Golf Channel fires reporter Jim Gray during Northern Trust Open
The Golf Channel, which broadcasts the tournaments of the Professional Golfers’ Association Tour, removed one of the reporters Jim Gray from the coverage of Northern Trust Open on Friday after mishandling the penalty of Dustin Johnson who was about the miss
his tee time in the first round. Johnson’s caddie, Bobby Brown earlier in the first round had information about the wrong tee time which led him to a two-stroke penalty for the player just at the start of the tournament.
Gray approached the caddie of Johnson in the middle of play asking him about the mistake which he had committed about the tee time. Brown said to the reporter that it was not a good time to approach and ask him this question during the course while Johnson
was signing his card after finishing the 14th hole. Golf Channel spokesman Dan Higgins said on this issue, "Our aim is to provide the best possible golf coverage for our viewers not to distract the players during play". He further added that they decided to
remove the reporter after he approached the caddie during the round. Higgins said that the future of the reporter is an internal matter and will be discussed once the tournament concludes.
This was the second time in the past few months that he has done such an act. He has been the subject of controversy for the Golf Channel and was embarrassing for the management also. Previously he also had an argument with Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin
during the PGA Tour Championship about the selection of Tiger Woods. Gray was hired on a contract basis with the channel which mostly covers the major golf tournaments of the season and is a experienced reporter.
Johnson was almost disqualified earlier from the tournament on Thursday. His caddie was puzzled about his tee time which was 7:32 a.m. He thought that the tee time is 8:12 a.m. rather than 7:32 a.m. Johnson’s name was announced on the tee while he was practicing
on the driving range. But as the tournaments rules apply, he had to face with a two-stroke penalty. He only made it to the tee just within time to avoid further embarrassment of disqualification.
Once the round was completed, Brown accepted his mistake and was completely frustrated towards the attitude of the reporter on the field. The caddie said to the reporter that it is not acceptable the way he walked up to the 14th hole. He further said that
Johnson was already upset with the penalty he faced and Gray came to add fuel to fire. But the reporter kept on arguing with the caddie. Steve Stricker who was in the group of Johnson was also annoyed at the reporter and did not comment on the issue. He was
one of the witnesses of the incident that took place on the 14th hole.
Players and caddies were outraged about the incident. The spokesman of the PGA Tour said that they were not involved in the decision taken by the Golf Channel to remove the reporter.
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