When Harriette Wilson threatened to publish love letters to her from the Duke Of Wellington his response was “Publish and be Dammed”.
Are we are now entering a publish, retract or be fired era?
When Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstien started their Watergate investigations they received the full support of the Washington Post editorial staff.
Their work brought down an American President!
The leader of the free world ? The most powerful man in the world ??
So who is now more powerful than the American President? Who can now control the press ?
It seems there is a new rule being applied to golf journalism and reporting, say what you like, report what you like but be negative about Tiger!
Yes, yes, yes I can hear the Tiger acolytes sharpening their knives as I type, “you hate Tiger” comments flowing.
But you know what, I DO NOT CARE !
I can say what I think and I will.
Is Tiger one of the greatest golfers ever ? YES, without a shadow of a doubt.
Do I hate Tiger ? No!
Do I have any respect for the man? Well that’s a different question isn’t it.
I can honestly say I have never been keen on Brandel Chamblee, as a Scot and a European I have always found his views slightly xenophobic, not nearly as bad as Rich Learner but close.
But the thing is Chamblee tends to say what he thinks, well at least up to yesterday, agree or disagree I will always respect someone who gives their honest opinion.
It was painful to watch Chamblee’s apology on golf central, not as painful as the smug look on Learners face, but painful.
Chamblee wrote a piece, not for the Golf Channel, and gave his opinion, not a fact his opinion.
By Chamblee’s normal standards a well written piece.
Now the acolytes took offence to it, as they are entitled to, the problem was Team Tiger took offence!
Now I do not know the whole behind the scenes going on’s, who does!
But lets just have a wee hypothetical guess.
Does anyone think that maybe Team Tiger had an almighty temper tantrum?
Does anyone think that maybe Team Tiger did a Salome and demand the Golf Channel present Chamblee’s head on a silver platter?
Does anyone think that maybe the Golf Channel said “We fully support our staff but can we just point out it was a free lance piece not sanctioned by or edited by us?”
Does anyone think that maybe Team Tiger said “Unless we get a full apology on air and you take full control over your staff and what they say about us TIGER will never work with you again!”
Does anyone think that the Golf Channel then shit themselves?
As I say this is all hypothetical and I am sure you all have your own opinions.
My opinion? Its bullying of the highest standard.
So who is to blame for Team Tiger having such huge control over the media?
Who build Tiger into this media demi god?
Oh yes that would be the Golf Channel !
I have said this before and no doubt will say it again, no one is bigger than the game, NO ONE.
If the media could just understand that eh!
Are we are now entering a publish, retract or be fired era?
When Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstien started their Watergate investigations they received the full support of the Washington Post editorial staff.
Their work brought down an American President!
The leader of the free world ? The most powerful man in the world ??
So who is now more powerful than the American President? Who can now control the press ?
It seems there is a new rule being applied to golf journalism and reporting, say what you like, report what you like but be negative about Tiger!
Yes, yes, yes I can hear the Tiger acolytes sharpening their knives as I type, “you hate Tiger” comments flowing.
But you know what, I DO NOT CARE !
I can say what I think and I will.
Is Tiger one of the greatest golfers ever ? YES, without a shadow of a doubt.
Do I hate Tiger ? No!
Do I have any respect for the man? Well that’s a different question isn’t it.
I can honestly say I have never been keen on Brandel Chamblee, as a Scot and a European I have always found his views slightly xenophobic, not nearly as bad as Rich Learner but close.
But the thing is Chamblee tends to say what he thinks, well at least up to yesterday, agree or disagree I will always respect someone who gives their honest opinion.
It was painful to watch Chamblee’s apology on golf central, not as painful as the smug look on Learners face, but painful.
Chamblee wrote a piece, not for the Golf Channel, and gave his opinion, not a fact his opinion.
By Chamblee’s normal standards a well written piece.
Now the acolytes took offence to it, as they are entitled to, the problem was Team Tiger took offence!
Now I do not know the whole behind the scenes going on’s, who does!
But lets just have a wee hypothetical guess.
Does anyone think that maybe Team Tiger had an almighty temper tantrum?
Does anyone think that maybe Team Tiger did a Salome and demand the Golf Channel present Chamblee’s head on a silver platter?
Does anyone think that maybe the Golf Channel said “We fully support our staff but can we just point out it was a free lance piece not sanctioned by or edited by us?”
Does anyone think that maybe Team Tiger said “Unless we get a full apology on air and you take full control over your staff and what they say about us TIGER will never work with you again!”
Does anyone think that the Golf Channel then shit themselves?
As I say this is all hypothetical and I am sure you all have your own opinions.
My opinion? Its bullying of the highest standard.
So who is to blame for Team Tiger having such huge control over the media?
Who build Tiger into this media demi god?
Oh yes that would be the Golf Channel !
I have said this before and no doubt will say it again, no one is bigger than the game, NO ONE.
If the media could just understand that eh!
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