Golf Channel Suspends Tilghman Over "Lynch" Comment
"The Golf Channel regrets the poorly chosen remarks made by Kelly Tilghman on a recent broadcast and, again, extends our apologies to anyone who was offended.
"There is simply no place on our network for offensive language like this.
"While we believe that Kelly's choice of words were inadvertent and that she did not intend them in an offensive manner, the words were hurtful and grossly inappropriate.
"Consequently, we have decided to suspend Kelly for two weeks, effective immediately."
Here is my original post, written before the suspension was announced:
On Friday, during the Golf Channel's broadcast of the Mercedes-Benz Championship, host Kelly Tilghman and analyst Nick Faldo were discussing Tiger Woods' dominance of the PGA Tour, and how difficult it is for any young players to make a dent in Tiger's dominance. Faldo suggested that those young players might need to "gang up" on Woods, and Tilghman interjected, "Lynch him in a back alley?"
Nobody seemed to notice the comment at the time, but Tilghman apologized on-air during the Sunday broadcast. By Monday, after Newsday ran a short item about the comment, the Web exploded with discussion. Many bloggers and commenters (including here on About.com) called for Tilghman's firing in postings on Monday, Tuesday and into today.
Having watched the clip of the incident, taking into account the tone and the context, and knowing what I know about Tilghman, I am absolutely certain that there was no malice or racial animus behind the comment. It was simply a very - very - bad case of foot-in-mouth disease. But that doesn't stop me from finding the comment offensive.
Anyone who is unsure why that comment is offensive needs to brush up on American history. The use of that word - and who was using it, and at whom that usage was directed - make it a deeply hurtful comment to a large segment of Americans. And every American should be offended by it.
But does Tilghman deserve to fired? Or disciplined in any way? Or do her apologies - she offered another one Tuesday, and will likely offer many more - and the humiliation she has suffered act as punishment enough?
The Golf Channel, according to a Chicago Tribune report, "said no disciplinary action is planned." In a statement, the network said:
"We regret the unfortunate choice of words Kelly used during the broadcast and apologize to anyone who was offended by her remarks. ... We take this matter very seriously. She has apologized privately to Tiger and publicly on the air."
Tilghman and Woods know each other well, and have a cordial relationship. That may be why Woods moved quickly to try to defuse the situation, with his agent, Mark Steinberg, issuing a statement that suggested Woods believes the whole thing is being blown out of proportion:
"This story is a non-issue. Tiger and Kelly are friends and Tiger has a great deal of respect for Kelly. Regardless of the choice of words used we know unequivocally that there was no ill-intent in her comments. This story is a non-issue in our eyes. Case closed."Tilghman herself said in her statement on Tuesday:
"On Friday during our golf broadcast, Nick Faldo and I were discussing Tiger's dominance in the golf world and I used some poorly chosen words. I have known Tiger for 12 years and I have apologized directly to him. I also apologize to our viewers who may have been offended by my comments."
Comments
If Tiger was white Al Sharpton would be laughing his behind off people like him promote racism. If the idiots on the news would have left it alone it would never have gone on more than the 10 seconds it took to say it
You know, it just amazes me …
I watched the MB Open and listened to Faldo and Kelly, this was during a dead space and between rounds, it was spoken as a compliment … and even though Kelly is friend (a good friend) of Tiger Woods she’s still getting punished.?
Do I see a little black mustache starting to grow under Al Sharptons nose, similar to Adolph Hitlers.?
It wasn’t a race issue until the Honorable Al Sharpton made it a race issue — who’s promoting racism now.?!?
Some of you white people need to understand there is such a thing as silent racism. Al Sharpton doesn’t promote racism, he uncovers it. Racism exists even when if you aren’t part of the KKK. It can be outward or subtle, but it’s still racism. Would she have said anything about lynching a white golfer player? Probably not. I don’t think she meant any malicious intent and because of that, MAYBE an apology was enough. However, be very very aware that white people say seemingly harmless, no ill intended comments ALL THE TIME, yet those comments are reflections of how whites subconsciously (or consciously) view people of color in our society.
A compliment? Since when was any statement using the word ‘lynch’ a compliment? It amazes me how culturally insensitive people in general seem to be. Should she be fired, no; reprimanded, yes.
Like all things Sharpton chooses to get involved with, this situation is absolutely ridiculous. If Kelly made this statement toward Phil Mickelson, would she have been suspended? No. Now THAT is racist.
