Stephen A.'s 'BIG ISSUE' with Tiger Woods rallying support against LIV Golf 😲 | First Take

Stephen A.'s 'BIG ISSUE' with Tiger Woods rallying support against LIV Golf 😲 | First Take
Stephen A. Smith takes issue with Tiger Woods meeting with PGA Tour players to rally support against LIV Golf.
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[@seanadachi9795]

Stephen A Smith looking for that big Contract from the LIV tour since Chuck ain't going.

[@thehumanity0]

Can't wait to see the Saudis buyout American basketball next and watch as Stephen A. calls it all "American" as he talks about his favorite team, the Kuwaiti Knicks.

[@bugeye177]

Wow, you two on here sound mad at Stephen A. For what though?

[@adamlynch6954]

Exactly. .... when China's government creates s basketball league and cherry picks it's stars what will he be saying then

[@smellslikemiddle-agedspiri8503]

Stephen A. Just because the U.S. is doing something in no way means it is ethical bro.

[@zachstolpa6521]

Finally some sense

[@winthorpetrois]

True, and governments have different considerations, like global violence and economic catastrophe potential. A golfer's refusal to take Saudi money has no such potential impact.

[@Cheezkrispies131]

Then why do you still support those companies taking Saudi money and help them make a profit? Lmao you probably saying this while owning an iPhone just like most people do. We all benefit off things that come from bad stuff

[@mikg2916]

Since when was golf about ethics, stfu

[@jamesanthony5681]

True. But let's be consistent with our outrage, instead of ONLY going after a bunch of golfers who, at the the end of the day, don't even move the needle.

[@Mixamaka]

I understand both sides, but what i don't get is why americans hold athletes and entertainers to a higher standart than anybody else in their population?

[@Tomyohann]

Because they have the most popularity, and many will follow whatever they do or whatever they think or say on Twitter. It's wrong but that's the reality.

[@Hasani751]

They have the most popular platforms that’s why.

[@thewhitedevilfromthebible5899]

Facts they won’t answer that though

[@tenebre911]

Its not just America bub. Its the whole world. Europe doesn't hold Ronaldo to a higher standard? Messi? They do

[@worldtree2027]

@@Tomyohann That’s why the education system needs to be a priority. People blindly follow anybody with a blue check next to their name.

[@mr.brooks9802]

Tiger is as close to a partner with the PGA as it gets. If LIV is encroaching on their market share than it’s in his interest to stop that

[@alarmservicepros]

Cancel culture?

[@fw8465]

@@alarmservicepros not personal, all business

[@kevinbunn7915]

It's just capitalism right?! Lol Tiger and the PGA looking out for their business. Stephen A basically contradicted himself. It's why I hardly watch these guys anymore lmao

[@TsumTsumMax]

LOL no he's not a partner. He respects the game's history and tradition and doesn't want to see it changed.

[@rod3183]

@@TsumTsumMax If he cares about the game's history and tradition. Don't get a group of PGA guys together to see what they can change?? lol But now that his money is threatened by LIV, of course he is open to making changes..

[@gazr99]

I understand Stephen A's point and that's fine but not sure why that means Tiger Woods can't bat and rally support for PGA Tour. He said it's competition, Tiger doesn't need to be an impartial observer

[@tev1165]

Because it’s slick. Tiger is paid and gets paid off the tour. He has events and things that the PGA tour support and they highlight tiger. They’re not doing that to the person LIV is going to pay 100,000 to that the tour wouldn’t even invite

[@Theinsideoutsider]

@@tev1165 exactly!

[@alberttate8198]

I understand Stephen A's point about this nation and companies doing business with Saudi Arabia. But he talking about Tiger Woods rally support as though Tiger doesn't have his own reasons against the LIV tournament format. Stephen A didn't acknowledge that, neither do i think he has listened to tiger's reasoning. Tiger doesn't believe that LIV tournaments are actually professional golf competition: no cuts, no pressure to win, no rank towards world points, just exhibition golf. He thinks that the PGA tournament format makes better golfers, it's about the grind to him. For them to talk about Tiger already made it, he don't need the money; like DJ, Bryson, and Brooks ain't made money on the tour. The difference is that Tiger has 18-20 years PGA experience on them. So he's had longer to build up his wealth.

