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Justin Thomas will no longer have Ralph Lauren as a sponsor after a microphone picks up an anti-gay insult whispered by the golfer after missing a putt at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
The company announced that it was ending its partnership with Thomas, currently ranked third in the world, in a statement released on Friday:
At Ralph Lauren Corporation, we believe in the dignity of all people, regardless of age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, political affiliation or sexual orientation. It’s part of our long-standing commitment to fostering cultures of belonging – in the workplace and in communities around the world.
We are discouraged by Mr. Thomas’ recent language, which is totally incompatible with our values. While we recognize that he apologized and acknowledges the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture we strive to uphold.
Reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to end our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas for now. As we make this decision, we hope that Mr. Thomas will do the hard and necessary work to partner with us again – by genuinely examining this incident, learning, growing, and ultimately using his platform to promote the inclusion.
Thomas’ relationship with Ralph Lauren dates back to when he turned pro in 2013. In 2018, he signed an extension with the company until 2021.
Justin Thomas apologized for the insult, admitted it was a ‘distraction’
The insult in question occurred during the third round of the Tournament of Champions, when Thomas missed a short putt on the fourth hole. As he took a step to kick the ball, Golf Channel’s microphones picked up Thomas saying the insult under his breath. We can see it here, with an obvious NSFW warning.
Thomas, 27, declared the insult while wearing a Ralph Lauren RLX polo shirt.
After the tour, Thomas apologized publicly:
“It’s inexcusable,” Thomas said. “First of all, I apologize. I mean, there is no excuse. I am an adult. I am a grown man. There is absolutely no reason for me to say something like that. It is terrible.
“I am extremely embarrassed. It’s not who I am, it’s not the kind of person I am or anything I do, but it’s, unfortunately, I did and I have to admit it and I am very sorry.
Thomas, the reigning event champion, ultimately finished third in the tournament, a stroke behind Harris English and Joaquin Niemann at 24 under (the English beat Niemann in the playoffs). According to the New York Post, Thomas admitted the situation was a “distraction” after the tournament ended, saying “golf was not the main thing on my mind.”
The PGA Tour has previously issued a statement calling Thomas’ language “unacceptable”, but it is not known whether he will impose a fine or other discipline on him. It’s also unclear if any of Thomas’ other sponsors – Titleist, FootJoy, Citi, NetJets, Woodford Reserve, Beats by Dr. Dre, Troon according to his site – are also withdrawing their support.
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