Holtz Apologizes For Hitler Comparison

Former South Carolina head football coach Lou Holtz apologized on national television moments ago for comparing Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez to Adolf Hitler, whom he called “a great leader” during an ESPN telecast last night.

In an unprepared, apparently unrehearsed statement made during the Georgia Tech-Clemson halftime show this afternoon, Holtz said his comment was “unfortunate,” a “mistake” and that he “regretted it,” although he made no specific reference to the content of his verbal gaffe.

No word yet on how Hitler – a South Carolina Gamecock fan – will react to Holtz’s apology.

Earlier this year, ESPN suspended columnist Jemale Hill for making a reference to Hitler in a story she wrote about the Boston Celtics, so it seems likely at this point that Holtz’s apology will be accompanied by some time away from his duties as a college football commentator for the network.

That’s probably appropriate.

As much as we love Sweet Lou (and detest political correctness), dropping Hitler praise on national TV is about as smart as dropping the soap in a prison shower … or, for that matter, questioning Barack Obama on his tax plan.

You pretty much know what’s going to happen next …