[@goje_022]

This video was one of the most uneducated takes ever. Well said!

[@acoupleofgoats]

He’s just using Tiger as an example. The big point he’s making is that the PGA has been at the top of golf for so long that whenever something better comes around (LIV) they’re scared of the competition between the 2 tours. The PGA is trying to ban them from tournaments that aren’t even hosted by the PGA. PGA is trying to ban them from the majors when the PGA is only in charge of 1 of them. The PGA is being an absolute embarrassment to themselves by the way they are handling the situation.

[@learenng1267]

this isn't about morality. this is about money. pga golfers that are playing for liv are impacting pga revenue and sponsorship return. that's why it's a problem. superstars that help draw the crowds cant be at two places at once. secondly, the pga wants total control and not have any competitors. liv is trying to disrupt their holy and lucrative monopoly. although it seems like somewhat of a circus and players are selling their soul for money, there's nothing wrong with what liv and the liv players are doing.

[@gdm49]

LIV IS NOT COMPETITION. They don't even conduct REAL tournaments. If they did, their new players wouldn't be so desperate to play in the PGA. It's a clown show and a scam. Greg Norman has always hated the PGA.

[@nudxfoorever9119]

Wym selling their souls for money?

[@industrialpalletworx3548]

@Mark Warner 72 holes and a cut. That's a real tournament. Simple

[@industrialpalletworx3548]

You are spot on with your take. I don't begrudge any of the LIV players for going to play over there. Who in reality wouldn't want to be paid 10 times what they're being paid now to do the same job somewhere else. No issues with that whatsoever. The issue I have is those guys wanting to come back to the PGA Tour to play, to essentially double dip. That I don't agree with. You made your bed now go lay in it. Plain and simple. I think Tiger is trying to figure out with the players what they want to see happen with the tour. What the top players need to stay. The tour is for the players and they will vote and make changes accordingly to how they see fit. This idea the PGA Tour is a monopoly is bogus. Is the NFL, NBA, or MLB a monopoly? What would anyone say if the Saudi's decided to start a new football league with endless money to compete with the NFL. That's never been done before. The USFL and these others didn't have the endless wallet the Saudi's have. If the Saudi's did decide to encroach on the NFL how quickly would people call it a monopoly

[@gdm49]

@Mark Warner Pro tournaments are 72 holes for one. If they fit certain parameters the players earn world ranking points. LIV is a woke party -- music on all the tees, everybody has been paid in advance, NO WORLD RANKING POINTS. NOT considered a tournament, it's an exhibition, they have shotgun starts so there is no head to head competition for the winner's share, etc. It's a classless comedy and that's why people like Reed plus many guys in their 40s who can no longer win play. The quality of play is very poor and boring to real golf fans. The battle between Zalatoris and Sepka in the PGA last week was sensational and is far beyond anything you will see in the 911 Saudi Special.

[@kf4778]

This is why Stephen A Smith didn't want Max around anymore. He'd make Stephen A look ridiculous in this segment. He's out of his depth

[@deckardaaron]

Stephen A did an interview saying exactly why he let Max go...stop talking out the side of your neck

[@ZackFlairr]

@@deckardaaron he’s still a snake

[@myPhDinAwesomeness]

Man Stephen A deserves every cent of his salary. That was pretty good

[@tijanizein2955]

Why judge athletes more than we do our own government?

[@stevenjoseph8134]

Why not judge them both.....and in this case it would be a major fail. What is wrong with people nowadays in their slide to having zero character or ethics.

[@tobiasundin7804]

LIV is 100 % sportwashing, anybody having anything to do with the Saudis should be judged. Genocidal scumbags. A little bit of accountability wouldnt hurt politicians or athletes.

[@ericzellershow]

Boo yah! Big Boy Pants Golf KZbin Channel 100 percent agrees!

