Isenhour apologizes for killing hawk

2008-03-09

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ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- Professional golfer Tripp Isenhour issued an apology Friday for killing a hawk that was distractinghim while he was filming a television show.

A member of the Nationwide Tour, Isenhour became irritated bythe red-shouldered hawk while filming on December 12 at theGrand Cypress Golf Club.

After repeatedly hitting balls at the squawking bird, Isenhoureventually hit the hawk, which fell to the ground.

Isenhour, 39, was charged Wednesday with cruelty to animals andkilling a migratory bird - misdemeanor charges which carrymaximum penalties of 14 months in prison and up to $1,500 infines.

Two days later, Isenhour apologized for the incident in astatement released by his management company, SFX Golf.

"As soon as this happened, I was mortified and extremely upsetand continue to be upset," Isenhour said in the statement. "Iwant to let everyone know there was neither any malice nordeliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk.

"I was trying to simply scare it into flying away."

The PGA also responded to the situation Friday, issuing astatement from executive vice president Ty Votaw.

"We are aware of the incident involving Tripp Isenhour at theGrand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando last December that resultedin the death of a protected migratory hawk," Votaw said."Obviously, any set of facts which involve an individual hittinga golf ball at a living target is clearly inappropriatebehavior.

"Tripp has publicly apologized and has expressed remorse andregret about his actions. We find this entire incidentregrettable and unfortunate."