the state Assembly.

“First, I made a point that our society is fortunate to be comprised of different races and cultures. I must admit that my examples may have been somewhat clumsy and inappropriate on how the races differ, but my intent was not to demean anyone,” White said in the statement that was published in today’s editions.

“If I did, I humbly ask for your forgiveness,” he said.

“I did conclude the point by stressing that it takes all of our combined characteristics and qualities to reflect the full image of God.”

During his speech last week, White said each race had different gifts. Asians are so inventive, for instance, that “they can turn a television into a watch,” he said.

White also condemned homosexuality as a sin and a personal choice. His letter says: “I must stress that I in no way intended for my comments to personally hurt anyone, and for that, I apologize. But I do not apologize for standing on God’s word when it comes to sin in my life and others. My attitude is to hate the sin and love the sinner.”

Sponsors haven’t been quick to castigate White or sever ties with a man long seen as one of sport’s true role models.

White’s future as a pitchman seems secure. None of his sponsors have said they’re dropping him and one, the maker of a shaving gel, says it is sticking by the Packers’ star.

That’s in stark contrast to a situation last year when sponsors promptly dumped golfer Fuzzy Zoeller over racial remarks aimed at Tiger Woods.

James V. Pokrywczynski, a Marquette University advertising professor and sports marketing researcher, said he’s not surprised corporations haven’t dropped White.

Because White is an ordained minister and his comments weren’t directed at any one ethnic group, but many, companies apparently don’t feel compelled to drop White to save face with consumers, Pokrywczynski said.

Athletic shoe giant Nike is still trying to contact White to discuss his remarks before making a decision on his future, company spokesman Vada Manager said.