BY LORI RAUDIO

During the coverage of the Masters this past weekend, CBS announcer Bobby Clampett used a racial slur when referring to Chinese golfer Liang Wen-Chong. While on air, Clampett called Wen-Chong a Chinese racial slur to which many viewers took offense.

CBS acted swiftly, removing Clampett from the broadcast immediately following the comment. He also issued an apology very quickly, saying, “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 my sincere apologies.”

While I commend Clampett for issuing an apology, I think saying “I’m sorry” would have sounded more sincere than “if I offended anybody.” It seems obvious people were offended if an apology is necessary. In light of recent on air slurs, however, I think Clampett handled the aftermath well and is unlikely to face any additional punishment.

CBS handled this issue very well. Recognizing the offensive comment and removing Clampett from the broadcast was a smart move that required quick thinking. They also issued the apology very promptly, before the incident escalated via the Internet and social media.

This incident, however, is just another on a long list of racial slurs and inappropriate comments made by announcers recently. Sensitivity training or harsher punishments needs to occur to deter these inappropriate remarks from occurring so frequently.