NEW YORK -- California Chrome co-owner Steve Coburn apologized Monday for his bitter remarks after his horse failed to win the Triple Crown. Justin Smith Jersey . Coburn said on ABCs "Good Morning America" he was "very ashamed of myself. Very ashamed. I need to apologize to a lot of people, including my wife, Carolyn." She tried to intervene as Saturdays interview got out of control, explaining that her husband was "very emotional and I was trying to calm him down." Coburn also apologized to the connections of winning horse Tonalist, saying: "I did not mean to take anything away from them." On Saturday, he had said that Tonalist took "the cowards way out" by skipping the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Sunday, he doubled down by pointing out that "it wouldnt be fair if I played basketball with a child in a wheelchair because I got an unfair advantage." By Monday though, he tried to make amends. Coburns lower lip quivered at times during the interview in which he apologized to co-owner Perry Martin and trainer Art Sherman, among others. "I need to apologize to the world and America, our fans that have written us, given us so much support. I apologize, I sincerely apologize," Coburn said. "This is Americas horse. I wanted this so much, for this horse to win the Triple Crown for the people of America." If the Belmont had only been open to horses than ran in the Derby and Preakness, there would have been just three horses in Saturdays race, making it unlikely the third-largest crowd of 102,199 would have shown up or that a record $19,105,877 would have been wagered on-track. California Chrome, General a Rod and Ride On Curlin were the only horses to run in all three. General a Rod finished seventh in the Belmont and Ride On Curlin did not finish. California Chrome beat them both, but finished tied for fourth, possibly as a result of a cut foot that he apparently sustained after bumping another horse leaving the starting gate. "Hell be able to race again," Coburn said. NaVorro Bowman Jersey .C. -- The Grand Rapids Griffins are back atop the Western Conference thanks to a gritty come-from-behind win Saturday night. Jonathan Martin Authentic . The thunderous cheers quickly changed to an appreciative chant: "Ma-son! Ma-son! Ma-son! Headed to New York with new life, Mason sure earned this curtain call.OKLAHOMA CITY - Injured Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook will return Thursday against the Miami Heat, his teammate, Kevin Durant said in a recent interview with Grantlands Bill Simmons. Westbrook has missed 27 games since having surgery on Dec. 27 to deal with swelling in his injured right knee — the third procedure in nine months. The three-time NBA All-Star tore the lateral meniscus in hhis right knee during the second game of the playoffs last April. Adam Snyder Jersey. Westbrook underwent an operation after that injury and had another procedure on Oct. 1 to remove a loose stitch. Oklahoma City went 20-7 this season without him. The Thunder didnt immediately respond to calls and emails regarding Westbrooks status. Oklahoma City (43-12) entered the NBA All-Star break with the leagues best record. ' ' '
