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SPORTS BITS: Tiger apologizes; Uncle Mayweather stripped; Joe Louis honored.
*Tiger Woods is apologizing for using the word “spaz” to describe his floundering play during the final round of the Masters last week. Apparently, some folks consider the word to be a derogatory term for people with physical coordination problems. After finishing the tournament tied for third, Woods said during a CBS interview: “I putted atrociously today. Once I got on the greens, I was a spaz." IMG agent Mark Steinberg said on Woods' official Web site: "Tiger meant nothing derogatory to any person or persons and apologizes for any offense caused."
*Roger Mayweather, the uncle of boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., had his license taken away by the Nevada Athletic Commission Thursday and was fined $200,000 for jumping into the ring and trying to box his nephew’s opponent, Zab Judah. The uncle’s actions were sparked by a low blow Judah delivered to Floyd in the 10th round. Judah followed it up with a hit to the Floyd’s head as he was bent over in pain. Once Roger entered the ring and headed for Judah, an all-out brawl broke out, which took several police officers and security guards to get under control. Roger Mayweather’s fine represents his share of the $5 million purse awarded to Floyd for his unanimous win. Uncle Roger said he was disappointed and would try to appeal the decision.
* Joe Louis was honored at his Arlington National Cemetery gravesite on April 12, which marked the 25th anniversary of the legendary boxer’s death. The ceremony included the laying of a wreath and the sound of taps. "Joe Louis challenged the conscience of the country," Louis' son, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., told the gathering. "You couldn't have it both ways. You couldn't put Joe Louis on a pedestal and admire him as the heavyweight champion of the world and yet not allow him and his people to eat where they wanted to eat, live where they wanted to live, and be educated where they needed to be educated." Louis, whose tombstone bears his nickname, “The Brown Bomber,” was heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949.
