It was clear by his first press conference that his continuing presence as leader in the Senate was not going to be an asset to the republicans. A simple statement that his continuation in the role would only serve as a distraction would have sufficed.
How would that have helped his reputation?
Why one would hope he would not have made his disastrous appearance on BET, and thus salvaged whatever lingering respect amongst his supporters was left. More than one Lott staffer and supporter has acknowledged that interview was not helpful.