In an incredible sense of foreshadowing, Kelly Tilghman’s unfortunate use of the “L” word has brought about her own professional “L.” She has been tried and convicted in a kangaroo court, sentenced to two weeks probation, with the threat of greater action against her as the brouhaha escalates from spark to roaring blaze. As the woodpile grows, pundits rush to judge and continue to miss the mark in an attempt to make a statement. Consider Golfweek’s Jeff Rude:

Tongue slips are the dark side of on-air banter.

But when searching for truth, it’s usually prudent to examine intent. Tilghman and Tiger Woods are friends. They call each other. They text each other. She likes and respects him.

There was no ill intent when her loose lips used a bad verb.

As the descendant of Italian and Polish immigrants to America, I am bored by mafia references and Polish jokes. I have heard far too many of each to care to comment. This does not disqualify the tellers from offending others like me. Tilghman’s remark is not to be judged by one man alone. That Tiger Woods can forgive does not mean that all can nor should. For Jeff Rude to demand as much in Golfweek is to miss the mark, in the name of heedless, indiscreet, precipitous reporting.

One of my favorite remarks concerning media types is that an individual “has a face for radio.” Along the same line, television commentators must have a head for public commentary. I personally hope that a satisfactory resolution can take place, and that the bloodletting might cease. Sadly, I feel professionally that we’re in for another verse of Don Henley’s prescient little ditty, “Dirty Laundry.”

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