Justin Thomas will no longer have Ralph Lauren as a sponsor after a microphone picked up the golfer’s murmured anti-gay slander after he missed a shot at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
The company announced that it was discontinuing its partnership with Thomas, today third in the world ranking, in a statement released 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. This is part of our longstanding commitment to promoting cultures of belonging – in the workplace and in communities around the world.
We are discouraged by Mr. Thomas’ recent language, which is totally inconsistent with our values. While we acknowledge 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.
In reflecting on the responsibility we have towards all of our stakeholders, we have decided to discontinue our sponsorship to Mr. Thomas at this time. As we make this decision, our hope is that Mr. Thomas will 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.
Thomas’ relationship with Ralph Lauren dates back to when he became a professional in 2013. In 2018, he signed an extension with the company until 2021.
Justin Thomas apologized for slander, admitted it was ‘distraction’
The injury in question occurred during the third round of the Tournament of Champions, when Thomas missed a short stroke on the fourth hole. When he took a step to hit the ball, the Golf Channel microphones caught Thomas saying the slander under his breath. Can be seen on here, with an obvious NSFW warning.
Thomas, 27, said slander while wearing a Ralph Lauren RLX polo shirt.
After the round, Thomas publicly apologized:
“It’s unforgivable,” said Thomas. “First, I just apologize. 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. It’s terrible.
“I am extremely ashamed. It is not who I am, it is not the type of person I am or anything I do, but it is, unfortunately, I did it and I have to confess it and I am very sorry. “
Thomas, the current champion of the event, finished third in the tournament, one shot behind Harris English and Joaquin Niemann with 24-under (the Englishman defeated Niemann in a playoff). According to the New York Post, Thomas admitted that the situation was a “distraction” after the tournament ended, saying that “golf was not the main thing on my mind”.
The PGA Tour has already released a statement calling Thomas’ language “unacceptable”, but it is not known whether he will charge a fine or other discipline against him. It is also unclear whether any of Thomas’ other sponsors – Titleist, FootJoy, Citi, NetJets, Woodford Reserve, Beats by Dr. Dre, Troon according to their website – are pulling their support as well.
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