Sergio Garcia clearly doesn’t consider Tiger Woods a “Cablinasian.” The two golfers have had a long simmering, passive aggressive feud. When asked to comment on their relationship yesterday (May 21) in England, Garcia offered up a fried chicken joke. Yes, this is 2013.
The Guardian reports:
Sergio García’s ongoing spat with Tiger Woods took an unwelcome turn on Tuesday night, when the Spaniard made what could be interpreted as a racist remark about his opponent.
The Spaniard was on stage at the European Tour’s gala players’ awards dinner, where he was questioned by the Golf Channel’s Steve Sands. García, who has been embroiled in verbal battles with Woods since the Players Championship at Sawgrass this month, was asked in jest if he would have the American round for dinner one night during the upcoming US Open. “We will have him round every night,” García said. “We will serve fried chicken.”
For the record, Black people loving fried chicken is a stereotype, and using it as a joke at a Black person’s expense is indeed racist. So no, you don’t get the benefit of a doubt for such a wisecrack in this day and age.
Of course, Garcia’s camp quickly issued an apology.
García left on Tuesday night before he could be asked to clarify his remarks, but later issued a statement through the European Tour, saying: “I apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players’ Awards dinner. I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.”
Deadspin has a good synopsis of Garcia and Woods’ ongoing feud. That said, someone give Sergio Garcia a hug.
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Photo: PGA
