European Tour CEO apologizes for saying 'colored'

European Tour CEO apologizes for saying 'colored'

Published May. 23, 2013 1:09 p.m. ET

The head of the European golf tour has apologized for using the term ''colored'' during a live television interview in which he was reacting to the spat between Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia.

European Tour CEO George O'Grady said Thursday that ''most of Sergio's friends are colored athletes in the United States.''

O'Grady said he regrets ''using an inappropriate word in a live interview,'' and added ''I unreservedly apologize.''

The word ''colored'' is considered an antiquated and offensive term in some countries.

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Woods and Garcia have exchanged barbs over the past two weeks, dating to the third round of The Players Championship when Garcia implied that Woods purposely stirred up the gallery as the Spaniard was playing a shot.

Garcia apologized Wednesday for saying he'd serve Woods fried chicken for dinner.

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