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The moment of Justin Thomas’ hot microphone hit him in the wallet.
Ralph Lauren Corp. said on Friday he was taking down one of the best golfers after he was heard mumbling a homophobic slander last weekend during a tournament in Hawaii. Ralph Lauren has been a sponsor of Thomas since he became a professional. He is the No. 1 golfer in the world and won an important tournament at the age of 24.
“We believe in the dignity of all people, regardless of age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, political affiliation or sexual orientation,” the company said in a statement. “In reflecting on the responsibility we have with all of our stakeholders, we decided to stop our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas at this point.
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“While we recognize that he apologized and acknowledged the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador for our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to defend.”
Thomas was heard murmuring the word f on the fourth hole after losing a par chance and settling for a bogey during the third round of the Sentry Open.
“It’s inexcusable. I just apologize in the first place,” he told reporters after the round. “I mean, there is no excuse. I am an adult. I am an adult man, there is absolutely no reason for me to say something like that.”
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Thomas added: “It is terrible. I mean, I am extremely ashamed, I am not who I am, I am not the type of person I am or anything I do, but it is, unfortunately, I did it and I have to assume it even very sorry. “
Thomas, one of the best golfers in the world on the PGA Tour, said he didn’t realize he said that until after the round.
“I’m speechless … I found out when I finished on the golf course or when I finished my round. I mean, it’s bad. There is no other way to say it,” he said.
“I need to do better, I need to be better, it is definitely a learning experience, but, yes, I just deeply apologize to everyone and anyone that I have offended and I will be better because of it.”
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Ralph Lauren said he expects Thomas “to do the hard and necessary work to be our partner again – truly examining this incident, learning, growing and ultimately using his platform to promote inclusion”.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.