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Pro Golfer Apologizes After Mic Caught Him Using Anti-Gay Slur When He Missed Putt On Live TV

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Professional golfer Justin Thomas has issued an apology after he was caught using an anti-gay slur when he missed a putt.

Thomas—currently the third ranked golfer in the world—was competing at the Sentry Tournament of Champions on Sunday. He missed a five-foot putt on the fourth hole, when he muttered the homophobic slur.

Unfortunately for the golfer, his mic was hot when he spoke.

WARNING: NSFW language

After the moment went viral, Thomas spoke with the AP and apologized for his actions.

He said:

“It’s inexcusable. First off, I just apologize.”

“I’m an adult. I’m a grown man, there’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that.”

“It’s terrible. I’m extremely embarrassed.”

“It’s not who I am, it’s not the kind of person that I am or anything that I do.”

“Unfortunately, I did it and I have to own up to it and I’m very apologetic.”

Thomas was not initially aware his mic was on and his comment was a hot topic on social media until after the round. It’s speculated finding out had an effect on his golf game.

He finished the round tied for fifth when he came in as the defending champion. He ended the tournament in third place.

Some people felt this was too much and Thomas should be forgiven.

The PGA Tour has been tight-lipped on the matter, telling Golf Digest:

“As he expressed after his round, we agree that Justin’s comment was unacceptable.”

The PGA is likely to fine Thomas for unprofessional conduct.

Last summer, Thomas weighed in on a discussion about players wearing mics during tournaments and was against such a suggestion. At the time, he said his conversations with his caddie, Jimmy Johnson, should be private.

He said:

“What I talk about with Jimmy and what I talk about with the guys in my group is none of anybody else’s business, no offense.”

“I mean, as close as those mics are on the tees and the greens and as close as I get to boom mics during competition anyway, I basically feel like I am mic’d up.”

People felt it was important to acknowledge and combat the use of the slur. That the PGA ensure something like this wasn’t swept under a rug.

Thomas apologized, but he still said it which needs to be addressed.

Despite some great strides made as a society, there is still an issue with the use of slurs by people with a wide audience.

Ben Acosta

Written by Ben Acosta

Ben Acosta is an Arizona-based fiction author and freelance writer. In his free time, he critiques media and acts in local stage productions.