Woods accepts apology from Zoeller
By BARRY WILNER AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - Tiger Woods says he accepts
Fuzzy Zoeller's apology, although he was stunned and disappointed
by the racially insensitive comments.
"At first, I was shocked to hear that
Fuzzy Zoeller made these unfortunate remarks," Woods said
Thursday in a statement released by his management agency, IMG.
"His attempt at humor was out-of-bounds, and I was disappointed
by it.
"But having played golf with Fuzzy,
I know he is a jokester; and I have concluded that no personal
animosity toward me was intended."
Zoeller, 45, was fired by his sponsor, Kmart,
and withdrew from the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic on Wednesday.
He also said he wanted to talk to Woods about the remarks before
picking up another golf club.
"I am the one who screwed up and I
will pay the price," Zoeller said after pulling out of the
$1.9 million event. "I started this, and I feel strongly
that I have to make things right with Tiger first before anything
else.
"I also regret the distraction this
has caused the world of golf. What I said is distracting people
at this tournament. And that's not fair to the other people on
this course trying to play this tournament."
Zoeller's remarks came in a CNN interview
about an hour after he finished the final round of the Masters,
which the 21-year-old Woods won to become the first person of
color to win a major title. The interview was broadcast a week
after the Masters.
"That little boy is driving well and
he's putting well," Zoeller told CNN. "He's doing everything
it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in
here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy
it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?"
Zoeller snapped his fingers, turned to walk
away, then added, "Or collard greens or whatever the hell
they serve."
Woods, as defending champion, will get to
select the menu for the Champions Dinner next year.
"I respect Fuzzy as a golfer and as
a person, and for the many good things he has done for others
throughout his career," Woods said. "I know he feels
badly about the remarks. We all make mistakes, and it is time
to move on.
"I accept Fuzzy's apology and hope
everyone can now put this behind us."
Kweisi Mfume, president and chief executive
officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People, issued a statement Thursday night criticizing Zoeller.
"The remarks by golfer Fuzzy Zoeller
about Tiger Woods were vicious and demeaning," Mfume said.
"They demonstrate a lack of respect not only for Mr. Woods
but for people of color everywhere. ... Zoeller's remarks remind
us of the spoiled sport of golf that too many of us grew up with
... elitist and exclusionary."
|
