lpga retracts policy but still doesn't have a clue

it had to happen sooner or later, and it finally did: the LPGA backed off its inexplicable policy that would allow suspensions of players whose english was deemed unacceptable.

but the decision and statement from LPGA tour commissioner carolyn bivens showed that she and her colleagues still don't get it. despite the announcement of a revised plan, the LPGA maintains that non-english speakers may still be fined.

what the hell for?

the assertion by grace e. yoo, the executive director of the korean american coalition in los angeles, to the associated press captured it best: if the LPGA is concerned about players being able to communicate with sponsors, then why shouldn't all players also have to learn chinese, french, and japanese to talk to sponsors from nations where those languages are spoken?

i respect the united states for what it has done for sports, inventing, popularizing, and revolutionizing many of the games we have come to love. but this kind of unipolar thinking, at times as present in sports as it is in foreign policy, seriously damages the nation's ability to remain a leader in the field.

if the LPGA wants to stay a relevant international body, it needs to rethink its perspective and its attitude. just because the american golf association is on top today doesn't mean it has to stay that way forever.