Article:Golf Channel Anchor Apologizes for Gaffe

Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman returned to work Thursday with an apology and an audio glitch.

Tilghman was suspended for two weeks after saying during the season-opening tournament that young challengers to Tiger Woods should "lynch him in a back alley."

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.

Personally, I think that this issue is closed. The two did talk and she did apologize. Tiger, being the class act that he is and we hope will always be, took her apology. I think what Tilghman needs to learn is that all mikes are "hot," as they say in the business. If nothing else, remember Ronald Reagan's rant about bombing the Soviet Union as he was about to deliver his weekly Saturday address to America. Yes, Golf Channel took their time and yes, Al Sharpton got involved and even former football great and political activist Jim Brown is chiming in but this thing is over. Done. Kaput. In point of fact, it should have been Nick Faldo (or is that Foldo?) that should have been canned? Anyway, it's done.