Commentator Mark Roe’s comment about the injury-plagued Tiger Woods raised eyebrows during the first round of the Open Championship in Scotland.
“If you look at their eyes, they’re taking a lot of painkillers to deal with the pain,” Roe said as he announced the Open’s groups on Thursday.
It’s unclear whether Roe was referring to Woods’ struggle with painkillers, which resulted in his 2017 DUI charge. A subsequent toxicology report found painkillers, sleeping medications and an ingredient that is active in marijuana in his system at the time of his arrest.
Woods ultimately avoided a DUI conviction by agreeing to participate in a diversion program.
Naturally, Roe’s comment was not well received.
A comment from USA Network’s Mark Roe about injury-plagued Tiger Woods has raised eyebrows during the first round of the Open Championship in Scotland
“An absolutely insane comment on the radio,” said an X account that focuses on golf.
“I’m not a big fan of Tiger, but even if it’s true, there are still things that don’t need to be said,” another commenter added.
One fan even went so far as to accuse Roe of taking aim at Woods over his contentious relationship with the Saudi-backed rival PGA.
“Probably a secret LIV supporter,” the fan wrote.
Roe’s primary duties are of course with Sky Network, which broadcasts the DP World Tour and the PGA, so it is unlikely that the English broadcaster has Woods in mind for the Saudis in any way.