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Golf star Thomas apologizes for ‘terrible’ anti-gay slur
LOS ANGELES, Jan 10, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Golf’s world number three Justin
Thomas apologized for a homophobic slur picked up by television microphones
at the US PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions on Saturday.
American Thomas uttered the anti-gay slur on the fourth hole of his third
round in Hawaii after missing a five-foot par putt, and it caused an
immediate stir on social media.
“It’s inexcusable,” Thomas said. “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.”
The US PGA Tour is expected to fine Thomas for the remark. “As he expressed
after his round, we agree that Justin’s comment was unacceptable,” the PGA
Tour said in a statement.
Thomas finished his round by shooting a five-under 68 and is tied for fifth
place with one round to play, four shots back of co-leaders Harris English
and Ryan Palmer who are at 21-under par.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1340 hrs