In 1997, a young golfer named Tiger Woods burst onto the international scene, initiating a complete and undeniable revolution in the sport. His distinctive playing style, the remarkable precision of his shots, and the magnetic charisma that allowed him to captivate enormous audiences marked a radical and lasting shift in the world of golf.
However, the championship Woods secured that year carried an unfortunate moment involving Fuzzy Zoeller, who made comments with unmistakable racial overtones to CNN during an interview conducted after the dominant victory achieved by the newcomer to the professional stage. His remarks generated widespread criticism and quickly overshadowed what had been a historic performance.
Fuzzy Zoeller’s comments were in very poor taste toward Tiger Woods
In the interview given to the news network, Zoeller remarked that Woods should be told not to serve fried chicken or collard greens at next year’s Champions Dinner.
That little boy is driving well and putting well and doing everything it takes to win. So you know what you guys do? Pat him on the back say congratulations and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year.
Fried chicken has long been used as a racial stereotype intended to belittle African Americans, stemming from the era of slavery, when it formed part of the basic diet available to members of that community during deeply difficult and painful times. Because of this history, Zoeller’s attempt at humor was viewed as offensive, insensitive, and entirely out of place.
The Masters Tournament was racist until the first African American competed in 1974
It was not until 1974 that golf finally opened its doors to the first African American golfer, Lee Elder, who became the first Black player to compete at Augusta National after earning his place by winning the Monsanto Open, breaking a barrier that had stood for decades.
Zoeller would later apologize, saying he had merely been joking and had no intention whatsoever of offending Tiger Woods.
I am a fun-loving person. I make joke, cut jokes all the time. My apologies if somebody interpreted that into a racial remark. I meant nothing by that.
He added that he dared to say it because the tournament champion selects the menu for the dinner and serves as the host of the event. He recalled that when he won, he served Lancaster’s to the others, and he clarified that he frequently joked about what would be served at the Champions Dinner, insisting repeatedly that this had been his only intention.
The comment did not sit well with one of Zoeller’s sponsors. Kmart decided to sever ties with the golfer due to what it considered a tactless, inappropriate, and entirely unnecessary remark.
Later, Woods accepted Zoeller’s apology, saying the golfer was a jokester and that he interpreted the comments as such. However, he also made it clear that the statements made by his competitor were genuinely hurtful.
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