“Absolutely disgraceful,” PGA Tour faces severe backlash for shameful exploitation of 9/11 families in battle with LIV golf
The merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Series comes as a culmination of a tumultuous period that saw tensions rise between the established tours and the upstart LIV Golf. The PGA Tour, one of the most prestigious and influential golf tours worldwide, had been antagonistic towards LIV Golf since its inception.
The battle stemmed from issues over the influence of Saudi Arabian involvement in the sport and the effect it can have on the established order. The competition escalated, leading to expulsions, prison battles, and a profound fracture inside the golfing landscape.
At the core of the coalition is the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), a government institution with considerable financial resources. PIF’s involvement with LIV Golf has led to accusations of “sportswashing” – using the game to deflect attention from human rights abuses or controversial policies are believed by critics that the coalition could provide a veil of legitimacy for Saudi Arabia’s questionable human rights record.
The partnership between the PGA Tour and PIF raises important ethical and moral questions, with concerns about the impact of this collaboration on the perception of the sport and its association with a country facing such allegations.
Another dimension that intensifies the controversy surrounding the merger is its connection to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Saudi government has faced accusations and legal challenges related to its alleged involvement in the attacks.
The association between the Saudi Arabian investment and the LIV Golf Series has stirred emotions among golf enthusiasts, as well as individuals affected by the 9/11 attacks. This merger has ignited further anger and frustration, as it appears to validate Saudi Arabian investment in golf and give it a prominent position within the sport, potentially overshadowing the concerns and grievances of those affected by the devastating events of 9/11.
9/11 victims are enraged with the LIV PGA merger
The recent news has elicited strong reactions from Twitter users, showcasing a range of sentiments and concerns. One individual sarcastically expressed their decision to never watch golf, stating that they never watched it in the first place, but now they are “extra not watching it.” This reaction reflects a dismissive attitude towards the sport and highlights a perceived negative impact of the merger.
One Twitter user bid farewell to the PGA, proclaiming that any money from the Saudis and LIV Golf is considered “blood money.” They associated the Saudi Arabian government with the 9/11 attacks and the murder of a journalist, expressing outrage over supporting a former president who allegedly attempted to undermine an election. This reaction demonstrates a strong belief that the merger aligns the PGA with entities associated with grave offenses and implies a sense of betrayal towards the organization.
In light of today's news I am never watching golf again. I never watched it in the first place, but still. I'm extra not watching it now.
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 6, 2023
#PGAandLIV. Bye bye PGA, been watching for nearly 29 plus years. Any money from the saudis and LIV is blood money; 9/11 and hacking a journalist to pieces. Supporting a former president that tried to overturn and overthrow an election
— Chris Aronovici (@AronoviciChris) June 7, 2023
I have a comment. F the @PGATOUR for agreeing to a merger with the 9-11 supporting saudis that own #liv golf. In my eyes you are now considered supporters of the worst terrorist attack on US soil & any players from the #pga that play in or with liv are traitors to America.
— Potatoghost (@davidpaterimos) June 7, 2023
Just months ago, news outlets framed LIV golf as responsible for Jamaal Khashoggi's murder and basically 9/11, plus some Orange Man Bad… does the sudden lack of "outrage" over the merger finally prove that most of media is just manufactured noise?
— Joe Borelli (@JoeBorelliNYC) June 7, 2023
Not against LIV or the merger because you can’t go down that road with who funds who these days.
But questioning taking money from a group that funded 9/11 was never on my radar for being “woke”.
— Jamal Nikola Porter Jr. (@HattonYNWA) June 7, 2023
I have watched and been a fan of @pti and @RealMikeWilbon for probably 20 yrs. I am so disappointed w his LIV take it makes me sad and sick. Totally false = comparing the merger of afl w nfl (unless hitler’s Germany was part of AFL & i didn’t know it?) SA is responsible for 9/11
— cyndi (@cyndishope) June 7, 2023
Why did the @PGATOUR decide to do a merger with the 9-11 supporting saudi #liv terrorist league? Pathetic leadership 🤦♂️
— Potatoghost (@davidpaterimos) June 7, 2023
Bryson DeChambeau, an early recruit to the Saudi-backed LIV tour, on the PGA merger shocker and criticism from the families of 9/11 victims:
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 7, 2023
9/11 was an inside job. So blame it on the Saudis and try to guilt the players that followed the money to the LIV. PGA had not been sharing enough with their pros. So now with the merger it looks like Norman outsmarted Monahan
— Vox Profundus (@ga53308542) June 7, 2023
A different perspective emerged, questioning the lack of media outrage over the merger. The user pointed out that LIV Golf had previously been implicated in reports linking them to Jamal Khashoggi‘s murder and the events of 9/11.
Lastly, a user mentioned their lack of opposition to LIV or the merger based on the understanding that financial relationships in the current era can be complex. However, they express surprise that taking money from a group allegedly involved in funding 9/11 was not previously considered an issue related to social consciousness.
This reaction demonstrates a shift in perspective and highlights the evolving considerations surrounding financial associations. These reactions on Twitter provide a glimpse into the diverse viewpoints and concerns expressed by individuals in response to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Series merger.
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‘Shameless’ Jay Monahan used 9/11 families against LIV Golf to benefit the PGA Tour in the end