[@ironikroyalty2278]

@@stevenjoseph8134 because people have realized this accountability isn’t held for corporations (that make donations to specific members of government) so why should we play by rules the 1% don’t

[@tijanizein2955]

@@stevenjoseph8134 what character or ethics do you want professional athletes, who get paid to play a sport, to display when our government, and our largest corporations do not. They are pros, they play to get paid. Don't let the talking heads distract you from that fact and treat athlete's with less accountability than governments and the private sector. Also if you know anything about the history of this country, there's never been ethics, simply the bottom line.

[@money0925]

I'm not even much of a golf watcher, but this LIV vs PGA storyline has been AMAZING!

[@ChaeThompson]

I like golf but i do like all the Liv talk. Makes things interesting

[@M360-w6o]

@@ChaeThompson Proves that Tiger makes golf more interesting

[@joelcarlisle1389]

@@M360-w6o 😂 no one said he doesn’t. I love watching him fail lately.

[@ihavetubes]

It's been all filler lately, now it's getting interesting. It's the best arc since the tiger saga.

[@money0925]

@@ihavetubes "The evil Saudi billionaires continue to poach prominent athletes from the rival PGA promotion. Will Tiger be able to rally his comrades against the powerful new foe, or will the PGA finally be destroyed by the upstart LIV? Find out on the next Dragon Golf Z!!!!"

[@keltwondaglobal7250]

The hypocrisy in this country is what baffles me the most, you had the whole ex president participated in LIV tournament brand, and he has lost even 1% of his supporters. Corporations, the U.S government etc all deal with Saudi Arabia yet golfers can’t? When did we become so ethical and capitalist as the same time, simple.

[@nickdavis8881]

So in order to be capitalist you must through ethics aside?

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@nickdavis8881 *throw

[@dashgerhg8772]

Americans are the biggest hypocrites in the world. United States of America built their wealth and power based on the petrodollars from Saudi Arabia's oil reserves throughout decades and they call LIV Golf is based on the blood money. The LPGA is funded by the Saudis as well as the Premier League football teams, and the F1 motor racings to name few of many other sporting events throughout the world. Recent US presidential visit to Saudi Arabia was about begging to King of Saudi Arabia to pump more oil in which the King refused, the same King the CIA and the American media is accusing to be the murderer of American political journalist Jamal Kashcoggi. The way the PGA are responding to LIV Golf really represents very well how typical the Americans play the politics against the whole world and I don't buy that trash. I find it disgusting really.

[@curtisdunlap1481]

PGA is losing money as players defect that's all, PERIOD!

[@gdm49]

No they are not. REAL golf fans know the difference.

[@lsuchiha1652]

@@gdm49 yep. All 15 of them.

[@psoup2108]

@@gdm49 the NBA isnt threatened by the BIG3 so why is the PGA threatened by LIV then? Lions arent supposed to bother with opinions of sheep unless they are also sheep.

[@HARRY__Pecker]

@@psoup2108 lmao that’s the worst comparison I’ve ever heard. If you’re too dumb to know why, then I can’t help you. Just think about what you said. Wow.

[@NPAMike]

They ain't losing money somehow they found 50 million to increase prize purses means they been pocketing for years. They are only upset because the Liv Golf money isnt touching their hands.

[@GenteelCretin]

I thought we'd all evolved beyond the assumption that "capitalism" is purely economic, especially in a corporatocracy where businesses have at least as much control of the government as the people. I mean, Pepsi is at least half the reason the US made a mess of Chile in 1973. Ethical capitalism is the only way to vote for who controls who in this era.

[@tijanizein2955]

So why judge athletes more than our very own government?

[@johnconnors9362]

We can go back as far as the history books can take us about OUR COUNTRY dealing with OURS (good/bad) in establishing the way we as Americans created this countries foundation. This will NEVER CHANGE.

[@shermandudley5548]

@@tijanizein2955 exactly

[@GenteelCretin]

@@tijanizein2955 I don't judge athletes more than our own government. However, most athletes themselves are "brands" of their own, and it's asinine to pretend that decisions like this don't implicitly condone and support systems of abuse. If anything, think of it as an over-complicated bribe.

