The firm representing Tiger Woods, Cleveland-based IMG,
released a one page statement from Woods "in response to
media inquiries about Fuzzy Zoeller's comments" at The
Masters. The statement: "At first I was shocked to hear
that Fuzzy Zoeller had made these unfortunate remarks. His
attempt at humor was out of bounds, and I was disappointed
by it. But having played golf with Fuzzy, I know he is a
jokester; and I have concluded that no personal animosity
toward me was intended. I respect Fuzzy as a golfer and as
a person and for the many good things he has done for others
throughout his career. I know he feels badly about his
remarks. We all make mistakes, and it is time to move on.
I accept Fuzzy's apology and hope everyone can now put this
behind us" (IMG). Hughes Norton, Woods' IMG agent, said
last night that "as far as he knew, Woods had not spoken
with Zoeller" (Leonard Shapiro, WASHINGTON POST, 4/25). For
Woods' appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," see #23.
COVERAGE EXAMINED: Media columnists around the country
this morning are reacting to the TV coverage of Zoeller's
comments. Among the reactions: In NY, NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay
writes that "the image of CNN/SI, ESPN and other media
covering golf also has suffered some damage." Zipay:
"CNN/SI should have found some space in its 24-hour
programming cycle to air the comments and then also use it
in a future show. Oddly enough, there were at least two
other microphones, including ESPN's, and at least one other
print reporter on the scene ... How come no one used the
comments all week? ESPN said its cameras got there too
late" (NEWSDAY, 4/25). The N.Y. TIMES' Richard Sandomir:
"Should CNN/SI be body-slammed over this? Somewhat. As
soon as the importance of the remarks were known, they
should have been aired. ... As for reporters who heard
Zoeller's comments but failed to report them -- what planet
were you on?" ESPN Spokesperson Chris LaPlaca: "Our camera
wasn't rolling for most of it. We only have the last few
seconds, where Zoeller made the food references. He didn't
mention Tiger Woods. So we had no context to it" (N.Y.
TIMES, 4/25). In DC, Leonard Shapiro writes that CNN/SI
"dropped the ball in a most untimely fashion. Then again,
they were not alone." Shapiro, on other reporters who heard
Zoeller's remarks: "Were other reporters saving nice-guy
Fuzzy from himself? ... Only they can say for sure, and
right now, no one is talking" (WASHINGTON POST, 4/25).
