‘I’m Extremely Embarrassed – It’s Not Who I Am’

Justin Thomas apologizes for using the word 'faggot' after missing a putt
Professional golfer Justin Thomas (screen capture)

Justin Thomas, currently the #3 pro golfer in the world, was apparently surprised to learn that television cameras caught him using a homophobic slur after missing a putt at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.

Thomas was attempting a five-foot putt at the fourth hole when his shot went astray. He could clearly be heard saying “fa**ot” in frustration.

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The Golf Channel spoke to Thomas about the remark and he expressed his regret for using the word.

“It’s inexcusable – first off I just apologize,” said Thomas. “There’s no excuse. I’m an adult, a grown man. There’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It’s terrible. I’m extremely embarrassed. It’s not who I am. It’s not the kind of person that I am. Unfortunately I did it and I have to own up to it.”

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“I found out when I got done with my round…it’s bad,” he added. “There’s no other way to put it. I need to do better.”

“I deeply apologize to everybody and anybody who I offended and I’ll be better because of it.”

Thomas expanded on those thoughts speaking to NBC Golf after finishing third on Sunday. 

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“I wish that I could learn to grow a different way than the way that I chose to do it, but unfortunately it’s in the past and there’s nothing I can do about it now,” said the 27-year-old.

“It definitely was a distraction out there today. But now I just get to take time going forward and try to become better because of it.”

Thomas banked a $490,000 payday for his third place finish.

Some on Twitter defended Thomas and his use of the slur:

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But others wondered why it was this particular word that Thomas used.

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It wasn’t f*ck, sh*t, dammit, dang it, or a host of other terms. It was a homophobic slur.

And is it noteworthy that Thomas didn’t even notice he used the word until it was pointed out?

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What do you think, readers? Big deal? Little deal? Does Thomas’s apology land for you?

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

(source: Golf Channel)

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