Bobby Clampett on 'Chinaman': If I Offended Anybody Please Accept My Sincere Apologies

Former pro golfer and current CBS announcer Bobby Clampett referred to golfer Liang Wen-Chong as "the chinaman" during today's Masters broadcast and apologized afterward. Here's the full apology he gave on the Masters webcast, according to CBS spokeswoman LeslieAnne Wade:

"It has been a privilege to be here with you the last 2 days describing action of all of the players. In describing the Asian player Wen-Chong Liang if I offended anybody please accept me sincere apologies."

The style of apology that begins with "if I offended anybody" always rings a little bit hollow. The word "chinaman" is a slur, and it's the slur that should be followed up with an apology, not the reaction of being offended by the slur.

Having said that, assuming Clampett doesn't have a history of offensive comments -- and to the best of my knowledge he doesn't -- this doesn't seem like the type of offense that should get him fired. I just wish his thoughtless comment had been followed by an apology that sounded a little more thoughtful.

The Masters

Tiger Woods pumps his fist after saving par on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Zach Johnson reacts after his putt on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain hits out of a bunker on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Mike Weir of Canada follows his putt on the 16th green during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Tiger Woods waves to patrons after saving par on the 11th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Patrons rest in the shade next to the 18th fairway during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Zach Johnson reacts to a missed birdie putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Tiger Woods, right, accompanied by his caddie Steve Williams checks the wind on the 12th fairway during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Zach Johnson takes his fourth shot on the 17th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. Johnson had a double bogey on the hole. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Zach Johnson discusses his lie in a bunker on the 17th hole during the second round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday, April 11, 2008. Johnson got a double bogie on the hole. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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