Statement From Adam Scott Re: Stevie

Issued by the Australian Open folks:

STATEMENT FROM ADAM SCOTT

I take this opportunity to address the comments that were made by my caddy, Steve Williams, at the Annual Caddy Awards Dinner this week in Shanghai, and the subsequent media reporting.

I want it made very clear that I do not support nor condone racism. I believe there is absolutely no room for racial discrimination in any walk of life, including the game of golf.

I have discussed this matter directly with Steve and he understands and supports my view on this subject. I also accept Steve's apology, knowing that he meant no racial slur with his comments.

On behalf of my team, I apologize personally to everyone that was offended by the reported comments. Please accept this apology so we can all move on.

I now consider the matter closed. I will not be making any further comment.

Stevie Case Closed, Say Commissioners Who Do Not Comment On Disciplinary Matters

So, let me get this straight. The PGA Tour does not comment on disciplinary matters, which was reaffirmed yesterday in the Steve Williams matter. Today, the PGA Tour and European Tour Commissioners Tim Finchem and George O'Grady issue a statementsaying "We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again."

Iain Carter reports on the rest, which sounds like teachers scolding 5th graders:

Their statement added: "The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.

"We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context.

"We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed and we will have no further comment."

Doug Ferguson says Adam Scott was shown the statement after his 73 Sunday and is not concerned the story will linger.

The following week is the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where Scott and Woods - or is that Williams and Woods? - could face each other in any of the four days of competition.

Scott tried to deflect speculation that he could be walking into a frenzy Down Under.

"Hopefully, it's just for my good play rather than anything else. I don't think there's a story going forward," he said, adding that "the matter has been put to bed and I've got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I'm moving on."

Update on 2011-11-06 21:35 by Geoff

**Here is the full statement from PGATour.com.

Stevie Initially Denied Slur, Then Cited Context

Joanne Carroll has several vital details in the Stevie scandal, including the word that Williams only attended because Adam Scott asked him to go.

And we do seem to have different takes on which version of a--hole was used (or was it ar--hole..inquiring minds want to know!).

When asked if he used the words "black a***hole" he initially denied using the racially motivated language: "I did not say those two words."

However, he refused to clarify exactly what he did say on stage at the event, attended by more than 100 top players, caddies and golfing officials.

"Things get taken out of context," he said.

Regarding the context, these comments from Greg Turner probably best sum things up.

However, former New Zealand No1 Greg Turner said he did not think Williams could survive the media backlash, particularly in the United States.

"I can't see this ending well. There's some things you can't get away with and this is one of them. I have been trying to think of a context that might have been acceptable but can't come up with anything. I think this is a pretty big one," he said.