‘That Is All I Have Said’: Jack Nicklaus’ Comments on Black Representation in Golf Forced Him To Publicly Clarify His Statement After Massive Backlash in 1994

Being widely known as the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus has always been the center of attention throughout his career. Every word that comes from his mouth becomes a matter of discussion, and it becomes an issue if his statement is related to a controversial topic. Such was the case when Nicklaus had to talk about Black representation in golf, which forced him to release an explanation about his answer. 

“Different muscles that react in different ways.” According to the Washington Post report, this was the 18-time major champion’s answer when Vancouver Province daily asked him about the black representation in golf. 

Jack Nicklaus released a clarification after his first statement became controversial

In August 1994, a month after Vancouver Province published his comments, Jack Nicklaus released a statement explaining the reason behind his first comments. 

“Despite confusion over my initial comments and the resulting publicity, let me make clear my position and feelings,” the statement read. “I have never knowingly or willingly made a statement or action that is racist,” he further wrote. “God created all of us equally. We are then influenced by our environment. That is all I have said.”

Nicknamed the ‘Golden Bear,’ Nicklaus made it clear that it was all a misunderstanding. “If confusion regarding my feelings has caused an offense,” his statement further read. “I hope my clarification will remind everyone of my personal convictions, which are as strong today as they have been throughout my life.” 

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Notably, he let the golf world know about his innocence through his company, Golden Bear International, spokesperson. However, the 73-time PGA Tour champion talked about the matter directly, where he explained his words taken out of context. 

PGA Tour colleagues backed the 18-time major champion

Since the beginning of his career, the Golden Bear has always been supportive of minority membership on the PGA Tour. The golfer even raised his voice when he found that the sport had someway done injustice to the minorities. 

This personality of him caused his colleagues to speak for him when such allegations were raised against him. Tom Watson, Nicklaus’ friend plus professional rival, used “fair, blunt, and honest” to describe Nicklaus’ personality. 

On the other hand, another colleague of his, Corey Pavin, said clearly that Nicklaus’ words were misinterpreted. “Jack is certainly not a racist,” he added.

Neither Nicklaus’ profile nor his colleagues’ statements reveal that he was anywhere what the 1994 article described him as. Yet, the Golden Bear wanted to clarify his words; hence, he released the statement via a representative.

Do you think Nickalus’ statement was racist? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.

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