Houston rappers Mike Jones and Trae the Truth yesterday (August 13) released statements apologizing for their tussle at the Ozone Awards.

As reported earlier, both rappers exchanged words and blows at the award show which was held in their hometown on Monday (August 11).

Both rappers claimed the other sparked the brawl.  Jones claimed Trae sucker-punched him.  He also claimed that Trae's actions were part of a publicity stunt brought about by jealousy.  [Watch Video Of The Aftermath Of The Brawl]

Trae claimed that Jones caused the fight by provoking him.  [Watch Trae Speak On The Fight After The Award Show]

Despite being apologetic for the fight via their statements, both rappers refused to acknowledge each other respectfully in their statements.  They also didn’t give any hints of attempting to quell their feud.

“First off before I point any fingers, I personally do want to apologize for the incident that happened at the Ozone Awards.  I hope you all don’t get the wrong impression of me or my city,” said Mike Jones.  “The incident that I was put in was totally unexpected and totall y unprofessional.  If I knew this was going to happen at a big event such as the Ozone Awards, first, I would not have brought my mother and second, I would have done everything in my power to prevent it.”

“I had no intention of tarnishing this great opportunity, nor the experiences of those who participated in it,” he continued.  “I apologize once again for everything that happened but I cannot apologize for having to defend myself from someone bringing unexpected or un-called violence to me and my family at any time.  I apologize once again and I appreciate your support and understanding.”

“I have to take the time out to apologize to the kids and to anyone who follows and supports my career for what happened at the Ozone Awards this past Monday night,” Trae said.  “I told myself that I was gonna do my best for the new era of the streets not to go through the experiences that I go through in life.  For a split second, I almost entertained the little-girl tactics of a person who is really irrelevant nowadays”.

“Things like this happen in life every day and I do not have the time to entertain this any more,” Trae added.  “I would like the world to tell Mr. Jones that he can thank me later for his split second of fame.  Right now, I’ma keep it moving.”