ACT OF CONTRITION: Colorado AvidGolfer Issues Apology for Altered Lorena Ochoa Image

In response to the extremely negative reaction to the illustration featuring Lorena Ochoa's face on the Virgin of Guadalupe, Colorado AvidGolfer today issued a formal apology to Ms. Ochoa and to members of the Mexican and Catholic communities and to anyone else who took offense to the image.

The article and illustration appeared in the magazine's Spring 2008 issue.

As the article that accompanied the illustration attests, the magazine's intent was always to glorify Sra. Ochoa for her accomplishments as a golfer, humanitarian and patriot. "To illustrate our support of her, we selected an iconic image that suggested her transcendent qualities," said editor Jon Rizzi. "We never intended to insult anyone."

But the intention and the result were like night and day. The irate responses started on February 18th and have increased in both number and ferocity in the days since. "I completely respect their right to voice their outrage," Rizzi said. "I've tried to respond personally to each, expressing my contrition. I am truly sorry."

Colorado AvidGolfer removed the illustration from its website and has denied online media requests for permission to reproduce it. "To allow further dissemination of the image would dilute the sincerity of my apology. That's the last thing I want. This is a genuine mea culpa."