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American Morning

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Golfer Casey Martin

Aired May 29, 2001 - 10:29   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And we have breaking news coming to us from out of the Supreme Court. For the latest, let's go to Jeanne Meserve in Washington -- Jeanne?

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, a long awaited decision in the case of Casey Martin, the professional golfer. You'll recall he has a circulatory disease which left him with a withered right leg. He uses a golf cart on the course. The PGA said this fundamentally altered the nature of the competition. But today the Supreme Court voting 7-2 that not to allow him to use a cart would violate the Americans With Disabilities Act and would -- and using the cart does not fundamentally change the game.

Charles Bierbauer has some background on this case.

Apparently, we do not have that videotape at the moment -- once again, a 7-2 decision this, this one in favor of Casey Martin -- also today, the Supreme Court issuing its orders, deciding not hear a case involving public posting of the 10 Commandments. We will have more.

I understand we now do have that report on Casey Martin and the PGA.

Again, let's try and watch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHARLES BIERBAUER, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): Casey Martin has no trouble hitting a golf ball, but getting around the golf course is tough.

CASEY MARTIN, GOLFER: Most people think I don't walk at all and that's not true. You know, I have to walk around the greens and get around that area. But, basically, once I tee off to my ball I ride.

BIERBAUER: Martin rides because he sued the PGA Tour and won the right to use a golf cart as an accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act. He has a rare circulatory disease in his withered right leg.

The PGA tour, which runs pro golf tournaments, told the justices, "Professional athletics are simply tests of excellence: who can perform best." The tour contends allowing one golfer to ride while others walk would fundamentally change the game. MARTIN: I would say: Walk a mile in my shoes. I wouldn't do this if I felt I had an advantage.

BIERBAUER: The tour says that it's obligated to help disabled spectators outside of the ropes, but not accommodate the pros inside. Senators who wrote the law in 1990 say that was not their intent.

SEN. TOM HARKIN (D), IOWA: I don't think that, Bob, when we passed the law, we meant to say there's a rope line. There's no rope line.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: So, once again, the court ruling today 7-2 in favor of pro golfer Casey Martin.

We'll have more on this case later with our Charles Bierbauer.

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