What's He Apologizing For?

Maybe the city officials of Newark should be more concerned with the rampant crime in their city instead of what a hockey announcer has to say.

A hockey analyst for ESPN has apologized for describing the area around the new $375 million Prudential Center in Newark as "awful" and unsafe during a webcast last week.

Barry Melrose, the network's lead ice hockey analyst, angered city officials and the Devils owner by saying of the new arena, "It looks great on the inside but don't go outside, especially if you got a wallet or anything else because the area around the building is awful."

"It's so different the inside and the outside where its built, it's pretty humorous," said Melrose, a former NHL player and coach.

Those comments drew a rebuke today from Mayor Cory Booker, City Council President Mildred Crump, Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek and Newark police director Garry McCarthy.

Reached by telephone later in the day, Melrose offered the apology city officials wanted.

"I was trying to be funny. That's how I talk and use my humor for entertainment. It obviously didn't come across that way," Melrose said. "I certainly don't want to offend anyone."

In 2006, Newark had its highest murder rate in over a decade. More here. And let's not forget about the brutal slayings of those college students this past summer.

Melrose has nothing to apologize for. Sometimes the truth hurts.