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
Big fan, not a great look.
Are we gonna apologize for the language here @JustinThomas34 @PGATOUR ? pic.twitter.com/QvIYdOv7F9
— Imsolazy (@DustyBurlap) January 10, 2021
Right?!
It's obvious this is a go to frustration phrase of his. Also, what a weird one to have, right? Like, it doesn't even feel contextually appropriate? If you're gonna use hostile anti-LGBTQ language, at least conjugate it correctly?
— Nick Schiner (@ObiWanNICKobi) January 11, 2021
Yeah that’s the problem, pal.
— PeacefullyDisgruntledCitizen (@PeacefullyDisg1) January 10, 2021
Hope someone can get @JustinThomas34 to talk about why he used the language he did after missing his par putt on 4. I’m all for these guys being able to swear and show emotion, but if I heard what I’m pretty positive I heard, then that’s really, really not good.
— Shaun Bisson (@shaun_bisson) January 10, 2021
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.
Great reply! Unfortunately it was lost on most of this audience.
— Mike Nobis (@nobis_kid) January 10, 2021
I think he was deriding himself actually, not the ball. That was my impression of listening to it.
— Whitney Pillsbury (@twittny) January 10, 2021
Let’s try not make something bigger than it is.. he was interviewed after the round saying "Im deeply sorry. I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith… and there's a drive to deep left field by Castillanos, itll be a home run, and so thatll make it a 4-0 ball game"
— Tyler (@tymars17) January 10, 2021
You can give raw emotion without being racist or homophobic. There are certain words that should not be said or tolerated. He should not be cancelled and I’m glad he apologized. But no one should ever defend the word he used
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) January 10, 2021
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.
Good morning sports fans.
Waking up to a barrage of hateful comments after posting about Justin Thomas homophobic slur and that words matter. It highlights how real it still is.
To all the young LGBTQ athletes out there. I’m with you. And there’s a place for you in sports.
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) January 10, 2021
He apologized because he got caught on camera. You don’t say it once randomly one time, especially on TV.
Rolled off the tongue a little too easily and I’m really not surprised.
This incident, and all of the comments here are part of the reason (1/2)
— Ben ☕️ (@benkolde) January 10, 2021
Completely agree. Perhaps his sponsors should review where their money goes.
— Getridofhim (@lostcowgal) January 10, 2021
As a straight man you have no right to say it’s not offensive. No one is trying to cancel him but that word is offensive and should NEVER be used. End of discussion
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) January 10, 2021
Despite some great strides made as a society, there is still an issue with the use of slurs by people with a wide audience.
