Kiam Issues Apology for His Lisa Olson Joke

FOXBORO, Mass. —  New England Patriots owner Victor Kiam apologized today for telling a joke that involved Lisa Olson, the Boston Herald sportswriter harassed in the team’s locker room, and the Persian Gulf War.

USA Today reported today that people at a male-only sports banquet where Kiam spoke Monday night quoted the owner as asking what the Iraqis “have in common with Lisa Olson? They’ve both seen Patriot missiles up close.” (Story, C1.)

In the locker room incident last Sept. 17, a naked player stood next to her and made suggestive remarks, Olson said. After an investigation, the NFL fined three players and the team.

“Many jokes were exchanged by different speakers” at the association awards dinner in Stamford, Kiam said in a statement released by the team. “I was the butt of several.

“I used bad judgment in repeating one particular joke. The comments were insensitive and inappropriate. I apologize to those who were offended.”

The National Organization for Women said it was “disgusted” at Kiam’s conduct.

Ellen Convisser, president of NOW in Massachusetts, said the joke was “consistent with what we’ve seen of him, even though he tried very hard to deny what his real opinions were.

“We are at war and the fact that we’re at war is no more a laughing matter than the harassment Lisa Olson experienced in the locker room,” Convisser said. “And obviously Victor Kiam doesn’t get it. It is sexist and inhumane.”

Sam Jankovich, who took over as the team’s chief executive officer on Dec. 20, said through a team spokesman, “We’re sorry this incident happened but we’re pleased that Victor has apologized.”

The Patriots’ statement said Kiam was roasted by jokes at the dinner and responded by repeating a remark others had heard before.