10 Most Unnecessary Sports Apologies from the Last Decade

Athletes apologize all of the time.

Some apologies are necessary and needed while others seem baseless and unnecessary.

Apologies are often tricky in sports because sometimes athletes feel they owe it to the fans or to themselves to issue an apology, while other times they just need to publicly admit their mistakes to clear the air with an opposing athlete.

These 10 apologies over the last few years are unnecessary. Some are more pointless than others, and some are a good gesture, but didn't need to be said.    

Tiger Woods Apologizes for Spitting

At a golf tournament in Qatar, Woods was caught spitting on the course.

The fact that he felt he needed to apologize for hacking a lugie, or whatever it was when he felt it coming on is ludicrous. Maybe he thought no one was watching him. If that's the case, he should've apologized for being so naive because lets be honest, all eyes are on Tiger all the time.

Gronkowski Apologizes for Photos

Rob Gronkowski apologized for hanging out with a porn star.

I too hope to one day apologize for the same thing.

Sanchez Apologizes for Having a Dog

When Mark Sanchez was caught snacking on a hot dog last season in a game against the Raiders, he took some heat.

To be fair, it was a blowout and he said he didn't have much to eat before the game. The man can't play on an empty stomach.

For some reason, he still felt the need to apologize.

LeBron Apologizes to Cleveland

The once in a generation talent who, as you probably know, resides in South Beach, apologized to the Cavaliers and their fans after they beat the Celtics in five games in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

While he may have been sorry for the way it "went down," as he put it, he owed Cleveland nothing.

Seven years of dominance, global recognition, two MVPs, the city's first Easter Conference crown and unparalleled dominance throughout the league merits an apology? 

I still feel sorry for Cavs fans, but I don't think so.

Tebow Apologizes for Loss

This is why we love or hate Tim Tebow.

You either think of him as Mr. Intangibles or the guy who is full of crap.

I tend to side with the former. Tebow is a true leader, and no matter how poorly the Gators played after their loss to Mississippi, Tebow didn't need to say this. 

But he did and it propelled the Gators to a national title.

Unnecessary? Yes.

Worth it? Also yes.

Howard Wants the Ball More

In the 2009 NBA Playoffs, a frustrated Dwight Howard said he wanted the ball more often.

Honestly, it's a genius concept that Van Gundy wasn't getting: give your best player the ball.

Howard later apologized to Van Gundy and to the Magic, but he had no business doing so. He was right. 

Smith Apologizes for Between-the-Legs Attempt

The Atlanta product who is an athletic freak of nature apologized to Erik Spoelstra and the Heat after he attempted a between-the-legs dunk on fast break in Game 5 of the 2009 first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The move was on the over-gloating side, but it was in front of a hungry Atlanta home crowd, begging for something more to scream at as the Hawks continued their dismantling of the Heat in that game.

Sure a between-the-legs slam is not always called for, but Smith doesn't need to apologize for trying to amp up a quiet crowd.  

Robinson Apologizes About the Shoes

Dunta Robinson, the former Texan turned Falcon sported a pair of shoes that said "pay me Rick" on Monday Night Football in the Texans' game against the Jets.

Robinson, who was deserving a contract extension was hoping to send a message to General Manager Rick Smith. 

The Texans never came to terms with Robinson and he eventually signed with the Falcons.

However, he doesn't need to apologize for getting creative with his hopes of a raise.

Hendry Apologizes for Zambrano

After Carlos Zambrano was ejected for hitting Chipper Jones in a game in August, Chipper got a call from Cubs GM Jim Hendry apologizing for the hit.

The apology was unnecessary because it should have been Zambrano making the call, not Hendry.  

After the game Zambrano cleaned out his locker and retired.

Matsui Apologizes for Injuring His Wrist

In 2006, Hideki Matsui injured his wrist in the regular season.

Oddly enough, He apologized for his injury. 

He injured himself sprawling out for a catch in the Yankees 5-3 to the Red Sox that night.

Playing hard and laying yourself out for your team never warrants an apology.