The first round of The Open Championship began on Thursday, drawing significant attention to Tiger Woods.
However, it wasn’t his performance that stirred controversy but a remark made by a broadcaster during his round. As Woods, who was struggling at +7 through 14 holes, prepared to take a shot, an announcer on Peacock’s featured groups broadcast suggested that Woods might be on “a lot of painkillers” to manage his pain, based solely on the appearance of his eyes.
This comment quickly sparked backlash on social media, with users identifying the broadcaster as Mark Roe from Sky Sports, who was assisting NBC Sports’ coverage.
The remark was widely criticized as unprofessional and baseless, with many arguing it was inappropriate to speculate about Woods’ use of painkillers, especially during a major tournament.
Given Woods’ stature as one of the most famous golfers, this incident is likely to have significant repercussions. Critics argue that it is one thing to comment on his performance but another to make unsubstantiated claims about substance abuse.
The situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny and pressure faced by athletes like Woods, who are constantly in the public eye.
