Where's the apology to A-Rod?

The famous Letterman joke was intended to be about the reputation of sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility of two adult public figures: Alex Rodriguez and Bristol Palin.

It was allegedly perceived by some, like their mother Sarah, to be a joke about Alex Rodriguez having sex with her younger daughter, Willow Palin, a 14 year-old girl.

That is, the joke was perceived by some to make A-Rod out to be a child molester.

That's about the worst thing you can imply about a man, in a joke or any other context.

Being made fun of for a scandalous personal life may not please A-Rod, but he understands it comes with the territory. Being accused of being a child sex offender, however, is a low blow and doesn't come with the territory.

Think of it this way: what if, during the Lewinsky scandal, a late night talk show host made a joke about Clinton having sex with a well-known 14 year-old child actress of the day?

Would it be perceived more as demeaning to the girl, or as a vicious, "gone too far" assault on Clinton's character? Clearly, the latter.

Yet, those who believe the joke was intended to be about having sex with a 14 year-old, don't seem to think that A-Rod should be owed an apology as well. I haven't followed this closely, but no one seems to bring it up.

Letterman apologized to the Palins and all who were outraged by the joke, but not to A-Rod.

Perhaps because if Letterman apologizes to A-Rod, he'd feel reluctant to make jokes about him in the future.

By remaining silent, A-Rod is the only one who's conducted himself through this with class.