This woman, who from what I understand, is a friend of Wood’s made a comment with absolutley no malice intended and people are calling for her job? I guess Sharpton has many deciples out there. By the way, does he actually have a job or does he just sit around waiting for people to say things that he considers malicious and scream for them to be fired. Get a life Sharpton!! At best, what she said was unfortunate. It seems Tiger has gotten over it, perhaps all of you others should as well
A compliment? Like when people say “He/she is good-looking for a black person.” I guess that’s a compliment too.
why did Kelly waited so late to apologize? if she didn’t mean to say it she would have apologize as soon as possible not two day later. I think Kelly should be taken off the air more than two weeks and not anochor on the show or any tour for at least a 1-2 months.if she is Tiger’s friend that comment would not had came out of her mouth.
If Kelly and Tiger are friends, I’m inclined to understand why she might be more inclined to say something so stupid in public that she might otherwise have said in private. The two of them know each other, the rest of us can only take her statement at face value. It is pathetic, though, that people like Sharpton make a living off this crap. I’ve not seen his nonsense help equal the “racial playing field”, on the contrary, he’s a parasite, living off of people’s imperfections and old stereotypes. Get over it, the woman’s admittedly inexperienced in television, I highly doubt she is a “closet racist” or whatever phrase Sharpton uses, just really poor at leaving private comments private!!
Its funny to me how quickly ppl are to get mad at Al Sharpton. What about her? If she would not have made that statement, he wouldnt have anything to say. The word “Lynch” used in any manner is way harsher than the “N word” itself because thousands of black men and women were put to death behind it. Have we forgotten last yrs rash of nooses being left hanging around black people? The black professor who had one on her door? Just last yr…2007. So dont sit there and say it was a mistake. She spoke from her heart. There’s no telling what she says in private. To even recommend someone to be lynched joking or otherwise is a sour joke. No haha’s there. Racism is alive and well. And all who dare to ignore it are only living ignorant lives. We deal with it everyday. Apparently most of you only hear about it. Suspended for 2 wks? I can only imagine the words spewing from her now.
tempest in a teapot!
To answer Tom W.’s question-No, she would not have been suspended if she had made that statement about Phil Mickelson.But then again, Phil isn’t African American, therefore, the word “lynch” does not conjure up images of several innocent black men and women hanging from a noose punished simply becuase of the color of their skin. No, I don’t think she should be fired, but I think after being suspended and held accountable for her words and actions-maliciously intended or not- the next time she speaks, she will choose her words carefully and be conscious of historical events and words that are culturally offensive to people of all races!
I totally agree with Z; why are you angry at Sharpton? First of all, he didn’t make Tilghman say the word. Second, I’m sure a lot of people filed complaints with the Golf Channel. I did, so perhaps they acted on those complaints. Anyone who ignores the cultural significance of lynching as it pertains to African Americans is just fooling themselves and being intellectually dishonest. Very recently, we had an African American man dragged to his death in Texas by three white supremecists. That is considered a lynching, folks. The African American professor at Columbia late last year had a noose placed on her office door. The connotation of lynching is plainly evident from that despicable act. For Tilghman to say that raising the spectre of that is a “joke” shows either her 1) poor judgment, 2) ignorance, or 3) inherant racism. Without question, by saying it during a broadcast, it exhibited poor judgment, so a suspension is warranted.
Good Grief! Once again, the race-baiters are trying to induce guilt about “insensitivity” for the crime of uttering “offensive” remarks, and the chorus is joined by the predictable crowd of whiners and panderers.
I don’t see any difference in the behavior of those calling for Tilghman’s head for making her comment, and other extremists calling for the heads of the cartoonists who dared to draw images of a religious figure — only in the degree of the punishment demanded. In both cases, the world would be better off if the self-righteous would learn to mind their own business and save their moral indignation for if, and when, they are actual targets of real malice.
The only person who had any business taking exception to her joke was Mr. Woods himself, and he properly dealt with it. He certainly is man enough to not need any “help” from the crowd of charlatans and clowns who make a living by injecting themselves into these situations by trying to exploit old stereotypes and stir emotions.
Ultimately, the only “victim” in this sorry episode is Kelly herself, suffering a two-week suspension imposed by corporate management that is either cowardly, ignorant, or both.
