Every Picture Tells a Story

Last night was a very strange one in the history of golf broadcasting.

On completion of his of his 64 in Hawaii yesterday Matt Every sat down for a post round interview with the Golf Channels Kelly Tilghman, would she ask about the funky putter he used? The shots he played? Or how he felt going into the weekend?

For those who may not know Mr Every was suspended by the PGA for 3 months in 2010 after being arrested for marijuana possession. Its worth noting that these charges where later dropped.

Now during the interview Miss Tilghman, or more likely a producer in her ear, pressed Mr Every on the charge.

I for one was very disappointed with his reply, “There’s a lot worse stuff going on out here”.

Quite frankly, as a rule, I don’t give a hoot what pro golfers get up to off the course, personal lives should be just that, personal. But drug use, even possession, crosses that line.

If Matt Every had just said “yeah I made a mistake and its all behind me” or “learning is part of life” nobody would have batted an eye lid.
Instead it seemed like he simply did not care, “I am still the same guy” comment with a shrug.

Whether we like it or not “recreational” drugs are part of life these days, if Matt worked in an office, drove a truck or any other form of employment his arrest would have never made the papers, but he doesn’t. He is a professional sportsman, a potential role model. Compared with Robert Downey or Lindsey Lohan he may be a saint, but these are not sports people.

Matt needs to circle the wagons this morning and issue a statement condemning the use of recreational drugs, but I don’t think he will.

Like or dislike what he said, he was honest and was himself, some of us may disagree but to thine own self be true ?  

I think my bigger issue with Miss Tilghman and her employers is the double standards used in both the treatment and interviewing of golfers.

Anyone who watched the pathetically grovelling interview she did with Tiger after his indiscretions will know exactly what I mean.

I have said this before, I honestly do not care who or what Tiger was having relationships with. Over half the people I know are re married or divorced because of various libido issues, it’s a glass house that I for one cant throw stones in.

My problem with Tiger was the manipulation of the press afterwards and the desperation of the PGA to get him playing again, at any costs.

If Tiger shoots a 59 and sits down with the adoring Kelly will she ask him probing questions re the fire hydrant night? Or who he is involved with ?? We all know the answer to that one!

Tiger would simply stand up and walk out, Matt Every should have done the same.  

Quite frankly I have a bigger issue with slow play!