So, listen. Everybody knows Tiger Woods, right? Well--for the past few weeks, he and Sergio Garcia, a professional golfer from Spain have been going back and forth in a war of words. The two men have been going at it since The Player's Championship earlier this month. That's when Sergio implied that Tiger had purposely stirred up the gallery when he was playing a shot. Tiger snapped back and said he wasn't surprised that Sergio was complaining. *cue the dramatic music*
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| Sergio Garcia |
Everything came to a screeching halt earlier this week when Sergio answered a question at a European Tour players dinner about getting together with Tiger at the U.S. Open. Sergio jokingly answered:
"We'll have him 'round every night. We will serve fried chicken."
*blank stare*
I know what you're thinking: He said what?!?! Rewind that. Did he say, "We will serve fried chicken?" He said it alright.
But wait, there's more. After Sergio apologized publicly for his racist remark, the CEO of the European Tour, George O'Grady was asked to give a comment about the situation. And what did he say?
"Most of Sergio's friends are colored athletes in the United States."
Mr. O'Grady has since apologized as well. *sigh*
I could go on and on about this, but I won't. It is what it is. Sad, really. And totally unacceptable. These comments were hurtful to Tiger Woods, but they also demonstrate irresponsible ignorance and a lack of sensitivity towards African Americans.
Sergio's remarks were wrong. George O'Grady's remarks were wrong. Plain and simple. Both men have apologized, but is it enough? No, it's not. Not without consequences. This is definitely an opportunity to educate, and teach right from wrong. But it's also an opportunity to show that these racially offensive and inappropriate statements will not be tolerated. Will the PGA do the right thing and take a stand? I sure hope so.
Ok, I'm done. *blows out my prayer oil lamp and candle*
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