Letter: Dad shares son's apology over Twitter comments

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May 7, 2012

Letter: Dad shares son's apology over Twitter comments

The Gloucester Daily Times Tue May 08, 2012, 10:27 AM EDT

To the editor:

I am writing to share the apology my son has made for the thoughtless tweets he sent concerning a black hockey player, Joel Ward.

He is extremely embarrassed and ashamed of his actions. He is not a racist and has never been taught hate toward anyone. His total disregard for others is not acceptable to his family or to himself.

He is deeply sorry for his lack of judgment. He stated tasteless jokes and wishes he could take them back, not to satisfy the public view, but because that is not who he is. The following is part of a statement he wrote on his own, and read to the high school officials during his hearing over this matter:

"I'd like to start by saying that I am deeply ashamed of the events which have led to this meeting, and I regret what I have done. I am embarrassed by my thoughtless and offensive actions, and I would like to thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to apologize.

"Not only have I embarrassed myself, but I have embarrassed my family, my school, and my community. I never dreamed that I would be sitting here in front of you today for something like this, and I wish I could take back what I said that night."

"I said tasteless and vulgar things, and I would like to say that I think I'm speaking for all involved, that I am by no means racist, nor do I truly believe in any of the comments I made. What I and the others involved thought to be a joke was a careless and utterly stupid mistake. We did not realize at the time that our tweets could be seen by people all over the country, and therefore offend others who read our obscene words all over the country."

"I would again like to reiterate that I am deeply ashamed of my actions, and I regret every word of what I and the others involved said, and I am sorry. I am sorry to all who I offended with my actions, I am sorry to my school as well as my community, which I have slandered by my regrettable and distasteful words."

He has learned from this experience and will continue to take this lesson with him. He is taking responsibility for his actions and we are dealing with this as a family matter.

He has amends to make with many people and will work to prove that he is not the person who tweeted those tasteless comments.

JIM SMITH

Gloucester