Jackson Reid
In January 2021, golfer Justin Thomas issued an apology after using a homophobic slur during the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Thomas, who was ranked third in the world, missed a putt and was heard saying fa*t by television microphones. Thomas apologized for his language, calling it “inexcusable” and “terrible.” He also lost sponsorship deals with Ralph Lauren, who stated that his language was “entirely inconsistent with our brand.”
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golfer's name | Justin Thomas |
| Slur used | "Fa***t" |
| Tournament | Sentry Tournament of Champions |
| Location | Hawaii |
| Date | 9 January 2021 |
| Hole | Fourth hole |
| Distance | 5-foot par putt |
| Sponsors | Ralph Lauren |
| Action taken | Sponsorship discontinued |
| Reason for slur | Missed putt |
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What You'll Learn
Justin Thomas' use of the word fa*t
During the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on 9 January 2021, golfer Justin Thomas missed a five-foot par putt and was heard on television microphones muttering the word "fa*t". The highly offensive homophobic slur used to describe gay men was made in apparent frustration as he walked off the green.
Thomas apologised for his language and the offence it caused, saying he was “extremely embarrassed” and that it was “inexcusable”. He added that it was "not who I am, it's not the kind of person that I am or anything that I do". Thomas was dropped by sponsors Ralph Lauren following the incident, with the clothing brand stating that his language was “entirely inconsistent with our brand”.
Thomas is not the first professional golfer to be criticised for expressing homophobic sentiment. In 2020, Scott Piercy lost two endorsement deals for sharing a homophobic meme directed at Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Thomas is also not the only sports personality to have been called out for using homophobic language. In 2021, longtime sportscaster Thom Brennaman lost his job after using a similar slur.
Thomas's use of the word "fa*t" highlights the normalisation of homophobic language in sports and the need for action to counter homophobia. While he has faced some consequences for his actions, including public criticism and the loss of sponsorships, it is unclear whether the PGA Tour will take further action as they do not make conduct punishments public.
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Thomas' apology for the slur
On 9 January 2021, Justin Thomas, the world number one golfer, missed a 5-foot par putt during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. In his reaction, Thomas muttered a homophobic slur, "fa*t", which was picked up by a greenside microphone and heard by television viewers.
Thomas issued an apology shortly after the incident, speaking to the Golf Channel:
> "First off, I just apologise. 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 added that he was unaware he had said the slur until after the round was played, but acknowledged that this was not an excuse for his language. He described his behaviour as inexcusable and emphasised that it did not reflect his values or those of the PGA Tour, which also condemned his comment as "unacceptable".
Thomas's sponsor, Ralph Lauren, discontinued its relationship with the golfer following the incident, stating that his actions conflicted with the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.
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Thomas' claim he was unaware he said it
Justin Thomas, the world number one golfer, was heard on a greenside microphone muttering a homophobic slur under his breath after missing a putt during the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. The offensive comment, "fa*t", was broadcast to viewers of the Golf Channel's telecast.
Thomas, who was unaware that he had said the slur until after the round was played, issued an apology shortly after the incident. He told reporters that he "didn't have to explain myself, but I clearly screwed up. I made a terrible, terrible judgment call." He also said, "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."
Thomas' longtime apparel sponsor, Ralph Lauren, discontinued its relationship with the player following the incident, stating that his actions conflicted with the inclusive culture that the brand strives to uphold.
While the PGA Tour does not make conduct punishments public, it is likely that Thomas will be fined for his actions. In a statement, the PGA Tour agreed that Thomas' comment was unacceptable. This incident highlights the ongoing discussion between the tour and networks about allowing viewers to hear what players say during telecasts, with some players, including Thomas, previously expressing their opposition to wearing microphones during tournaments.
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Thomas being dropped by sponsors
On January 9, 2021, during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, American golfer Justin Thomas used a homophobic slur after missing a putt. Thomas, who was unaware that he had said the slur until after the round was played, issued an apology, calling his comment “inexcusable”.
Thomas was dropped by sponsors Ralph Lauren and Woodford Reserve following the incident. Ralph Lauren, which had been Thomas' longtime apparel sponsor, released a statement on January 16, 2021, expressing that the golfer's language was “entirely inconsistent with our brand”. The clothing brand emphasized its belief in the dignity of all people and its commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, stating that Thomas' actions conflicted with these values.
Thomas, who was ranked third in the world at the time of the incident, expressed embarrassment and acknowledged the severity of his words. Despite the controversy, he remained focused on his golfing performance and looked forward to upcoming tournaments, including his debut in Abu Dhabi.
Thomas' other sponsors, including Titleist, Footjoy, Polo, Citi, NetJets, and Beats, did not publicly announce any changes in their relationships with the golfer. However, it was speculated that they might consider similar actions following the incident.
The PGA Tour does not publicly disclose punishments for conduct violations. While it is unclear whether Thomas faced additional consequences from the PGA, a spokesperson for the tournament agreed that his comment was unacceptable.
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History of golfers' use of slurs
Golfers have been criticised for using slurs on multiple occasions. In January 2021, Justin Thomas, the world number one golfer at the time, was heard using a homophobic slur during the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. After missing a putt, Thomas was caught by television microphones muttering the word "fa*t", a highly offensive term used to describe gay men. Thomas apologised for his actions, stating that it was “inexcusable” and “not who I am”. He was dropped by sponsors Ralph Lauren, who cited his language as “entirely inconsistent with our brand”.
This incident was not an isolated one in the world of golf. In March 2020, Scott Piercy used an anti-gay slur in an Instagram post directed at former South Bend mayor and Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg. Additionally, while it is unclear whether the PGA Tour makes conduct punishments public, it is likely that Thomas was fined for his actions.
The use of homophobic slurs by golfers has sparked widespread criticism and calls for more inclusive language and behaviour in the sport. While some golfers have resisted the idea of wearing microphones during tournaments, arguing that their private conversations should not be broadcast, the incident with Thomas highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their language.
Golf, like any other sport, should strive to create an inclusive environment for all participants and fans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By condemning the use of homophobic slurs and promoting diversity and respect, the golfing world can become a more welcoming and inclusive space for everyone involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Justin Thomas.
"Fa*t".
Thomas was dropped by his longtime sponsor, Ralph Lauren, who said that his actions were "entirely inconsistent with our brand". While the PGA Tour does not make conduct punishments public, it is likely that Thomas was fined for his actions.
