A day after he dropped the F-bomb on live TV that brought Kings fans to their feet during a victory-day celebration, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued no apologies on Tuesday.
At City Hall Tuesday, members of the City Council laughed it off, saying the mayor was speaking the language of a contact sport with a robust fan base. But in his first speech since, Garcetti not only didn't swear, he didn't bring it up until reporters did.
"I am so proud of the Kings and I got enthusiastic," he said. "And if there is one thing hockey fans appreciate, it is enthusiasm. When you surround yourself with hockey players for an entire five blocks you have to be careful what comes out of your mouth.
"I got a little carried away with my enthusiasm but I think hockey fans understand it."
- Updates: Download the NBCLA News App
During a speech at a Kings rally at Staples Center on Monday, Garcetti brought fans to their feet with applause when he told the crowd about rules politicians should not break.
"They say never, ever be pictured with a drink in your hand and never swear, but this is a big (expletive) day," Garcetti said, drawing a roar from the crowd and laughs and applause from the Kings players.
During an appearance Monday night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Garcetti said, "I got a little ahead of myself ... You gotta remember, we didn't win at lawn bowling. We won in hockey. Kids out there, do not say what your mayor said today."
The mayor's F-bomb brought mixed reactions on Tuesday.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
Councilman Joe Buscaino said following Tuesday's council meeting it was no surprise that people at the rally -- including the Kings players -- stood and applauded after the comment.
"It was an exciting moment and I can't believe just one word has sparked so much interest and debate within our city," Buscaino said, adding that he tells his kids not to repeat bad words.
Councilman Herb Wesson said Los Angeles has a good mayor who works hard. "It's time for us to move on," Wesson said.
Others said it required a conversation with their kids.
"You try to protect them," said Jan Howell, a member of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce. "What you have to say ... is, 'Hm, probably he shouldn't have said that."
Asked if such language adds to the coarsening of American culture, Garcetti deferred, saying that was over-analysis of a word that everyone has heard.
