1. Address those who may have been hurt or offended. Acknowledge the hurt you may have caused.
  2. Don’t defend the indefensible by deflecting blame.
  3. Take your measure of responsibility; do not play the victim.
  4. Don’t go on the Today Show if your reputation has been severely compromised; do not compound the “original sin.”
  5. Apologize sincerely; then assume a low profile for a few months.