WESTWOOD APOLOGIZES!

GolferA1 · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 7:39 am

Good for Lee! I don't know exactly what his motivation was, whether he realized, after the heat of the moment passed he'd screwed up, or what, but it's a good move by a guy I've always thought to be a gentleman.

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?s ... &type=lgns

Golf-Westwood says he did not mean to sound like bad loser

Sep 23, 3:08 pm EDT

By Norman Dabell

CROWLAND, England, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Lee Westwood said on Tuesday his criticism of unruly U.S. fans during last week’s Ryder Cup had not meant to sound like an excuse for Europe’s defeat.

After the United States’ 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 victory in Kentucky, Westwood said some spectators had dealt out “fairly nasty” and “pretty shameful” abuse.

The Briton had blamed U.S. captain Paul Azinger for inciting the crowd but in a statement released on Tuesday he praised the American’s captaincy.

“A lot of what I said in Valhalla during and after the Ryder Cup didn’t come out quite as I intended and finished up sounding like sour grapes,” Westwood said in the statement released by his management company.

“So let me say right now that I applaud America’s victory, Paul Azinger’s captaincy in general and the vast majority of the watching public who witnessed a titanic struggle between two very good sides.

“I regret that I singled out a small minority of the crowd who had a go at me and my family during competition days because far and away the greater majority were impeccably behaved and got right behind their team as did the excellent European supporters.”

He added that he had not wanted to sound like a bad loser.

“My comments about the hecklers and Paul’s geeing up the crowd before the event were in no way intended to be an excuse or the words of an ungracious loser because the American team performed brilliantly and fully deserved to win,” he said.

“I may not have been too thrilled with one or two things that happened in Valhalla, but I am taking absolutely nothing away from America’s win. When you’re beaten by a better side, you just have to admit it.

“Well done USA. See you in Celtic Manor (for the next Ryder Cup in 2010).” (Editing by Sonia Oxley)

RoyMcavoy · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 8:07 am

I think he just wants to do damage control so that he does not get the old Monty treatment every time he tees it up in the states. The comments about him and his family were unwarranted and very shameful on the fans part, but it is a Ryder Cup and these things unfortunately happen. It sure as heck happens in Europe. He and future rabbit ear people need to just tune it out and not take it so seriously and realize it's just a few idiots being themselves. Part of me thinks that he does believe in his original comments but needed to tone it down in the public eye.

GolferA1 · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 8:11 am

While I was glad to see the "apology," I don't know how they can say anything happens differently here than it does when it's held over there. Look what the tabloids did to the wives over there last time, especially Elin (which ended up costing them!!

Just suck it up and go on!!

DNRS · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 9:51 am

I agree, it might be damage control but it was the proper thing to do.

I think the tabloids in bloody England will have their barristers vetting every article for the next one. :-}

Note to 2010 US RC Team: Make sure mom and wife don't wear combat boots to the photo shoot. :-}

Later,

JJBECK72 · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 10:29 am

GolferA1 wrote:

Good for Lee! I don't know exactly what his motivation was, whether he realized, after the heat of the moment passed he'd screwed up, or what, but it's a good move by a guy I've always thought to be a gentleman.

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?s ... &type=lgns

Golf-Westwood says he did not mean to sound like bad loser

Sep 23, 3:08 pm EDT

By Norman Dabell

CROWLAND, England, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Lee Westwood said on Tuesday his criticism of unruly U.S. fans during last week’s Ryder Cup had not meant to sound like an excuse for Europe’s defeat.

After the United States’ 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 victory in Kentucky, Westwood said some spectators had dealt out “fairly nasty” and “pretty shameful” abuse.

The Briton had blamed U.S. captain Paul Azinger for inciting the crowd but in a statement released on Tuesday he praised the American’s captaincy.

“A lot of what I said in Valhalla during and after the Ryder Cup didn’t come out quite as I intended and finished up sounding like sour grapes,” Westwood said in the statement released by his management company.

“So let me say right now that I applaud America’s victory, Paul Azinger’s captaincy in general and the vast majority of the watching public who witnessed a titanic struggle between two very good sides.

“I regret that I singled out a small minority of the crowd who had a go at me and my family during competition days because far and away the greater majority were impeccably behaved and got right behind their team as did the excellent European supporters.”

He added that he had not wanted to sound like a bad loser.

“My comments about the hecklers and Paul’s geeing up the crowd before the event were in no way intended to be an excuse or the words of an ungracious loser because the American team performed brilliantly and fully deserved to win,” he said.

“I may not have been too thrilled with one or two things that happened in Valhalla, but I am taking absolutely nothing away from America’s win. When you’re beaten by a better side, you just have to admit it.

“Well done USA. See you in Celtic Manor (for the next Ryder Cup in 2010).” (Editing by Sonia Oxley)

The only problem with that is ; the cow has left the barn ! He made sure to attach the taint of bad sportsmanship to the American team and fans and then issues his little "apology" three days later. Apology not accepted.....................it's open season on the blighter from now on.

How could you possibly have any insight into his character ? He comes off as slightly miffed that anyone would ever take up his precious time when he has been asked a question on camera in the past. These guys are so utterly spoiled by the money and notoriety , that they just spout off and then expect to be "forgiven" later when they realize it may cost them something. The Euros do this every damn time !!! They make sure to attach the stigma of "unruly fans" to the American side if they happen to lose the thing. If it's not that asswipe Monty....it's his little staring cockney buddy ...Westwood. He doesn't even have the dignity to stand by his own remarks ! The damage is done and he's on the list for double secret heckling !
" I applaud Paul Azinger's Captaincy in general".................but , of course , the other day i said he incited the crowd !!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe you would accept this naked attempt to protect his status and ability to make money on our Tour. He's a limey wanker who did his best to make sure we were seen as bad winners after the event . They do this every time !! NO...APOLOGY NOT ACCEPTED !

GolferA1 · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 2:37 pm

" I applaud Paul Azinger's Captaincy in general".................but , of course , the other day i said he incited the crowd !!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe you would accept this naked attempt to protect his status and ability to make money on our Tour. He's a limey wanker who did his best to make sure we were seen as bad winners after the event . They do this every time !! NO...APOLOGY NOT ACCEPTED !"

I'm sorry, JJ, I'm not sure I completely understand your response. Could you please clarify it for me?? :lol:

nuhips · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 4:48 pm

Lots of things are said in the heat of battle that are regretted. Paul Casey said a few nasty things, even worse than Westwood, a few years back and didn't seem to be heckled except his first couple of matches here afterwards. Probably will be the same this time.

Cobra · **Posted:** September 24th, 2008, 4:59 pm

Great post JJ, and well stated. I do have to agree with Roy on one statement, I believe also that he meant it and didn't want to end up like Monty. !!!!! To Late Now,,,,,,, !!!!!! :lol:

JJBECK72 · **Posted:** September 26th, 2008, 10:25 am

So....if you go to a press conference and say the Captain of the other team was inciting the crowd...........that's just chalked up to "heat of the battle" rhetoric.

Okay........whatever. Lee is a nice guy who really didn't mean to start anything.

He's a sore loser......period.

Cobra · **Posted:** September 26th, 2008, 6:21 pm

JJBECK72 wrote:

So....if you go to a press conference and say the Captain of the other team was inciting the crowd...........that's just chalked up to "heat of the battle" rhetoric.

Okay........whatever. Lee is a nice guy who really didn't mean to start anything.

He's a sore loser......period.

Agreed !!!!!!

WESTWOOD APOLOGIZES!

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