adminThe Spaniard showed genuine remorse on Wednesday for an attempt at humour that went horribly wrong at a players’ awards dinner on Tuesday night.
Asked light-heartedly whether he would be inviting Woods round for dinner at the US Open next month, Garcia said: “Every night — and serving him fried chicken.” Garcia’s abject apology for a remark that carries racist overtones — fried chicken is stereotypically a food associated with African Americans — might not save his £5million-a-year deal with TaylorMade.
A company statement said: “Sergio Garcia’s comment was offensive and in no way aligns with our values and corporate culture. We discussed with Sergio that his comments are clearly out of bounds and we are continuing to review the matter.”
The inference is clear. If it dominates the golfing news agenda in the US for any length of time, he will be history.
Woods wasted no time in tweeting his horror that his long-running feud with Garcia had stooped so low.
“The comment that was made wasn’t silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate,” said the world No 1, who added: “I am confident there was real regret that the remark was made.”
Remarkably, given Garcia’s actions have overshadowed their flagship event — the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, which began yesterday — the European Tour said they considered the matter closed.
A crestfallen Garcia said: “To Tiger, I say I am truly sorry and that I feel sick about it. My answer was stupid and out of place and I can’t say sorry enough about that. I wasn’t able to sleep at all last night.
“I wish I didn’t do it but the only thing I can do is apologise.”
Garcia, who admitted he had thought about pulling out of the event, is due on the first tee in the company of defending champion Luke Donald and his fellow Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.
He added: ‘I was caught off guard by the question and understand the answer was totally stupid. I can’t say sorry enough.”— Mailonline.
Online Reporter