USC's Rey Maualuga apologizes to ESPN's Erin Andrews, school says

EDITOR'S NOTE: This post was originally published with a video of the incident for which Maualuga apologized. The video was first published on "All Things Trojan," which described the action in the video as dancing. The video is not appropriate based on Times' standards and practices and should not have been posted; it has been removed from both blogs.

Responding to inquiries from media outlets, USC issued a statement regarding a video that captured linebacker Rey Maualuga dancing behind unsuspecting ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews before the Rose Bowl game.

"The situation was addressed immediately," the statement said. "Rey both e-mailed and spoke to Erin and apologized to her. He realized he made a mistake and used poor judgment. He deeply regrets his actions."

Andrews has declined to comment. Maualuga could not be reached for comment.

"We appreciate the apology," ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said.

-- Gary Klein

Comments

[Philip]

Typical of what I've come to expect from a trojan...

[Michael Kennedy]

I saw nothing objectionable. She is there because of the game.

[Pblaze]

so what?

[Scott Lent]

This is just another example of how the USC footbal team beleives that they are "to cool for school." Acting like that in front of women and children in the stands shows exactly what kind of players are being recruited to that program, ignorant ones. Every year now we hear the same stories about this program getting robbed for the spot in the BCS championship, this just shows how gracefully they take it. Its sad to say but do we have a group of pacman jones's coming out of that awful school. GO BRUINS

[henry]

hey he's only following in his role models footsteps. Pete/USC

[Stanley]

He had to apologize for that? C'mon! relax, chill.

[Terry]

What if that was your wife, girlfriend, or daughter?

[Ryan Walker]

That is stupid he had to apologize for that. It was just innocent fun, take a joke. I hope Erin Andrews wasn't really offended by that.

[Jake]

Really? This is what UCLA fans are whining about this week?

[Chris]

Honestly...are you bRuins clutching at straws or what? If you watched the video and you're not ignorant, you'd see it wasn't even something that required an apology. I read about it then watched it, and don't see the big deal at all. You guys need to lighten up and quit whining.

[Carson palmer]

well if all the people in college football really want to whine and complain about this its ridiculous. And to comment on how USC recruits people like this is very ignorant in itself because USC has had many young men come out of there program with a lot more than they came in with. I know this because i am one, and Rey is a good kid, and people make mistakes and to crucify someone for a silly mistake is ludicrous. Your just mad because UCLA will never have a chance to beat US!!

[Dan - NC]

If you think he shouldn't have apologized, you are ignorant to the fact that American Society's sense of professionalism has become a stain of what it used to be. There is no moral fiber left when ppl condone acts of disrespect like this. If she wasn't offended, I'd be surprised. What would you say to your 6 yr old when they saw mommy on TV and asked what that man was doing behind you? I truly feel sorry for the future of the American public and the children you will influence. BTW this is not for everyone, only those who see no problem with this sort of thing.

[c]

Rey Rey made a mistake and for some reason I have a feeling if he ever has some fine daughters he's going to look back at this and rewind it in his head because I would love to see his reaction if someone were to do that to his daughter while she's a reporter at a football game live on national TV. Talkin Bout "PRICELESS"??!!

He's eating crow and if I were him eat the humble pie, kiss up to Erin Andrews and apologize live on national TV with her by your side the next time or at the NFL Draft during the ESPN interview after you shake Roger Goddell's hand.