Despite a technical glitch, anchor apologizes
San Diego, January 25, 2008 She apologized to Woods, who did not play that week, and Woods
has acknowledged her mistake and said the issue was over.
The end of Tilghman's suspension coincided with Woods' debut at
the Buick Invitational. Tilghman recorded an apology that was
played at the top of the telecast Thursday, but viewers could not
hear the first few seconds because of an audio problem.
"I'm Kelly Tilghman. It's an honor to be with you again," she
said. "In a recent live broadcast, I used an inappropriate word
that was offensive to many. Over the last two weeks, I've taken
this time to reflect and truly understand the impact of what I
said. While I did not intend to offend anyone, I understand why
those words were hurtful. I am terribly sorry for any hurt that
I've caused. I would like to express my deepest apologies."
Tilghman's remarks came during the second round of the
Mercedes-Benz Championship. She apologized on air two days later,
and Golf Channel waited another two days to announce her suspension
after the Rev. Al Sharpton got involved.
But a week later, Golfweek magazine published a noose on its
cover to illustrate its coverage, which caused another round of
criticism. The magazine editor, Dave Seanor, was fired two days
later.
Tilghman will not be in the booth next week at the FBR Open, but
a Golf Channel spokesman said she already was supposed to be off
that week because of an intense schedule.
Golf Channel is in the second year of a 15-year deal in which it
televises the first two rounds of every PGA Tour event, along with
full coverage of 13 other tournaments.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)