Golf Channel Anchor's Comments

Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman has apologized after saying during Friday's telecast of the PGA Tour's opening event that today's young players should "lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley."

As my grandmother would say, "What are we to make of this mess?" The rhetoric has started on the latest "Imus-like" remark made on air by a broadcaster. I'm sure there will be two distinct camps. The "she made a gaff, give her a break camp", and the, "fire her racist butt camp". Not a lot of middle ground.

In her defense Ms Tilghman has proven to be quite a Tiger fan over the years. Watching her coverage of Tiger could well have led one to believe she was on his payroll. Although I didn't watch all of Sunday's coverage it was reported widely that she offered an on air apology. Necessary, yes, but done all the same. I would guess also that her comment was referring to the only way to stop Tiger from winning on tour was to prevent him from playing. Devil's advocate says it's the word "lynch" and all it's connotations that makes this so egregious. Had she said "unlawfully detained" by young players we wouldn't be talking about this. Understand though, I don't mean to diminish the impact of this word to any African-American.

What to, what to do. Truth is, it's really not up to us. I suppose we'll see soon how the Golf Channel execs will react. They have a lot to consider. The words themselves and their impact on their business. The effect on their audience and the subsequent reaction. The viability of Ms Tilghman as a co-anchor for future broadcasts. It will all unfold in due time.

If it were me I'd side on giving her another chance. But it's not me and the horse is out of the barn.

Til' next,

Bobbio