Woodward apologizes for silence on CIA agent

Washington Post newspaper assistant managing editor Bob Woodward tried to fend off criticism over revelations that he didn't reveal to his bosses that a top Bush Administration official had told him the name of a CIA operative.

"Journalism is a contact sport," he said.

Woodward said he apologised to Post executive editor Leonard Downie for not telling him until last month that he had learned about Valerie Plame and her work at the CIA more than two years ago.

"I hunkered down more than I usually do."