Back in the near segrgationist time of my youth (1960s) the “N word” was common speech for many and ethnic jokes of all sorts were considered appropriate and funny. Haven’t we come a long way since then? Imputing racism to this poor woman for a careless choice of words illustrates how we are becoming a repressive, Orwellian society. The Sharptons of the world cause great harm by shouting racism based on incidents like this, aided by (1) ultra sensitive people who can’t wait to be offended about someone’s remark, and (2) journalists who play on division and controversy. Do any of you (above) who are offended really know enough about Ms. Tighlman to pronounce judgment? No, I didn’t think so.
Spartan75, I don’t need to know anything about Ms. Tilghman to pronounce judgment. She made a statement on a broadcast that was offensive to many viewers. She works for a broadcaster that has an interest in promoting the sport of golf. The company is not in the business of offending any of its viewers, of promoting a racial bias or point of view, nor of promoting insensitive comments that might offend its viewers. If I were an executive of the company, it would have been a no-brainer to suspend her for exercising poor judgment in her choice of words in the air. I probably wouldn’t have fired her because it’s her first offense, but look at the amount of administrative time they’ve had to take up dealing with this mess rather than focusing on their core business.
And as to Joe, to say people are self-righteous in regards to this matter when they may have had family members killed due to being lynched and ignoring what was said before about the few examples of the despicable act that still goes on even in the 21st century, amply demonstrates that you are the one who is an extremist here.
Why in the world don’t we get past our ‘butt’s’ and accept people as equala. Why do we need to watch everything we say, because people like Al Sharpton is eat up with ‘hoof and mouth’ disease. We all are human and make mistakes. Relax Al and enjoy life!
Its more than an “insensitive remark”. It’s personal and a very racist remark and as long as we accept excuses for using it, we’re condoning it.
Don Imus fired for “nappy headed ho’s”. Kelly
tilghman suspended for a reference to lynching. Both comments insensitive, stupid, wrong,or just mistakes not the point here. Let everyone decide for themselves. But tell me something Golf Channel execs: how is it that Dottie Pepper gets a pass for her remark about the U.S. Women’s Solheim team,and I quote: ‘chokin’freakin’dogs’ referring to their meltdown during the tournament. And please spare us the answer that it was supposed to have been off air. Where was the righteous indignation crowd after her comment, which left no ambiguity about it’s intent. Where was her suspension? Or is it O.K. if you are a white commentator to make a comment like that about white women? Is that the message here? And answere this Golf Channel: Had Ms. Tilghman and Mr. Faldo been talking “off air” and the microphone inadvertently been left on, now what do you do?
Al Sharpton hurts the black race. There are many white people who work hard to overcome thier racial bias and fears. The bottom line is Al Sharpten keeps the fires burning, shame on you Al Sharpton
This was a total non-issue. Kelly’s comment was totally innocent. It was a compliment to Tiger – he is so dominant that the only hope for other young players is for him not to play. I never think of Tiger as black. I see him simply as the best golfer of all time – not the best black golfer. With the exception of Sharpton, very few people think of Tiger as black – he is simply a person and a very good person. Sharpton does more harm to the racist issue than anyone. He is an embarrassment to everyone.
My best wishes to Kelly and Tiger.
Denial? Refusal to see or seek the truth? Being blinded by ignorance. Step on anybody that tries to promote change. As an African American man, to sit here and read some of these comments, it is painfully clear to see how so many of you think of racism. I guess some of you are ones who say “Hey slavery is over. You won the civil rights movement. Move on. Let it go.” Am I correct? Then let me share something with you. The movement isnt over because we are still not viewed as equals. We have to work harder to prove ourselves and when we do, look what happens? Somebody suggest lynching? Spartan75 said this “Back in the near segrgationist time of my youth (1960s) the “N word” was common speech for many and ethnic jokes of all sorts were considered appropriate and funny” Um if you look back and recall the ppl around you none of them were black. The 1960’s was a tough time for African Americans. And its good to know that while my people were fighting for their rights as citizens, ppl like you were laughing and making jokes. Now you’re question was…Havent we come along way since then? Apparently not, because in 2008 theres a white commentator sitting on television suggesting in a joking way that a black man be lynched and everybody thinks we suppose to laugh it off. 40 yrs later. The scene still looks the same to me.
