WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an emotional address, Vice President Mike Pence confessed to being a "root beer binge drinker" in high school and well into his college years.

Accusations have been swirling around the Vice President after his yearbook inscription was revealed to contain several references to A&W and Mug.

"Yes, I liked root beer. I still like root beer," Pence said. "But in my high school days, I drank to excess - sometimes to the point of a sugar rush."

His wife stood by him, nodding solemnly, though tears could be seen forming in the corners of her eyes.

"I am sorry for the man I was, but by God's grace, I have become the man I am now," he added.

Pence was quick to point out that while he did go too far with his root beer addiction for several years, he never allowed the sugary substance to influence him to dance or play cards on Sunday.