[@BigbearTKO]

@@GenteelCretin okay so then you shouldn’t do business with the American government either because they are corrupt and oppressive to women, POC, LGBTQ community, and immigrants. You see how trying to hold somebody who is just trying to feed their family responsible for the actions of who they do business with is crazy. Not every Saudi in the government is oppressive same as our government. Grow up and get off the internet and actually go outside and make change instead of crying about athletes not doing it on the internet.

[@ericp1139]

Tell me you don’t understand world affairs without saying you don’t understand world affairs.

[@justinsolomon4053]

Finally someone is telling the truth about this!!!!!

[@ADM-nx8gn]

Everyone knows why the critics have come for these players but nobody will say it out loud.

[@jtrix34]

Competition only matters in America when it's a industry that hasn't been fully established or the government comes in sets rules to allow competition to keep happening. When those 2 things don't happen, companies doing everything in their power to increase the barriers to entry to protect their share of the pie at all costs. They are incentives to do so.

[@greggtbutler6910]

Finally someone talking the Truth about the PGA!!

[@Macattack11639]

Notice that SAS said he was a black man “first” and then an American. Interesting. And SAS PLEASE, if another league took 1/2 the NBA players and paid them 300 million and split the league in half, you wouldn’t be upset? Gtfo

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

I'm actually amazed as NBC owns both the Golf Channel and ESPN and all the in-house commentators seems to be preaching the scripted dialog that follows the PGA Tour mantra that "PGA Tour good, LIV golf evil." I admire Stephen A. for his original thought and his logic in expressing it. Kudos to Stephen A. !!!

[@fowlkeskm]

I've said this from the beginning! We have NEVER stopped doing business with KSA. But we're pissed that golfers are getting some of that money?!?!?!? Smh.

[@LoveofConnectivePhysics]

Good Job Stephen A. 👏

[@jeremeymiller3406]

As a life long golfer and fan I personally don’t have a problem with LIV it’s easy for people like Tiger and Rory to demonize it when they are worth hundreds of millions of dollars Tiger has never had to play for money because he was the wealthiest golfer on the planet before he even teed it up as a pro these guys took a deal they couldn’t pass up they get to play less and get paid a lot more that means more time with there family and a guaranteed paycheck with room for incentives I think anything that can potentially grow the game more is a good thing. I don’t see Tiger and Rory backing out of his Nike contracts because of sweat shops and questionable child labor laws don’t get me wrong I’m a huge Tiger fan but he’s got this one wrong and it’s just so hypocritical

[@oumarba4256]

Well said....thanks you

[@HDot86]

🙌

[@roderickgful]

Point is, they don’t care if players leave to play a circus tournament. The problem lies in those defectors trying to return, to cherry pick tournaments. They made their choice and were well compensated. Just play your NO CUT, 54 HOLE, PARTY TOUR & let the serious pros play the PGA, simple right🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️ liv will fade into obscurity

[@Jaishiro]

Interesting

[@prv2182]

Not to mention the hundred millions Tiger has lost in media rights and merch. Yet somehow he so obtuse to actually rally for the organization that has stolen from him for decades. 😂😂

[@twinkle152000]

The PGA needs to cut Tiger a $1B cheque.

[@huey166]

Oh my god, I just agreed with Steve A. 🤔

[@coffeeandeggs8530]

😆

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

Amen!

[@DamienGWilson]

I completely agree with them on this issue. Tiger Woods really has some nerve to criticize others for getting paid what they deserve. Besides that, the PGA (and golf in general) has been one of the most prejudice sports in modern American history. Just think about why golf isn't as popular among minorities... because it's safeguarded by the 'good ole boys club' that acts as the gatekeeper for those denied/offered membership at the local 'members-only golf clubs to include the exclusive golf courses/clubs in which the PGA tours. If you don't believe me... just lookup the membership requirements for one of these golf clubs. The requirements probably start with 'by appointment only' or have an annual income threshold as the preliminary stage for consideration. Anyhow, LIV is a good thing because maybe it can change the aforementioned status quo in American golf culture and open the sport to more people as well as provide better opportunities.

