Former pro golfer and current CBS announcer Bobby Clampett referred to golfer Liang Wen-Chong as "the chinaman" during today's Masters broadcast and apologized afterward. Here's the full apology he gave on the Masters webcast, according to CBS spokeswoman LeslieAnne Wade:"It has been a privilege to be here with you the last 2 days describing action of all of the players. In describing the Asian player Wen-Chong Liang if I offended anybody please accept me sincere apologies."The style of apology that begins with "if I offended anybody" always rings a little bit hollow. The word "chinaman" is a slur, and it's the slur that should be followed up with an apology, not the reaction of being offended by the slur.
Having said that, assuming Clampett doesn't have a history of offensive comments -- and to the best of my knowledge he doesn't -- this doesn't seem like the type of offense that should get him fired. I just wish his thoughtless comment had been followed by an apology that sounded a little more thoughtful.
The Masters
Tiger Woods pumps his fist after saving par on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Zach Johnson reacts after his putt on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain hits out of a bunker on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Mike Weir of Canada follows his putt on the 16th green during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
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Tiger Woods waves to patrons after saving par on the 11th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Patrons rest in the shade next to the 18th fairway during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
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Zach Johnson reacts to a missed birdie putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
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Tiger Woods, right, accompanied by his caddie Steve Williams checks the wind on the 12th fairway during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Zach Johnson takes his fourth shot on the 17th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. Johnson had a double bogey on the hole. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Zach Johnson discusses his lie in a bunker on the 17th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. Johnson got a double bogie on the hole. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 43)
4-11-2008 @ 9:04PM
bigflyer said...
He is from China. He should have called him a communist golfer.
Cut the politically correct crap, play golf, watch the golf, enjoy the golf.
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4-14-2008 @ 12:50PM
Lee said...
How is describing a male adult from China as a "Chinaman" racist in any way. I am black. I do not subscribe to the "African-American" moniker. Nobody asked me. Black is monosyllabic. All my European-American friends are comfortable just be called white. I am comfortable just be called black. What's wrong with be called a Chinaman?
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4-11-2008 @ 9:32PM
Fish said...
Lee said "How is describing a male adult from China as a "Chinaman" racist in any way. I am black. I do not subscribe to the "African-American" moniker. Nobody asked me. Black is monosyllabic. All my European-American friends are comfortable just be called white. I am comfortable just be called black. What's wrog with be called a Chinaman?"
The word "Chinaman" is indeed a slur. Analyzing the word itself outside of its historical context is just plain ignorant. Are the "n" word and "honkey" and paleface and redskin just descriptive words? Or are they slurs? Answer: Of course they are slurs.
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4-11-2008 @ 9:33PM
Dean said...
Here we go again.What bull shit.Is a person from China not a Chinaman? Bobby showed a total lack of guts to even offer an apology.What a coward.
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4-11-2008 @ 9:35PM
chris said...
Bobby is a good guy, a knowledgeable and enjoyable golf commentator. To slam him for an error is going too far. This needs to go away quickly and quietly and Bobby shouldn't be punished in any way.
Chances are the men of the Masters committee will quietly, behind the scenes as they do, suggest to CBS that Mr. Clampett not return to the broadcast next year.
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4-11-2008 @ 9:37PM
John said...
I am Mexican_American. My Friends, some are white and black, call me Dude or Homey.I sometimes refer to them as WhiteBoy or Brotha. We get a kick when we hear new slang. Get real and lets all get along!
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4-11-2008 @ 9:53PM
Jay Ramirez said...
Not a big issue. Next topic. Move on people. It was a mistake, bad choice of words.
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4-11-2008 @ 10:13PM
Bill said...
Shouldn't be an issue. If the tournament was being held in China, and their announcer referred to an American golfer as the USAman, would this even be discussed? Get real!!!!!!
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4-11-2008 @ 10:19PM
JP said...
An “American” from America, An “Englishman” from England, An “Australian” from Australia, A “Chinaman” from China – How generous of you Michael, to say “this doesn't seem like the type of offense that should get him fired”, why would you even suggest a “Firing”??? You are a moron Michael – there – so fire me!
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4-11-2008 @ 10:39PM
KGar said...
Why is this even being brought up. I'm sure the golfer from China probably knows hes a chinaman, as I know I'm an american. If Clampett had referred to him as "chink" or something else derogatory, yeah fry him, but this, c'mon.
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4-11-2008 @ 10:56PM
Joseph said...
I've typed the word white three times...and gotten booted......now whos' racist......
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4-14-2008 @ 12:44AM
Americaman said...
seriously? are you guys that ignorant? wow. while this does not warrant a guy getting fired, "chinaman" is a slur with a negative connontation to asians in general.
JP calls michael a moron and yet, thinks a man from china is chinaman? uh, it's chinese. look at the examples you gave, australian, american.
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4-11-2008 @ 11:04PM
p curley said...
Maybe "Chinaperson" would have been the correct term to use.
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4-11-2008 @ 11:07PM
tom said...
at least he didnt say nappy headed gook
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4-11-2008 @ 11:16PM
George said...
How about my yellow amigo?
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4-11-2008 @ 11:17PM
Ray said...
11. seriously? are you guys that ignorant? wow. while this does not warrant a guy getting fired, "chinaman" is a slur with a negative connontation to asians in general.
He's a Chinaman. Period. That IS NOT a racial slur. How is ir negative to Asians in general? Koreans, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc., aren't from China. Maybe you shouldn't throw stones at a glass house. Watch who you call ignorant.
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4-11-2008 @ 11:32PM
todd said...
Everything is so, so so POLITICAL INCORRECT now its not even funny. The announcer didn't say anything wrong and some people just have too much time on their hands to criticize this statement.
I'm offended I think i'm going to cry!!!! BOO HOO
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4-11-2008 @ 11:31PM
nickstoli said...
This is like saying black people eat fried chicken. I have no idea why that's a slur, but it is. So, don't say it. Too difficult to grasp?
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4-12-2008 @ 2:39AM
Jim said...
Thats why I live in the Philippines, the USA has gone too far. One of the posters ddescribed it perfectly. They call me Joe or Kano here, short for American (North American)Ha Just wanted to keep it political correct. Am I offended Hell yes, I wish they would call me when dinner is served....
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4-11-2008 @ 11:44PM
b-evans said...
"Are the "n" word and "honkey" and paleface and redskin just descriptive words? Or are they slurs? Answer: Of course they are slurs."
Come on, now, out with it. You tell us explicitly that "honkey", "paleface" and "redskin" are slurs. But you just say "the 'n' word" is racist. OK, what IS the so-called "n" word. Come on, now, spit it out. You can easily use other "racist" words, but not the "n" word? What an arrogant hypocrite you are!
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