Cincinnati News: Bubba Watson to remove Confederate flag from ‘General Lee’

Two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson announced via Twitter Thursday night that he will paint over the Confederate Flag that adorns the roof of the General Lee, his 1969 Dodge Charger made famous in the TV series “Dukes of Hazzard“.

Speaking to ESPN, Watson said: ‘After all of the controversy and everything, I don’t want to offend anybody.

The golf star has been keeping the vehicle hidden in his garage as the controversy over the flag had spread, though he insists he doesn’t recall any overt racism in Dukes of Hazard and still emphasizes his adoration for the show – just not what the flag has come to represent. There has been public outcry over the Confederate flag that flies in the South Carolina Capitol, retailers have stopped selling merchandise with the flag, and on Wednesday TV Land said it would no longer air “Dukes of Hazzard” reruns.

Unsurprisingly, fans of the show seemed to think white-washing history was a little bit of an overreaction.

The recent debate, Watson said, led to his decision to paint over the flag. “I think we’re all created equal”.

The use of the Confederate flag has become increasingly controversial since the shooting of nine black churchgoers in Charleston in June. “Make a statement, make a gesture, whatever you want to call it”.

‘It jumped six days after I was born. It was about an auto that was jumping.

Ex- National Basketball Association player Jalen Rose did something similar to his replica of the General Lee, which formerly belonged to John Schneider, the actor who played Bo Duke in the series. “I thought it was the right gesture for me to do”, adding, “I don’t stand for hatred”.