Keegan Bradley clashed with a reporter during a tense press conference at the Ryder Cup after being questioned about fan behavior at Bethpage Black.
The tournament has been overshadowed by ugly scenes from the crowd, with Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry targeted by taunts ranging from jibes about McIlroy’s marriage to insults about Lowry’s weight. McIlroy even snapped back at one group of fans, telling them to “shut the f*** up” mid-round.
The controversy deepened after the emcee on the first tee resigned, having led an expletive-laden chant about McIlroy earlier in the weekend.
When Bradley, Team USA’s captain, was asked if his players’ performances had played a role in fans crossing the line, he bristled at the suggestion.
“I did not say that, that’s not what I said,” Bradley responded. “I said the fans are probably upset that their home team is losing. I did not say that.”
The reporter pressed further, suggesting that comments from Bradley and his players before the Ryder Cup may have helped stoke a hostile atmosphere. But Bradley quickly cut in:
“What words were those?” he asked sharply, before adding, “I don’t appreciate those words you just said. I know what you’re trying to do.”
The captain defended the atmosphere, framing it as part of the competition:
“Ryder Cups are wild. The Ryder Cup is full of passionate fans, they’re full of passionate players. And that wasn’t right.”
Despite Bradley’s insistence, criticism of the crowd’s behavior continues to swirl as Team Europe close in on a commanding victory.
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