Stevie Case Closed, Say Commissioners Who Do Not Comment On Disciplinary Matters
So, let me get this straight. The PGA Tour does not comment on disciplinary matters, which was reaffirmed yesterday in the Steve Williams matter. Today, the PGA Tour and European Tour Commissioners Tim Finchem and George O'Grady issue a statementsaying "We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again."
Iain Carter reports on the rest, which sounds like teachers scolding 5th graders:
Their statement added: "The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.
"We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context.
"We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed and we will have no further comment."
Doug Ferguson says Adam Scott was shown the statement after his 73 Sunday and is not concerned the story will linger.
The following week is the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where Scott and Woods - or is that Williams and Woods? - could face each other in any of the four days of competition.
Scott tried to deflect speculation that he could be walking into a frenzy Down Under.
"Hopefully, it's just for my good play rather than anything else. I don't think there's a story going forward," he said, adding that "the matter has been put to bed and I've got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I'm moving on."
Geoff
Reader Comments (12)
When this story broke, I predicted Stevie would be off Scott's bag within hours.
Scott should have cut the cord quick and clean. I am surprised he and his advisors didn't figure it out.
Hardly. It's an issue that pulled off the scab of racial intolerance that has pervaded the game for years. The fact that Williams felt comfortable enough to say it in a quasi-public setting underscores that point, no?
If everybody keeps forgiving such behavior, how will the image ever change?
Shame on stuffed shirts at Wentworth and Ponte Vedra, and Scotty. But I expect as much from two of those three. Difference being, I thought Adam was classier and smarter than this.
Jeez, Adam hasn't even said the comments were regrettable or unfortunate or he doesn't agree with them.
As to the tours? it's beyond pathetic. Can't imagine any other sports or large company acting like this.
Del, where in polite society (which all the First Tee commercials say golf teaches kids to participate in) do you hear black people referring to themselves an each other in that fashion? Or should respect for any racial/ethnic/social group be determined by the lowest common denominator? And more to the point at hand, when did you hear of Tiger Woods doing his best impersonation of Denzel Washington's character in 'Training Day'?
Steve Elling, if you are so concerned about racism, hows about you go after it where it really exists, not when some caddie, who clearly isn't racist, says something stupid.
Tell me this: why would a racist ask someone he hates to be his best man at his wedding? The idiocy of some of the thinking around here is flabbergasting.
What the hell is a "racially tinged comment"?
@StevieW, I don't care to be called coloured either (although I don't recall being called that by a friend or colleague). Everyone has their preference, but I don't know what that has to do with Williams' vulgar, unnecessarily racial comments. As if the other people at the banquet would be confused by the other 14 time major winner that fired Williams this year.
And that is where the issue is. I don't mind being called black in the least, but if someone calls me a black asshole or a black bastard, I'm sure the black part of it is not to differentiate me with the white assholes or white bastards they know; it is part of the insult.
@Del, when I say polite society, I don't mean rush hour on the D train or the headliner at this week's Def Comedy Jam. That is now where I take my cues for proper social etiquette. I mean in a business environment, or a wedding for example. Or even on a golf course.
Deciding any racial slur is okay because you heard a black person say it is like assuming all professional golfer carry themselves like John Daly.
@Press Agent (and others), here is now Williams could be a racist and still work for/become close with Tiger Woods. He takes the bag after Fluff gets let go (by the way, since Williams' anger is obviously all Tiger's fault, why hasn't Fluff done his Don Rickels impersonation yet?) because it is obvious to be a profitable job despite Tiger being one of THEM. He get to know Tiger as a person instead of a hue and likes him. Tiger becomes the exception rather than the rule. Of course, the rest of THEM are inferior, but Tiger is alright. And if you don't believe that could happen, ask yourself how many managers or bosses you've had that you hated but stayed at the job.
One more thing. It isn't clear Williams isn't a racist. It isn't clear he is. We don't know these people. We didn't know Tiger's idea of marital fidelity meant he would only sleep with other women on days that ended in 'y'. But what has Steve Williams done or not done to deserve the benefit of the doubt after this?