NBC apologizes for ad’s bad timing

NBC says no offense was intended by a poorly timed promotional ad featuring a monkey on gymnastics rings that aired directly following a commentary by Bob Costas on Gabby Douglas’ gold medal inspiring other African- American girls to take up the sport. “Much of America has fallen in love with Gabby Douglas,” Costas said. “Also safe to say that there are some young African-American girls out there who tonight are saying to themselves, ‘Hey, I’d like to try that, too.’ ” Then NBC switched to the commercial with the small, widely grinning monkey on the rings, a promotion for “Animal Practice,” NBC’s upcoming comedy. – AP