[@DamienGWilson]

@Mark Warner That's a poor excuse. The tactics used by many of the exclusive golf clubs/country clubs are nothing more than discrimination by a process of elimination. The fact that many of these clubs have a 'by appointment only' policy speaks to that point. Let's compare your argument to a luxury hotel such as the Four Seasons. I'm sure the Four Season has a very high operating cost too, and therefore its prices reflect such. However, unlike the exclusive golf clubs, the Four Seasons doesn't attempt to filter out who stays at its hotel with a 'by appointment only' policy, or an income requirement, or a background check, and/or a pre-interview/screening process to decide if the hotel wants to allow an applicant into their facility. The point is that these types of tactics have made golf an incredibly difficult sport to access (despite its growth in popularity over the past few decades) for certain demographics... and the PGA's effort to ban LIV just solidifies that point and shows that even they (the PGA) want to maintain said control over access to the sport, albeit on a macro-level.

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

Actually, my experience is that golf is quite popular with Blacks who, like someone such as I, don't have a large discretionary income and simply play the lower priced municipally owned courses. When I lived in Chicago, I played a lot at a city owned 9 hole course on the West Side. I'd never played golf with Black people before but I found it enjoyable as we all struggled to play well. Additionally, golf is a gentleman's game and those with whom I played were truly gentlemen. It's a wonderfully levelling social experience. Now, country clubs are another story. I live in Florida now find them almost as snooty as Bushwood CC was in "Caddyshack." I much prefer munis. Let's also remember that, once, the only Black men at Augusta were the caddies and that the PGA Tour once had a clause in their bylaws that limited membership to someone who was "Caucasian." IIRC, it was just 1967 that Lee Elder and Charlie Sifford broke the color line for PGA Tour golf and that's not all that long ago.

[@thehumanity0]

The sins of the PGA don't make the Saudi-backed buyout any better. The Saudis want to basically own golf by throwing unlimited sums of cash at golfers and it's all just one big shitshow. Tiger Woods is right to reject it. Golf isn't going to be an American sport after this, it's just going to be some weird Saudi Arabian payday with endless amounts of politics injected into each tour.

[@hc3203]

@Mark Warner golf is an elitist sport controlled by those with money and played by those with money. Now that pga have competition by someone with more money, they cry and ban players. Talk about glass houses

[@EmiliosFather]

“My heart goes out to those family members..or whatever”

[@michaelshannon3486]

Ahh shut up

[@derekaddison4835]

Lmaooo smh

[@Malik-lo6zd]

Lol😂😂 that part had me weak

[@Marshmad]

Quote the rest. He gave them their respect

[@seanadachi9795]

As a "New Yorker" are you allowed to say my heart goes out to them or whatever? Regarding 9/11 Victims?

[@TheGoldenBoot-cz1do]

He forgot one of the biggest corporations that Saudi has shares in: Disney

[@brodysdaddy]

One of the only times I’ve completely agreed with SAS.

[@GeorgeBlackshawlivingthedream]

Let’s not forget Tiger/Rory accepting appearance fees from Saudi events..and aren’t they sponsored by Nike… yeah LIV isn’t going anywhere

[@HDot86]

I usually don't agree with Stephen A. , But he is 110% correct on this take !!

[@pushslice]

I am with you on the sentiment. The stench of self-righteousness is the surprise stinkbomb tossed into any dinner party .

[@stevenjoseph8134]

@@pushslice Funny some of us call it ethics. You seem to think since others partner with the evil regime than it is somehow self righteous to take an ethical stand against them. Americans.....detested the world over for small minded views such as you hold..

[@stevenhornostaj5676]

Kyler Murray has to do 4 hours of study but SAS can't do 4 minutes of study to find out the "particulars"🤫🤔🤔🤔☄️☄️

[@felixrcandelaria]

One of the few times I agree with Stephen A 100%! I think its ridiculous when people with money try to tell others how to make their money....yeah...NO!

[@Someone_VIP]

💯

[@dfrancer]

It isn’t about the money for TW. That’s why he said no go the 700 million. It’s about the competition. Where is the competition and the pressure when you’re guaranteed a paycheck?

