The Spaniard was on stage at the European Tour’s gala players’ awards dinner, where he was questioned by the Golf Channel’s Steve Sands. García, who has been embroiled in verbal battles with Woods since the Players Championship at Sawgrass this month, was asked in jest if he would have the American round for dinner one night during the upcoming US Open. “We will have him round every night,” García said. “We will serve fried chicken.”

García left on Tuesday night before he could be asked to clarify his remarks, but later issued a statement through the European Tour, saying: “I apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players’ Awards dinner. I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.” – Ewan Murray, The Guardian, 5/22/13

Apologizing for “any offense that may have been caused” isn’t exactly accepting accountability — it can also be construed as Garcia merely acknowledging that others were offended. Not that he’s, y’know, individually offensive. Likewise, “in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.” When you regurgitate an ancient stereotype that’s aimed at one ethnic group in particular, how else should the comment be taken?  Whatta maroon.