This story detailing the firing of longtime GolfWeek editor Dave Seanor over the decision to put a graphic photo of a noose on the cover of a recent issue is all over the internet. According to Golf.com, the cover, which illustrates an article on some recent remarks made by a PGA Tour commentator, drew fierce criticism from consumers, subscribers and advertisers, namely the PGA Tour, which has been keenly trying to revamp its staid image.

Goldman & Associates is amazed that GolfWeek would place such a provocative image on its cover. Perhaps more than any other sport, professional golf, at least in recent memory, is seen as exclusive, and not in a positive way. It is in desperate need of a PR blitz with heavy emphasis on diversity affairs. It seems unlikely that the staff at one of only two major golf weeklies published in the U.S. was unaware of this and that’s what makes the decision so incredible. It’s surprising to us that Seanor was the only one fired.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Fenchem released a statement saying that the cover “smacks of tabloid journalism.” If he’s correct and the intent was to create controversy in order to increase readership, then let this be a cautionary tale…in an age of increasing sensationalism in journalism, where celebrity coverage and outlandish (if nonsensical) headlines are standard practice, there is still a line that can be crossed.