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| brought to you by: EspreeNet News Service |
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| Published June 09, 2003 |
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"Colonial Times"
? Is LPGA separate and unequal? Obviously there is a need to have two associations.
TERRILL DEAN
EspreeNet News Service
Syracuse, NY (ENet News) - I am quite sure we don't have too many golf fans reading this. Ok, maybe golf fans that don't want to admit they play due to their "handicap" being too high. Well, I will admit to being a fan, a golfer, and a very high "handicapper".
Before I go any further, I respect Vijay for speaking his mind and telling us how he really feels. Now, it may have come out the wrong way, but I still respect him. He is merely stating what a good portion of the PGA members is thinking.
Tiger states it is good for the game. Tiger also feels there is no problem with her playing. As a matter of fact he called her to give support.
OK T, pump the brakes a little. I know you don't want to rock the boat because you have said some things before in which you had to rethink. My brother, PLEASE! You have made money, you're the best in the game, and you have mad clout. So, why are you trying to be a diplomat? I ain't saying I agree with you T, but I understand.
I must continue by saying I am not a huge Vijay Singh fan. (Let's just say I have my reasons.) And even though I am not a fan of his, I still respect him. I was really feelin' what my man Vijay was trying to get across; she has the LPGA.
I strongly feel a person can say something two different ways. One way will cause someone to be angry and the other way will make you think before reacting. Vijay didn't use choice words. But at least his choice of words was not to the point where he should lose his job or be put on blast. I also feel he really made me think instead of being angry at what he said. Remember I am not a Vijay Singh fan.
Is the LPGA not getting enough attention? Is the LPGA really weak in competition? Is LPGA separate and unequal? Obviously there is a need to have two associations. In fact, there is still a disparity in abilities between men and women golfers. So what is wrong with VS saying it isn't right? His stance doesn't mean he is a racist or a member of the "he man women haters club". It just means he doesn't feel she should be playing in a tournament that has been established for the PGA.
Another point that came up was Ms. Sorrenstam was given the opportunity to play in the match. She didn't earn it! She didn't make a cut! She was given a spot in order to play. (Does that say anything?) I don't know about you, but I truly feel you must earn the spot or the right to play. I thought a part of Affirmative Action was to do away with people being "given" jobs/opportunity just because.
Now, to vent my frustration! I am frustrated with the fact every one wants to compare this to African Americans or other ethic groups being excluded from certain things. People, YOU CAN'T COMPARE! Someone stated; "well isn't this the same as not allowing blacks to participate in"
Check this: THERE ARE SOME COUNTRY CLUBS WHO STILL DON'T ALLOW BLACKS TO JOIN!!!
There are still some businesses that still are not interested in ethnic dollars. There is still a league that would rather bring in European players instead of picking American ballers. Annika can probably play at more country clubs than African Americans. She can still go anywhere she wants without questions. (And it is not because she is a pro-golfer.)
So Please Just Stop Comparing this to the issues that ethnic people face!! The next comparison, she is just as good as some of the guys. Yes, those guys who are not at the top of the profession like she is. I am going to keep it real; she is a hell of lot better than me. And, no I am not angry with that. She chose her profession and I chose mine.
I am also tired of people saying we'll see a woman in the NBA, NHL, or NFL before you know it. If it were that easy then why hasn't it happened yet?
On HBO "Real Sports", I recall the heat a boy took for playing field hockey on a girl's high school team in Cape Cod. The people stated it wasn't fair, he was bigger, he was doing it for a publicity stunt and that he should be embarrassed. This young man was playing field hockey for two reasons: to get in shape for his ice hockey season and he wanted to be a part of a field hockey team. (There wasn't a guy's field hockey team for him to play on at his high school.)
I ask what is the problem with that? I truly feel it's ok. There is no team for boys so he plays for the girl's team. If there is no league or a place for a woman to play, then let's do it. Let her play with the guys. But if a tourney has been establish for a woman and she enters a tourney for men. I say it's a publicity stunt it's just not right especially when she has not gone through the same process as the others to play in the tourney!
I am very interested in what Charles Barkley stated one Wednesday night. "I am making a comeback to the game of basketball. I am gonna play for the Phoenix Mercury." I think that isn't a bad idea. If a woman can play with men in competition then a male should be able to play in competition with woman! Don't say it isn't fair. Have you seen Charles lately?
Here is where I am coming from; I really feel Vijay stated his point in an eloquent way. So he shouldn't get the heat he is feeling. (Too bad he had to back out.) Stop comparing issues of sport to issues of race, even though sport has huge race issues. Yes, Annika is a tremendous golfer, however, if she qualified like the rest of the field, I wouldn't have had a problem with anything. I just wish I could play with her to get a few pointers.
Good Luck Annika!
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