[@Someone_VIP]

@@dfrancer I may have misunderstood but competition in this topic was the PGA vs LIV (i.e Walmart vs Target or McDonalds vs Burger King)… not about the competition on the field. Also, what is the difference with endorsements? Many athletes make more money on endorsements than on the field. TW, Mickelson, Bubba, etc… they were all top players at one point and probably made hundreds of millions off the field. The drive to compete was still there 🤷‍♂️

[@dfrancer]

@@Someone_VIP Dude, again. It’s about the COMPETITION. I can’t spell any of that nonsense you spewed into any coherent answer. How is it competitive when you know you’re getting a paycheck NO MATTER what you shoot. I agree w both sides, but it’s all about the competition w TW.

[@dfrancer]

@@waynealan3067 Was that a real question?

[@myt1soo320]

Tiger or any athlete is allowed to side with whatever organization they wish… they can choose to stay silent or speak out. Whatever his decision is, it’s his choice! and if you disagree…go watch LIV and go support them and buy their merch. Don’t complain because tiger or others won’t support LIV. Btw… the players complaining about being banned from any tournaments… too bad. No other professional league would allow their players to play in their competition’s league. Why should the pga allow their competition to join a tournament that has been supported and developed by the pga?

[@nneely613]

I can't believe SAS of all people actually calling out the hypocrisy.

[@backyardbullies9105]

First time I agreed with SAS

[@michaelromine8217]

There’s a difference between competition and stealing your players. SAS wouldn’t feel the same if Saudi created a professional basketball league and our top guys left the NBA

[@SomeChink]

nobody’s stealing

[@michaelromine8217]

@@SomeChink what are you talking about?

[@darrenh5418]

I wouldn't put it past him. He advised Barkley to get his too lol

[@jamesanthony5681]

Not really. Maybe the Knicks would end up winning a championship in that scenario.

[@harrylazard805]

Steven A.: "Excuse me, I don't know anything because I never read the paper or a book but I saw something on Google and now I'm upset"....

[@bhavishyaagrawal5030]

Pat Mcaffee made the same issues raised by stephen a a few weeks ago, saying people are ignoring the other big corporations, and only targetting the LIV golfers in particular..🤔🤔

[@Smiththebat]

Everyone says that any time any big corporations they like get called out. They all suck and I don’t get why calling out The Saudi’s specifically is wrong? It’s what’s currently in the spotlight so get on them! Players should get their money obviously I have no problem with that.

[@soda8736]

I have no problem with corporation or athletes getting paid, just don't get on your high horse and say how bad America is while you make millions..

[@Oraleproductions23]

SAS is right on the money!!!

[@KaLeeDo2]

The whole anti LIV campaign is bonkers honestly

[@mops515]

Definitely, just a bunch of snowflakes whining that "bin Salman is blockading an entire country and starving its people!" Lmao triggered much? They need to get over it and watch some golf. Genocide shmenocide, right?

[@mikedabigfootUM]

Stephen A KEEPING IT 💯

[@hotgrease]

I’m not sure “because that’s the way it’s been happening” is a great argument against the opposition to something. I think the real issue is why the LIV golfers think they have the right to play in both leagues. If you want to play in LIV, fine! But the rules of the PGA don’t allow for both.

[@fredcleveland9414]

I clearly have been in cave somewhere in the Arizona desert...lol I agree with you and I understand both sides, my small pushback is this. Let us not forget about athletes that play in multiple sports and multiple leagues. Golfers should be able to complete it both leagues the same as NASCAR drivers are able to complete on Sat and Sunday. Expand the culture

[@easyenetwork2023]

Yeah, I think if you want to be full-time in LIV you should not be allowed in the PGA Tour full-time. For one, LIV is backed by the Saudis.

[@danorion369]

basically you're doing this to protect yourself from the competition which makes sense but if you expect the players to be real in terms of making the switch for the money, then maybe you, the PGA should be real about what your real motives are versus claiming that it's for the sport by claiming that it is Saudi-Back while half your corporate sponsors are working with the same Saudis.

[@PaulPickettPodcast]

I agree with Stephen A 100% this is America and we are suppose to be against monopolies which the PGA clearly has

[@lenggolf8929]

Tiger is trying to shut down LIV because the legacy he made in the pga won’t be as cherish as it suppose to be. Plus he can’t take the LIV offer because he’s the MJ of the golf world.

