Houllier also refused to use injuries and illness to key players as an excuse for the poor performance.

BBC: Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier 'concerned' at form

Senators coach Paul MacLean didn't excuse his team's poor performance for much of the game.

WSJ: Senators top Devils in shootout

But they also provide a tidy excuse to the financial community for GM's miserable performance, both on dealer lots and on income statements.

FORBES: Magazine Article

There was nothing better than using a dip in performance of Tevez in his 2nd season with Man Utd as an excuse to negotiate a lower price.

FORBES: Tevez Lifted Dazed And Confused Manchester City But ...

We need to target the worst schools and establish excuse-free zones in education, beginning with real measures of school performance.

BBC: David Davis statement in full