NBC's Miller apologizes for comments about Mediate

NBC's Miller apologizes for comments about Mediate

Rocco Mediate waves to the gallery on the 18th hole after finishing his fourth round of the US Open championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Sunday, June 15, 2008 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Story Published: Jun 21, 2008 at 3:39 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 10:02 PM PDT

By Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - NBC Sports golf analyst Johnny Miller apologized for his description of U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, saying the comments had "absolutely nothing to do with his ethnicity."

Mediate, a 45-year-old Pennsylvanian of Italian heritage, held a one-stroke lead over Tiger Woods during the fourth round Sunday. Miller said Mediate "looks like the guy who cleans Tiger's swimming pool." He also said, "Guys with the name 'Rocco' don't get on the trophy, do they?"

"I apologize to anyone who was offended by my remarks," Miller said in a statement Friday through NBC. "My intention was to convey my affection and admiration for Rocco's everyman qualities and had absolutely nothing to do with his ethnicity. I chose my words poorly and in the future will be more careful."

Woods beat Mediate in a playoff that lasted 19 holes for his third U.S. Open title.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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