Say It's Not So

You've got to be kidding! You can't be serious!

Golfweek the magazine has a feature story on the on-air comment by Kelly Tilghman on the Golf Channel on January 4 from the Mercedes-Benz Championship. She apologized for an insensitive remark that never should have been uttered. Tiger accepted the apology from all accounts. The Golf Channel suspended her for two weeks. Where does the story need to stop? How long does it need to be told?

Now Golfweek, the "magazine preferred by serious golfers," has published a feature story with a noose on the front cover next to the title, "Caught in the Noose." See this link for what we're talking about. Parts of the world are up in arms, but not all parts of the world are up in arms about the same thing. One part of the world out here says, "No problem. Innocent mistake. What are you people complaining about?" A different part of the world is somewhere between offended and incensed at what Ms. Tilghman said. Perhaps that same "different part of the world" has become incensed that Golfweek would use that image on the cover of its reputable magazine. Caught off guard, surprised, etc., etc. are the words from the editor.

I'm not a golfer. I don't read the magazine. I do follow golf. I have enjoyed the "chase Tiger" scene for years. We watch golf at my house when Tiger is playing, and casually nod at it when he's not. We are at my house offended at the image of the noose, its use, and the caught in the headlights look of the editor. To those words, I say, "What were you thinking? Where have you been? Are you paying attention to these sorts of things? What was your agenda for using that image? Surely you must have known it would offend people. Surely you know that it is a reprehensible image of our dark past here in our country where for the offense of living while black, we would lynch people of color. Where is your sense of civility, common sense, good judgment, sensitivities to people?"

It's been called irresponsible journalism and all sorts of other things. I am offended. This offense is far, far worse than what Ms. Tilghman said. Her's was three seconds of irresponsibility; this action is stuck with us forever in printed and other media.

I think Tiger and other athletes of color should step up to the proverbial plate and speak against this irresponsible action. I think athletes of all colors, and people of all colors should speak with much clarity as to these matters.

There are others who think the same. I watched them on ESPN today at noon over lunch.
Lunch didn't go down well.