(CNN) -- The editor of Golfweek magazine was replaced Friday after the publication's January 19 issue featured a cover with a noose -- referencing a controversial comment made earlier this month by a Golf Channel anchor regarding golfer Tiger Woods.
The new editor, Jeff Babineau, called the cover a "regretful error" in a magazine statement announcing that editor Dave Seanor has been replaced, effective immediately.
"We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country," said William P. Kupper Jr., president of Turnstile Publishing Co. "We were trying to convey the controversial issue with a strong and provocative graphic image. It is now obvious that the overall reaction to our cover deeply offended many people. For that, we are deeply apologetic."
The cover, with a picture of a noose, says, "Caught in a noose: Tilghman slips up, and Golf Channel can't wiggle free."
The magazine contains a story about a controversial comment made by Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman during coverage of Hawaii's Mercedes-Benz championship on January 4. She and host Nick Faldo were bantering about how young golfers might challenge the ever-dominant Woods.
Faldo said, "To take Tiger on, well, yeah, they should just gang up for a while until ..."
"Lynch him in a back alley," Tilghman interrupted with a chuckle.
Afterward, she issued a statement saying she had apologized to Woods and wanted to apologize to viewers for "some poorly chosen words."
And Woods issued a statement through his agent saying he considers Tilghman a friend and respects her. "We know unequivocally that there was no ill intent in her comments," the statement said.
The Golf Channel initially said it had no plans to discipline Tilghman, but as word of the remark spread via the media and the Internet, it reconsidered and suspended her for two weeks. Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton has said she should be fired for the comment.
Golfweek devoted four pages to the situation in the January 19 issue, its statement said.
Babineau, 45, is a nine-year Golfweek veteran who has filled "a number of roles" with the publication, the statement said.
"We know we have a job ahead of us to re-earn the trust and confidence of many loyal readers," he said in the statement. "Our staff is very passionate about the game. Our wish is that one regretful error does not erase more than 30 years of service we've dedicated to this industry."
