Conner Takes the Wrong Tack With Australian Reporter, Then Apologizes

FREMANTLE, Australia â€”  Dennis Conner and controversy had another close shave Sunday night.

Australian radio broadcaster Patrick Bowlen started to ask the San Diego sailor a question at the post-race press conference.

“Dennis, uh . . . “

“No comment,� Conner interrupted.

“You were trialing this morning against Australia III and Australia IV,� Bowlen continued. “What conclusions did you draw from that, Dennis?�

“No comment.�

“Can you tell me why ‘no comment?’ �

“I said no comment. Do you want me to explain that to you, or are you a Kiwi?�

Then, as the questioning turned to Tom Blackaller, Conner’s tactician, Tom Whidden, seated next to him, whispered that Bowlen wasn’t the New Zealand reporter who aroused him two weeks ago.

After Blackaller answered his question, Conner addressed Bowlen.

“I didn’t mean to be rude to you,� Conner said. “I mistook you for someone else. I’ll answer your question.