Golfweek Magazine, as part of a package of stories on the controversy involving Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman's comment that players should "lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley, " used the image of a noose on the cover of its Jan. 19 issue. Presidential candidate Barack Obama has been outspoken on the controversy. (READ MORE ABOUT THE STORY)
That decision has added fuel to a flap which has seen Tilghman suspended for two weeks from her anchoring duties.
Woods' agent said he considers Tilghman's remark a "non-issue." "Was it an arresting image? Yes, it was," Golfweek editor Dave Seanor told USA Today. "We chose it because it was an image we thought would draw attention to an issue we thought deserved some intelligent dialogue."
"There was a great deal of debate over it," Seanor said of the magazine's in-house deliberations, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "But it was the news of the week, no question about it. That's what everybody in the game is talking about."
Seanor said he was overwhelmed by negative reaction to the photo while he was attending the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
"We knew that image would grab attention, but I didn't anticipate the enormity of it,'' Seanor said. "There's been a huge, negative reaction. I've gotten so many e-mails. It's a little overwhelming.''
The Golfweek staff previously had scheduled a meeting with PGA Tour officials Thursday morning, and Seanor said the noose quickly became "item 1-A" on their agenda.
He said dozens of customers at the merchandise show stopped by the Golfweek stand and put an issue in their bag, with some stopping to discuss and complain.
"Most people who are objecting to it -- within the golf industry -- are saying this episode was just about over," Seanor said. "I think it's indicative of how, when you bring race and golf into the same sentence, everyone recoils."
In the magazine's news story noted sociologist Harry Edwards said the public should accept Tilghman's apology. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, in a statement, said: "Clearly, what
Kelly said was inappropriate and unfortunate and she obviously regrets
her choice of words. But we consider Golfweek's imagery of a swinging
noose on its cover to be outrageous and irresponsible. It smacks of
tabloid journalism. It was a naked attempt to inflame and keep alive an
incident that was heading to an appropriate conclusion." (CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE) Read the official Golfweek apology below.
Golfweek issues apology
Jan. 18, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. – Jeff Babineau has been named editor of Golfweek, replacing Dave Seanor, effective immediately.
The change has been made after Golfweek
ran a cover in the January 19 issue showing a noose to illustrate a
controversial comment by Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman about Tiger
Woods.
“We apologize for creating this graphic cover that
received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and
advertisers across the country,” said William P. Kupper Jr., president
of Turnstile Publishing Co., the parent company of Golfweek.
“We were trying to convey the controversial issue with a strong and
provocative graphic image. It is now obvious that the overall reaction
to our cover deeply offended many people. For that, we are deeply
apologetic.”
Golfweek devoted four pages of news and
commentary on the Tilghman/Golf Channel situation. Tilghman was
suspended for two weeks as a result of her comment.
Babineau, 45, has been with Golfweek
for nine years, and has filled a number of roles with the magazine,
including editor, deputy editor and senior writer. In his new role, he
will report directly to Kupper.
“We know we have a job ahead
of us to re-earn the trust and confidence of many loyal readers,”
Babineau said. “Our staff is very passionate about the game. Our wish
is that one regretful error does not erase more than 30 years of
service we’ve dedicated to this industry.”
Watch ESPN Coverage on the Topic below . Click here to watch video Friendly Joke Or Slur? Rev. Al Sharpton and former radio host Ron Kuby debate whether Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman should be fired for a racially-charged comment she made on air about Tiger Woods. Rev. Al Sharpton has been outspoken about Kelly Tilghman's comments that some have called racist. Sharpton said Tilghman should be fired during his appearance on CNN. (MORE)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEFINITION OF "LYNCHING" THE SYMBOLISM OF THE NOOSE AND NOOSE HANGING INCIDENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.
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NOOSE FOUND HANGING IN L.I. POLICE STATION
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