GolfWeek Magazine fires Editor over noose cover

Friday January 18, 2008 | 10:51:20 am 182 words, 4440 views

Dave Seanor, the vice president and editor of Golfweek, has been replaced immediately by Jeff Babineau. The action comes as a result of GolfWeek’s recent edition featuring a noose on the cover to accompany its story on Kelly Tilghman’s recent remarks on The Golf Channel.

From Doug Ferguson at the Associated Press:

Golfweek apologized Friday for putting a noose on the cover of its magazine to illustrate the controversy over a Golf Channel anchor’s use of “lynch” in a comment about Tiger Woods. The editor responsible for the cover was replaced.

“We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country,” Turnstile Publishing Co. president William P. Kupper Jr. said. “We were trying to convey the controversial issues with a strong and provocative graphic image. It is now obvious that the overall reaction to our cover deeply offended many people. For that, we are deeply apologetic.

Turnstile is the parent company of Golfweek.

The company said Dave Seanor, the vice president and editor of Golfweek, has been replaced immediately by Jeff Babineau.

4 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Oliver Sudden [Visitor]

Seanor might not have been fired. All we know is he was replaced as editor.

Permalink 01/18/08 @ 13:42

Comment from: Joe R [Visitor]

The fact that Dave Seanor is no longer the Editor is laughable. Does anyone think he acted alone. Everyone know putting out a weekly magazine is a collaborative effort. I would like to see someone do a story on how many people in the staff meeting objected to the cover. The decision by Golfweek to use that cover is far worse in my opinion than what Kelly T said. It was not meant to be mean or even racist. Golfweek cover is a premeditated thing to sell magazines no matter who they offend. The apology from the "new" editor is laughable.

Permalink 01/18/08 @ 17:13

Comment from: Larry Lueder [Visitor] · http://www.larryandjane.com

Give me a break. Since when do the Blacks have a right to tell us what we can and cannot say or print? This isn't Communist China. How come only a Black is prevy to use the "N" word or use the "Noose" word? This is like the Taliban/Muslims starting a jihad over a cartoon. Have we coward to this low. For goodness sake Black Americans, the whole world had some form of slavery going on at the time. And you'll be happy to know it still goes on of all placed but Africa. People that complain about the confederate flag, a noose or the use of the "N" word are hypocrites. Just like Muslims throughout the Middle East that pretend to be holy after decapitating someone. Stop being a coward and speak your mind, Blacks do...

Permalink 01/18/08 @ 17:59

Comment from: LH [Visitor]

I am so tired of the tackiness of certain leaders and media outlets in this country. Only someone very simple-minded would make this a black and white issue. It is about tack and class and those who continue to report on it, are definitely those that are influenced by this type of ideological thinking. Or should I say, "Idiotical thinking."

The bottom line is certain "powers that be" think that every time a noose is displayed or some "low class" racial slur is used or made, people of color are going to be offended or hurt. NO ONE CARES WHAT YOU THINK, FEEL, OR SAY!

Just be able to deal with it when it comes back your way, instead of underhandedly doing things to muffle others that don't agree with your ideas. If someone would have made a remark about Hitler or something worse, it would have gotten the same type of reaction. It was tacky and so are those who use it as fuel for conversation.

Permalink 01/18/08 @ 18:44

Dot Wong

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WorldGolf.com blogger Dot Wong keeps golf fans up to date on the latest breaking news reports from the PGA, LPGA and European Tours. Each day Dot scans the leading golf media outlets and she brings you the best stories from around the globe.