I have a question! Why isn’t the Golf Channel firing, or at the very least disciplining anchor Kelly Tilghman?
While on the air Friday, she said to her co-anchor that young players should “lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley.” She now admits to using a poor choice of words to describe Tiger Woods’ dominance in the golf world, but because she has apologized to Mr. Woods in person and on the air the Golf Channel is not planning any disciplinary action.
Check out the video!
I’m wondering why she would use the word “lynch” in a professional conversation? When most reasonable people hear the word lynch, it brings up images from the 40s, 50s, 60s, etc. of African-Americans in the south hanging from nooses.
Why would a golf commentator of all people use such a word? Golf is one of the few remaining sports that is primarily a white elitist sport. Who could forget back at the 1997 Masters when fellow golfer Fuzzy Zoeller referred to Tiger Woods as “that little boy” and asked him not to serve fried chicken and collard greens at the next Masters dinner.
What’s the difference between what Tilghman said and what Don Imus said about the Rutgers Women’s Basketball Team or the “colorful rant” from comedian Michael Richards’ to some African-American hecklers? Imus lost his radio job (he has since gotten a new one) and Richards is pretty much a pariah in Hollywood these days while he’s on his self imposed exile.
I think it’s safe to say those two have learned the lesson, you can’t just saying anything, about any one and not expect repercussions. What has Ms. Tilghman learned?
Comments (8)
tiger commented that to him it is a non issue but tiger is enduring some things that he will only talk about when he retire as with jackie roberson i'm sure when tiger retire he'll have plenty to talk about
Posted by gary neely | January 10, 2008 4:05 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 16:05
Tiger insinuated several times that "I'm not black" but Thai.
I don't see a problem with her comment.
Posted by Leroy Jones | January 9, 2008 6:36 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 18:36
Kelly Tilghman's commments are insensitive, racist and unprofessional. After reading her biography on the Golf Channel's own website, I cannot believe that she cannot personally understand the discrimination of African-Americans for years (and still today) at many golf courses. This quote was taken from the Golf Channel's website; "Tilghman grew up in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., where her family owned and operated a golf course for 22 years." It's hard for me to believe that Tilghman could not understand the struggle many African-American golfers have had to endure to enjoy one of life's greatest pasttimes. Shame on Ms. Tilghman! I won't even begin to rant about how she must understand racism. For goodness sake, she's from South Carolina! I don't want to stereotype her but I must ask, does this beautiful, blonde from South Carolina who attended Duke just not get it? I doubt she's simply some dumb, rich, southern belle.
Posted by Jala Anderson | January 9, 2008 5:58 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 17:58
These types of comments are not new to tiger and i'm almost sure he gets little comments like these all the time that we don't hear of tiger is a very strong indivual and the sad thing for me is that his mother and father is gone at an early age but it's odvious to tell that his father who was a military Srg. Major taught him well on how to deal with adversity.
Posted by gary neely | January 9, 2008 5:17 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 17:17
I would like to see a clip of the incident that has not been played with. You could not get a clip yourself? You had to rely on You Tube? Are you not a professional new agency?
----------------
Nancy
I, too would prefer an unedited clip. But CLTV does not routinely record other stations' programming unless we are aware of a specific event. As you can imagine, The Golf Channel is not interested in releasing this video to anyone. So, as of right now, the only clip available is this one from YouTube. I could have not included it in my blog posting, but I felt it was important for people to see the clip, hear what she said and in what context, then judge for themselves. Wouldn't you agree?
Posted by Nancy Meade | January 9, 2008 1:17 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 13:17
....it just never stops ! ! Rich or poor.
Posted by bctb3@sbcglobal.net | January 9, 2008 12:35 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 12:35
She has learned that people are listening and paying attention, she hasn't learned that remarks of that nature are still unacceptable.
She was cognitive of her commment. Some people just feel compelled to let things roll freely out of their mouth, for various reasons pending the situation.
The truth of the matter is that racism still exist and that accomplishments by African Americans are overshadowed by distractions and the ingnorance of the spectators. Our cultural & expressions are the most desirable and extremely influential but highly criticized by the majority; and the acceptance of the African Americans' great strides & achievements aganist the struggles are still difficult for many above to 2nd minority to accept.
Posted by BIGG | January 9, 2008 12:17 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 12:17
I can't believe the golf channel is not disciplining her. The comment was unprofessional, cruel and just plain rude.
I'm not 100% sure if she should be fired but she should be disciplined. Those type of comments in today's day and time are unacceptable.
Why are lynchings even on her mind? What does she think about day to day, especially when it comes to African Americans?
An apology is weak. Let's see her do some community service in an underpriviliedged neighborhood, write a check to a school in need - something.
The golf channel hasn't punished her because they probably agree.
Posted by Dani | January 9, 2008 12:00 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 12:00