Learned in the morning's funny papers that they've suspended the sports anchorette (Kelly Tilghman) on our favorite channel (the golf channel) that regularly features one of our favorite pieces of programming (golf in Hawaii).
Suspension is apparently for two weeks and is for an obviously unscripted ad-lib (un)wisecrack that concerned one of the golf world's most prominent (and powerful) practioners -- His TigerNess, and those who would seek to unseat him from his place high atop the pro tour's considerable cash heap.
Said words were said (and we missed 'em, but sharpies such as the Rev. Al Sharpton Jr. clearly did not) during a bit of commentary during live coverage of the Mercedes-Benz tournament in Maui.
Wonder what she said?
It has been described thusly in the Toronto Sun:
"Kelly Tilghman (said) young players who wanted to challenge Tiger Woods should "lynch him in a back alley."
Tilghman was laughing during the exchange Friday with analyst Nick Faldo at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, and Woods' agent at IMG said he didn't think there was any ill intent. But the comments became prevalent on news shows..."
AP golf writer Doug Ferguson's take on the initial exchange, reported in USA Today:
"Kelly Tilghman's second year as anchor of The Golf Channel got off to a rocky start at the Mercedes-Benz Championship for a racially sensitive comment at the end of Friday's telecast."
The same item also carries her mea culpa: "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."
In announcing the suspension, TGC said Wednesday p.m. that "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."
Forbes has the most comprehensive report on the entire affair, near as we can tell, again chronicled by Mr. Ferguson, the AP's golf writer.
With many calling for her fair head, we'll learn two weeks hence (perhaps sooner), if the woman who made headlines last year for being the first full-time female sports anchor for the channel, still has a job.
Comments