[SPORTS ★]
GOLFER BUBBA WATSON APOLOGIZES FOR NEGATIVE COMMENTS
(P1) Two days after saying he didn’t like changes to the golf course for the Phoenix Open and that he only was playing in the event because three of his SPONSORS wanted him to, Bubba Watson said he was sorry.
(P2) “I used the wrong words,” Watson said.
(P3) “I have nothing against the fans and the TOURNAMENT. The fans have been great. I love coming here. I’ve lived here every winter for eight years. This is a beautiful place. And the reason why I’m here is because of the excitement around this golf tournament. The fans have been great.”
(P4) But earlier in the week, Watson had said, “I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. I just mentioned why I’m here. I’ve got three sponsors that love it here.”
(P5) Watson heard a strong reaction from fans at the tournament on Thursday and again on Friday. He was booed MERCILESSLY ahead of his tee shot at the par-3 16th during both rounds.
(P6) The two-time Masters winner created this problem for himself. He tried to APPEASE angry fans with a pre-round tweet praising the event on Thursday, but it clearly didn’t work.
(P7) “I used words that I shouldn’t have used,” he said. “I didn’t explain myself well. My wife says that, too, when I go home. I don’t communicate very well.”
(P8) Now Watson has to hope his MEA CULPA reaches the fans. He tried his best to DOWNPLAY their reaction the last two days and discussed how he hopes to win them back.
WORDS: 257
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- Have you ever said or done something that you later REGRETTED? What did you do about it?
- Is it better for athletes and other public figures to be honest, or should they say what is expected of them?
- Bubba Watson’s sponsors pay for his golfing. How do you think they felt about what he said?
- Watson is a talented golfer, but SURVEYS show that he is the most unpopular golfer. Are there athletes in your country who are CONTROVERSIAL?
EXPRESSIONS TO PRACTICE:
What do the following expressions mean? Practice using each expression in a sentence; extra points if you can use it in conversation.
- Mea culpa