[@travishimself1973]

Tiger as the PGA tour poster boy? He hated the business model and played the bare minimum of events for the last 20 years.

[@slimpickens01]

Hypocrisy at it's finest.

[@richardjeanbaptiste9885]

Stephen is speaking facts.

[@teleplace2639]

PS: HOW MANY PEOPLE. DO U KNOW, THAT WOULD TURN DOWN 6-800 million $$ ?

[@avatar24ish]

Completely agree with Stephen A, these golfers are getting offered NBA Superstar money. It’s just too much to turn down

[@theonlygus]

Some people can be bought. Some people can’t. The question is, do you have principles? Every single athlete that took the money has no principles.

[@zbib43]

@@theonlygus Johnathan this isn’t 1950. Get from under that rock

[@Vaughndaleoulaw]

@@zbib43 Almost guarantee you that this dude goes and buys products marked “Made in China,” which were made under horrendous labor conditions. Yet, wants to sit here and talk about “principles.” Please…

[@stifler5062]

@@theonlygus Lol wht principles you on about...?athletes should be able to play around an league of their choosing...simple

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

@@theonlygus Philosophically, the one principle that should be paramount for each of us can be expressed in the concept of Objectivism. Basically, Objectivism asks the question, "How is this good for me?" Those who opt for the LIV choose it as it's the choice that's best for them. A hotshot college or amateur player can no longer play in a Q school and advance directly to the PGA Tour. So, the choice becomes whether to play for several years - or more - on minitours or the Korn Ferry, hoping for success, trying to cover weekly expenses, maybe sleeping in your car, showering in truck stops, and trying to keep a dream alive, that is, playing golf and getting paid to do it or to take a LIV offer and be financially secure. I can totally understand why 2021 US Amateur champ James Piot took the LIV offer. It was best for him and more power to him.

[@thehumanity0]

This guy spent 7 minutes ranting about how it's "American" for sports associations to "compete" when he's literally advocating for golf to become a Saudi Arabian sport, where the golfers are paid millions in Saudi oil/blood money.

[@hc3203]

If Saudi Arabia paid u 100 million to go teach English class for 1 year, would u go?

[@thehumanity0]

@@hc3203 If I did, I wouldn't act like it was "American" for a foreign Islamic dictatorship to buy me off with obscene amounts of money, which would undoubtedly benefit their country at the expense of America and America's golf association. That's like finding a wallet on the ground with thousands of dollars in it and then pretending like you're doing the owner a favor by keeping it.

[@icyourbs]

I do not care for Stephen A., but I agree with him on this topic.

[@ziondiverse1799]

Stephen A reminding us that "he's a black man". Hilarious.😂

[@philip321]

These are the conversations I come to watch

[@brandonyul1570]

I hope LIV takes over the PGA. Soley based on how the PGA has acted throughout this process and the smugness of their players and fan base.

[@PB72UK]

Here here

[@edwardfeliciano5125]

For once I agree with Stephen A

[@-live8659]

I rarely agree with SAS. But I agree. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@jicalzad]

If LIV golf was only paying a half million dollars or less in prize $ would the PGA still be in an uproar? It’s only/always about the $

[@noelsplectrum9]

Would the players be leaving??

[@jicalzad]

@@noelsplectrum9 no that’s my point, it’s about the $, not where the $ is coming from. It could be financed by China or Russia, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the players were to still play in those tournaments

[@noelsplectrum9]

@@jicalzad but my point is they wouldn’t even consider leaving if they weren’t getting an astronomical amount of cash bro. This growing the game stuff is nonsense.

[@Buckdodgers]

I LOVE how SAS pointed out all the companies who do business with Saudi Arabia. He should have mentioned how Biden went over to Saudi Arabia begging for more oil like Oliver Twist. I Reckon that makes Mohammed bin Salman Mr. Bumbles. I'm getting SICK and TIRED how people pick and choose when they want to look at their moral compass to makes sure it''s pointing true north. I don't agree with SAS all the time, but this was an 100% spot on take.

