Scottie Scheffler was arrested in Louisville for disobeying a detective’s traffic command and dragging him 30 feet, causing injuries. Scheffler was arrested for assault on an officer in the second degree (a felony), criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disobeying the orders of a police officer directing traffic. His attorney explained that the whole thing was “a big misunderstanding” and that Scheffler did nothing wrong in the confusion of traffic rerouting necessitated by a fatal accident at Valhalla Country Club, where Scheffler, the number one ranked golfer in the world, was headed to play in the second round of the PGA Championship. He shot an excellent score, 67, in round one.
I don’t know if Scheffler was at fault. I do know he didn’t want to miss his tee time at an event hosted by a club with 125K membership initiation fee and 1K monthly dues. Turns out that he didn’t miss his time. After about an hour in jail, he emerged to birdie two of the first three holes and shoot 66.
I couldn’t help but think that dragging a police officer can get a Black person killed quickly in Louisville. In fact, doing nothing wrong except being Black, a la Breonna Taylor, can get you killed in Louisville. Of course, the incidents are way removed from one another---but also connected as reminders of White privilege. Scottie Scheffler has enjoyed some and likely will benefit from more. Breonna Taylor did not and will not.
These are surely some random thoughts and not the usual kind for the Language Lane. Then I was watching the third round telecast and, as Scheffler stumbled through the early holes, heard one of the announcers ask whether the events of the past two days were getting to the golfer. His broadcast partner replied, “You can say that.” I imagine so. A day after unnerving events, those events can weigh on you heavily.
Breonna Taylor didn’t get a day after.
After a lackluster 73, Scheffler won’t win the tournament Sunday. But he’ll be alright in court. The charges will be dropped or reduced. No need for the #FreeScottie frenzy.
I don’t control the Louisville police or any telecasts. But I’ll take opportunities to remind folks about Breonna Taylor.
That’s just me.
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