Williams said in a statement posted on Facebook and his website Tuesday that his passion for politics and sports “got the best or worst of me.”

In an interview Monday on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Williams, unprompted, said of Obama’s outing on the links with House Speaker John Boehner: “It’d be like Hitler playing golf with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu.”

Asked to clarify, Williams said, “They’re the enemy,” adding that by “they” he meant Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Williams backed off Tuesday.

“The thought of the leaders of both parties jukin and high fiven on a golf course, while so many families are struggling to get by simply made me boil over and make a dumb statement,” Williams said. “I am very sorry if it offended anyone.”

ESPN had no further comment. It is not known if the intro, synonymous with “Monday Night Football” since 1989, would be used again.