Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:06 pm EST
Golf is a sport where the prevailing method of television communication is pleasant cliché couched as relevant commentary, so any time anybody says anything even remotely controversial, the PC radar cranks up. Controversy! Drama! Shame on you for saying that ... but say it some more!
Even so, the last year has brought quite a few verbal flashpoints. Last year at this time, it was Kelly Tilghman talking about younger players "lynching" Tiger Woods in a back alley. Before the Ryder Cup, Hunter Mahan talked about being a "slave" at Ryder events. And in November, a couple of announcers made some "they all look alike"-style comments about Anthony Kim.
Now, we may be on the verge of another. Via Geoff Shackelford comes this account of one Boo Weekley perhaps stepping on a few Middle Eastern toes:
So last night I'm watching the Boo interview live from Kapalua and as usual the announcers are baiting him for redneckese. He obliges with hunting humor and the like. Then Lerner goes too far and asks him about his upcoming appearance at Qatar. Something along the lines of, has anybody prepped you about the culture over there. Boo's answer was "All I know is I don't have to wear one of them turbans." Awkward silence, then interview over. They replayed the broadcast and had Boo's interview up until that question (went to commercial before).
Okay, come on. "Them turbans"? That's offensive? Really? Insensitive, maybe. Hack material, certainly. It's like saying Canada's nothing but a land of mounties and maple syrup, or whatever. But I can't imagine anybody really taking any serious offense at a line like that, and whoever edited that segment for the Golf Channel needs to loosen the reins a bit. It's oversensitivity like this that gives golf its stodgy rep.
Here's hoping this blows over. The last thing golf needs right now is a muzzle on Boo Weekley or anybody else.
Devil Ball is a golf blog edited by Jay Busbee. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Fantasy Video: 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
Posted Feb 9 2010
Shots of the Week: 2010 Northern Trust Open
Posted Feb 8 2010
Monday Backspin: February 8, 2010
Posted Feb 7 2010
Edited by MJD
Edited by 'Duk
Edited by J.E. Skeets
Edited by Greg Wyshynski
Edited by Matt Hinton
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Jay Busbee
Edited by Jay Busbee
Edited by Steve Cofield
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Brooks Peck
Edited by Andy Behrens
41 Comments
1 - 25 of 41
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
/I leave disappointed.
Report Abuse
I am sick and tired of all this PC bull [profane] everywhere now days. Can't even joke around anymore without someone getting offended. Well, you know what? I am gonna join the crowd. I better not EVER hear another blond joke. Odd how the media has no problem making fun of blonds, but if you make fun of a black person, you better watch out. Now before you go say there is a big difference, there most indeed is NOT. What is the difference between judging someone solely on hair color vice judging someone solely on skin color? There is none whatsoever. Afterall, a blond joke may as well be a racial joke because only whites can be naturally blond (other than one in a million rare occurances).
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
but please dont let your cadd speak for yah!!
Report Abuse
So people dont be soo hard on them, people. because they dont know any better, this is new to them. simple!!
but please dont let your caddy speak for yah!! ignorantico
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
1 - 25 of 41