Collin Morikawa didn’t want to be near his wife | Sports News

Collin Morikawa defended his choice to dodge reporters after his crushing loss on the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this 12 months – then introduced his wife into the controversy.

Following backlash for snubbing the media, he disclosed he was so crushed by the defeat he could not even bear being round his wife. The American golfer held the lead during the ultimate spherical at Bay Hill till disaster hit on the sixteenth gap when Russell Henley chipped in for eagle and stole the victory.

What ought to have been Morikawa‘s first match win since late 2023 as a substitute left him empty-handed as soon as again. When the spherical ended, Morikawa made a swift exit, fully avoiding the press. The choice sparked backlash, however the 28-year-old later knowledgeable media he didn’t “owe” them something. It comes as the American made his stance on being paid clear.

As the Masters drew near, Morikawa confronted questions on whether or not golfers would possibly be more emotionally weak than different skilled athletes, contemplating his fast departure. “I’ll answer it in a few pieces,” he began.

“I could have said it differently. But I stand by what I said. I was in the moment. We talk about giving people space to be who they are, and at that time, it was for me to be who I was, and I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t even want to be around my wife. I said hi to her after, we hugged, and I just went straight to the locker room.

“In that facet, I feel there wants to be a steadiness and an ebb and movement between every part. I do want to be right here for you guys, however here is the factor: I’ve been within the prime 5 on this planet earlier than, and people do not come up to me and ask me questions.

“You guys should be asking the top 10 players every single week, every single day, and just document it. Then you get a sense of who we are and you get a flow of how that comes to be.

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“If you guys do not want to ask me, it isn’t my job to exit and let you know my story. Sometimes it’s, however you try this by way of social media, you try this by way of enjoying nicely, profitable tournaments. But not everyone seems to be like that. That’s what I do not get this entire – I stand by what I stated.”

Despite facing criticism for his behavior, Morikawa received backing from Rory McIlroy, who came to his defense stating, “Well, he is proper.

“Not that I think he could have worded it a little bit better, but look, every other athlete, whether it be in the NBA, NFL, they’re obligated to speak to you guys after a game. We’re not.

“Whether that is one thing that the PGA Tour appears to in phrases of placing that into their guidelines and rules, however as long as that is not the case and we now have that option to opt-out at any time when we want, count on guys to try this from time to time.”