Bob Costas: I Goofed On Springsteen/Phelps And I'm Sorry

A few days ago in Beijing, Brian Williams and I had separate interviews with Michael Phelps. Just prior to those interviews, I had been told that the previous Friday night in Jacksonville, Bruce Springsteen had informed his audience that Phelps had won his seventh gold medal and that he then dedicated "Born in the USA" to Michael.

I had every reason to believe this information was accurate, and its source was reliable. In fact, I had intended to use it in my own interview with Phelps, but when time didn't allow for it, I passed the story on to Brian, who did use it. As you may have seen, Phelps lit up at the story, which rang true for the additional reason that it's the sort of thing Bruce might very well have done. Except that in this case, he didn't. I had been misinformed. Still, the blame rests with me. So, I just wanted to set the record straight - and apologize to my friend Brian Williams, one of the best newsmen and biggest Springsteen fans I know.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[fishsandwichesr2good]

I had to admit that I was surprised at the time I heard Costas mention the Phelps/Springsteen story. Springsteen usually spends his time knocking the country.

[surfcitysteven]

reagan used that song as well. It is not a patriotic song. It would make no sense for Bruce to sing it for Phelps.

[ohiomark]

What has happened to journalism?

Yesterday, during the afternoon, the networks were reporting that Stephanie Tubbs Jones had died, when she was still alive.

It must be the "you heard it here first" mentality. Very sad.

[Triangle1]

I'm relatively sure that when Springsteen finds out about this, he'll dedicate the said song to Phelps. http://mespace.wordpress.com

[Andman0121]

It takes a big man to admit his mistakes, even more so when also writes a public apology for it. Good for you.

[mediamarv]

When is this page going to be updated?

[Swerinjer]

"Sorry" is never good enough because blowhard authoritarians never shut up. It's better just to not say anything, or if you have to spin your way out with a non-apology. Welcome to Cheney's America.

[99hockeyman]

Bob, please stay with baseball. You are so great with it. This maybe a little much.

[tds1273]

How often do you hear a media big head(or anyone anymore) admit that they were wrong and apologize for it? Cudos to Costas.

He was the only one of the commentators durring the opening ceremonies to be critical of China; and he did a pretty good job about it too. He also took a stand by refusing to guest host Larry King Live, because they were trying to make him cover Natalie Holloway(i.e. missing pretty blond story #457...)

Well he does at times come across as kind of pompus(as does KO), he(they) is one of the few good guys in mainstrean news today. Matter of fact, Costas might make a good regular host for Meet the Press.

[NeverRepublican]

Costas...

MOST OVER-RRATED MOUTH-PIECE in the HISTORY OF SPORTS...

And he continued to LIE...in the first few days...as he told us events would be covered...LIVE...

CBUTV from Canada makes the US Olympic coverage look like a second rate operation...

And it is...just look at the LACK OF NEWS we recieve via tv.

[dredge]

Costas doesn't get enough airtime so he has to write this non event apology? This gaff by him is the LEAST of our worries right now.
One of the all time narcissists along with Katie "The Greeks are known for their leather goods" Couric.

[Klip]

Sure wish that Costas was baseball commish.

[TerryFL]

.

Headline: Human Being Makes Mistake : First Since Eve!
.

[haleywins]

No fact checker?

[unclesmedley]

No point in slamming a guy for admitting a mistake.