[HWR_14]

They aren't both admissions. (a) is saying the context of the statement makes it clear they were saying it was untrue at the time. This happens all the time in, for instance, libel cases, where your attorney will have to submit court papers that include the words, in order, something like "freejazz kills puppies". Obviously, the rest of the sentence or paragraph makes it clear they were quoting someone.

You're right they cannot ex post facto just be like "we were joking". They would be "you're talking the quotes out of context".

And (b) can be future looking. But "temporary and mitigated" is probably a great way to go into these hearings. Maybe not according to the letter of the law, but in general it tends to work out well for the people involved. Since most agencies issue punishments to influence future behavior.