Originally published Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Woods wants "lynch" issue to fade away

Tiger Woods contends Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman meant no harm when she used the word "lynch" during television commentary about...

By The Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Tiger Woods contends Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman meant no harm when she used the word "lynch" during television commentary about him, and said he regards the issue closed as he returns to play this week.

"It was unfortunate," Woods said Monday in his first public comments since Tilghman was suspended for two weeks. "Kelly and I did speak. There was no ill intent. She regrets saying it. In my eyes, it's all said and done."

Woods spoke at the Tiger Woods Learning Center, where he announced a contest for children to talk about their first "fist-pump" moment.

The world's top-ranked player plans to make his 2008 debut at the Buick Invitational, which starts Thursday in San Diego.

At the Mercedes-Benz Championship this month, Tilghman and analyst Nick Faldo were discussing possible challengers when Faldo suggested players gang up on Woods.

"Lynch him in a back alley," Tilghman said, laughing.

Golf Channel suspended her. The "lynch" issue was in the news again when Golfweek put a noose on its Jan. 19 cover, drawing more criticism.

Golfweek's parent company last week fired Dave Seanor, the editor responsible for the cover.

Woods said he never felt pressure to speak out on his friend Tilghman's use of "lynch." According to Tuskegee University, 3,466 black people were lynched in the United States from 1882 to 1968.

Note

• Second-ranked Phil Mickelson, who also is to make his season debut in the Buick Invitational, has been directed by a doctor to stay in bed for two days for a respiratory problem. He reportedly has suffered from heavy congestion, shortness of breath and fatigue since October.

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