Instagram Misfire: Apologies of the Week

Some of the public apologies making headlines this week unfortunately stemmed from the week's tragic news:

• Awful placement: “The front-page sticky note that was attached to some home delivery newspapers on the same day as this tragedy is a deeply regrettable coincidence. We apologize to those who were offended.”—Charleston Post and Courier, after an ad for a gun shop appeared on the front page Thursday, amid coverage of the church massacre.
• Rethinking a promotion: "We understand, in light of recent tragic events, that our intentions have been misconstrued. For that, we sincerely apologize."—Justo Vazquez, GM of the minor league Orem Owlz in Utah, in canceling the team's upcoming Caucasian Heritage Day.
• Game time: "I'm a human being, I made a mistake, so I apologize to my teammates, to the team, to the organization."—Pablo Sandoval, Red Sox infielder, after liking a woman's Instagram photo during a game.

• Second chance: "I am sorry. I am sorry for what happened. I am different as a result and I expect to be held to a different standard."—Brian Williams, formerly of NBC and soon to be of MSNBC.
• Red-faced: "We really regret the incident."—Heinz, not quite apologizing but at least sounding a little contrite after a customer scanned a QR code on a bottle of ketchup and ended up at a porn site.

(More apology stories.)