You know, it’s interesting how white people argue with non-whites when they have something to say about equality. For once, can a white person stand up and be compassionate enough, empathetic enough, less self-absorbed enough to realize that if this many Black people are saying something about this incident it’s because this incident is not an isolated one but rather, just one of many constant underlying racial remarks whites say all the time. I’m not Black and not white but the things I hear whites say about Blacks (and other ethnic groups) is absolutely unreal. And they say it around me because they think I don’t care. When I call them on it they quickly try to fix their comments or they do not understand what it is about their comment that was so wrong. It’s ignorance and lack of exposure to other cultures. So stop arguing so much and ask questions so that you can better understand the situation at hand.
Why are we all SOOOO sensitive? At some point, we are all going to need to stand up and be responsible for our own feelings! Kelly- no offense taken!! Get back to work!
Thank You Philip for being a perfect example for yme’s statement. smh
If this had been an ABC / ESPN broadcast and Mike Tirico had said it, no one would have given it a second thought. The great thing about golf is that the low score wins, no matter what demographic properties the low scorer posesses.
Sorry, Al Sharpton, Tiger won’t be skipping the Masters this year, either.
It doesnt matter who says it, its still wrong. But go ahead and continue to blame Al Sharpton. He jumped inside her head and made her make that statement. Yep, ole Al is up to his tricks again. He’s magically putting himself inside of these ppl bodies and making them make racial statements so that he can have something to do. Go Figure! Monday is MLK day, I wonder who body he will jump into next? Who will allow an ignorant insensitive statement to flow from their lips? We wont blame them, we’ll just blame whoever comments on it. Sad shame.
Pathetic.
Blacks in America (or Africa, for that matter) will never be equal until they stop making race so blatently obvious. Kelly made a silly remark, clearly intending to hurt NO ONE. If left by itself, NO ONE would have been hurt. But now, thanks to racial attack dogs, thousands of people are reminded that blacks are different than whites. Thousands are reminded that blacks used to be lynched. My kids didn’t know what this was all about until now. But now they see the black kids in their schools a little differently.
Congratulations, Al Sharpton, you have kept the home fires burning a little longer. Your money-making machine keeps on chuggin’ down the tracks. Tracks that “chinamen” layed. There was a time that “chinamen” were lower than blacks in America. But not anymore. Why is that? Because of white america? Or men like Al Sharpton that live and breathe to remind the world about the worst of men? To what end? To no end but to serve his own needs.
lmfao @BP…so let me get this straight, you’re mad because now your kids know the truth behind this country? lmao that’s a shame. So let me take a stab at this…The school that your kids go to have never mentioned slavery or slave trade or the civil right movements or segregation? Wow…Amazing how you would rather stay ignorant rather then embrace the truth. I guess what you dont know what hurt you huh. Unbelievable. Your statement is equal to a woman being beat by her husband and she covers up the bruises so that no one sees. She wears long sleeve shirts around her own kids so that they doesnt know that daddy silently beats her. Come on man. smh You have got to be kidding me. Hide the truth…dont expose it huh. Completely Unbelievable.
I’ve got to point this out because I can’t decide if it’s funny or sad. BP says “Blacks in America (or Africa, for that matter) will never be equal until they stop making race so blatently obvious.” So, someone please tell me equal to whom? BP, that is interesting – you have just made a very astute observation – Blacks are not equal. Now ask yourself why that is. It’s not because THEY make race blatently obvious. It’s because other people do – because whites do. Once you understand that you can better move toward a true equality. And another question – if whites happen to be the ones who make race blatently obvious (because that does happen too you know) who then becomes the unequal party? Would love to hear your answer on that one.
Yme, the thing with some of the ppl in this world is, they dont see the harm that was done. A lot of ppl actually think we should be happy that we were brought over here. They actually believe that nothing wrong was done. Others are quick to say, “hey that was years ago, Let it go.” They say that only because nobody really likes their past being relived for others to see. Nobody is trying to beat a dead horse. Its just that, its hard enough as is trying to make it in this world without the color of your skin being a factor majority of the time. So when someone makes a racial statement, it strikes. Its like opening a wound all over again. Nobody is saying that we should be handled with kitten gloves or that you have to tip toe around us watching everything you say, but why use a racial term toward one of us if you are not indeed racist? Would you sit around a woman that has been raped or abused and use reference towards her in a joking way? No, her feelings would be under consideration. That’s basically all we ask. Take our feelings under consideration…if you really dont mean any harm. Think before you speak. That goes for anybody regardless of sex, creed or color.