The ongoing feud between Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods reached its nadir last night. During an awards ceremony, Sergio made a joke about Tiger and fried chicken.
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.”
So yea, Garcia went there. He ventured into Fuzzy Zoeller territory and twerked all over the line. Zoeller, if you recall, made this comment at the 1997 Masters.
Probably in the minority but I feel for Fuzzy Zoeller this morning. He’s spent the better part of 16 years separating himself from that quote. It was a stupid, ignorant comment but there are a lot of people who make stupid, ignorant comments. His just happened to be on live television.
Garcia’s comments on the other hand, well, they’re totally different. His quote is rooted in hate, jealousy and racism. Whereas Zoeller comments were off the cuff, Garcia’s was calculated. He knew what he was saying and who he was saying it to.
The apology that followed was remarkably hollow, a “my bad” if you will.
“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.”
I despised Sergio well before the Players two weeks ago. I despise him even more now.