Can you blame someone else? Perhaps shift all the blame to the other guy.
Wow - Remind me never to work with you... ever...
You should be a man and own up to your mistakes, sometimes, the best outcome's happen when you just admit you are wrong & apologise, it's what employer's look for in employee's - Trust & Respect. Mistakes happen - But it's what happens after that mistake that counts.
They're contractually obligated to keep them, but in reality, they're sitting there taking up space. You'll feel some effect from this, but I doubt you'll be fired for it.
Unless you're TRYING to get fired, in which case, that's a good first step
4TB isn't a lot
It's not the size, but the principle behind it.