What consequences did the scandalous comment by Fuzzy Zoeller about Tiger Woods leave?
28 november 2025 в 21:50
With the death of Fuzzy Zoeller at the age of 74, attention returned to one of the most controversial moments of his career — a comment he made about his fellow golfer Tiger Woods after his historic victory at the Masters tournament in 1997. The comment sparked widespread condemnation at the time and remained a significant part of Zoeller’s public legacy.
Although Zoeller later apologized, the incident continued to cast a shadow over his career and reignited discussions about race and respect in professional golf. Below, we will recall what he said, how he reacted, and whether Woods addressed the situation publicly.
After the then 21-year-old Tiger Woods won his first Masters tournament in 1997, Zoeller made a statement on live television that sparked widespread protest. During a television interview, Zoeller said that Woods should not be served «fried chicken» at the annual champions' dinner.
«This boy is doing well and putting well. He does everything it takes to win», - Zoeller said. «So when he comes here, pat him on the back, congratulate him, and enjoy it — and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year». He then added with a smile: «Or collard greens, or whatever else they serve».
Yes, Zoeller apologized shortly after his comments became public. He released a statement acknowledging that his remarks were wrong and expressed regret for any offense caused. For many years, these comments continued to haunt him. According to AP News, in 2008 Zoeller called this episode «the most horrible thing I’ve ever had to go through in my life», - saying that he had apologized «countless times» and that he had «cried many times».
«I have apologized countless times for words spoken in jest that simply do not reflect who I am. I have hundreds of friends, including people of color, who will attest to this», - he added. «Nevertheless, I have come to the conclusion that this incident will never, ever go away».
Woods addressed the incident publicly, stating that he did not believe Zoeller’s remarks were motivated by «personal animosity». However, he emphasized that at the time he was not ready to fully forgive or forget the statement, Reuters reports
Although Zoeller later apologized, the incident continued to cast a shadow over his career and reignited discussions about race and respect in professional golf. Below, we will recall what he said, how he reacted, and whether Woods addressed the situation publicly.
After the then 21-year-old Tiger Woods won his first Masters tournament in 1997, Zoeller made a statement on live television that sparked widespread protest. During a television interview, Zoeller said that Woods should not be served «fried chicken» at the annual champions' dinner.
«This boy is doing well and putting well. He does everything it takes to win», - Zoeller said. «So when he comes here, pat him on the back, congratulate him, and enjoy it — and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year». He then added with a smile: «Or collard greens, or whatever else they serve».
Yes, Zoeller apologized shortly after his comments became public. He released a statement acknowledging that his remarks were wrong and expressed regret for any offense caused. For many years, these comments continued to haunt him. According to AP News, in 2008 Zoeller called this episode «the most horrible thing I’ve ever had to go through in my life», - saying that he had apologized «countless times» and that he had «cried many times».
«I have apologized countless times for words spoken in jest that simply do not reflect who I am. I have hundreds of friends, including people of color, who will attest to this», - he added. «Nevertheless, I have come to the conclusion that this incident will never, ever go away».
Woods addressed the incident publicly, stating that he did not believe Zoeller’s remarks were motivated by «personal animosity». However, he emphasized that at the time he was not ready to fully forgive or forget the statement, Reuters reports
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