[@rudyoliveira6532]

100-200 million guaranteed?? Give me a turban and a camel and let’s play some golf!

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

LOL!!!

[@topher.m]

Yeah the USA using 9/11 as a counter argument is horribly hypocritical.

[@selimevrengil7445]

Tigers previous transgressions have nothing to do with him being opposed to LIV. The Saudis are attempting to sportwash over the fact the they are a journalist-murdering state through LIV. It is much easier for them to accomplish that through golf rather than through football or basketball because they are dealing with individual entities. Love Stephen A but he should stick to sports rather than talking about US-Saudi relations.

[@seanewing9647]

Saudi Arabia publicly executes its citizens and crucify them. Worth a google

[@elogic7796]

So many US corporations already work and take Saudi money. Get real

[@selimevrengil7445]

@@elogic7796 that doesn’t mean they are right to do it

[@Mr.aAdDies]

@@selimevrengil7445 The LIV golf tour is funded by the Saudi Kingdom The PGA is privately funded the Saudis are attempting to sportswash there image by writing big checks to wealthy golfers. LIV isn't like the PGA because it doesn't need sponsors it's NOT a business it's NOT trying to turn a profit Globalism is making the world smaller nation-states need to acquire resources AND secure trade for their respective Citizens, I can't sell weapons to the Saudis because it's ILLEGAL, but the US govt can

[@selimevrengil7445]

@@Mr.aAdDies everything you said is correct but has little to do with the point I’m trying to make

[@mevk1]

Big Cat is so influential world-wide that the tour really should create a special title for him. Something akin to ‘ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary’. When Tiger talks people listen. His press conference in Ireland was epically historic. Burdening the GOAT with a thankless PGA commissioner task would be unfair. I for one admire the brave and noble deeds TW is doing to retain player ownership and control of both the PGA and the DW World Tours.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Big Cat? The only Big Cat was Ernie 'The Big Cat' Ladd. Google the name. Terrific bad guy on wrestling back in the '60's and '70's. Played in the AFL.

[@bossmon8650]

Tiger woods could pretty much start his own league

[@TeamAmericaism]

Bad take by Stephen.

[@sonnycusa]

Wow, for ONCE I can agree with Stephen A. Btw, I have been saying exactly what Stephen A. just said for the last few months.

[@stingrey1571]

SAS is right. from day one i didnt understand the outrage. the us govt, american businesses, and high profile entertainers go to saudi ALL THE TIME. yet these golfers cant take saudi money.

[@spellingchampeon]

As a golf fan actually connected to the facts of this situation, this is one of the biggest L takes for stephen a

[@jorgevillela20]

How do you say?

[@watchthethrone101]

Care to elaborate?

[@MaxielleSplash]

Money will always be more important than ur fandom

[@SenseTalk1017]

Then explain your reasoning don’t just stop at one claim

[@BigSamHH]

@@SenseTalk1017 right mf Troll

[@tprovo29]

I think people don’t get why the PGA players are upset and rallying against the LIV golfers. Their stance is you can’t have your cake and eat it too. I am sure the NFL and NBA have rules just like the PGA. There ain’t no way the NBA would let LeBron and KD go to another league for the entire year then come back to the NBA just for the postseason and Finals. And the NFL wouldn’t allow it with TB12, Pat Mahomes or any other player either. You are either a part of the PGA and compete in PGA tournaments or your not. You knew that when you made the choice to go get the bag. You chose the bag over being able to play The Masters, the US Open, the PGA Championship, the Players, or the FedEx playoffs. You can’t know the consequences of leaving, leave anyways, and then file lawsuits to complain you aren’t getting your way. If the Open wants to allow them then that’s their decision. But major tournaments governed by the PGA don’t have to allow you in. Consequences of your own decisions

[@christianrapper]

However, a player can play on the European tour or any other country’s tour and still play in the PGA.

[@stevenmasterson1229]

This is very true. I think it is absolutely priceless that the new standard for morality and doing the right thing is golfers 😂. If Saudi Arabia are the reason for 9/11 why has every president since that incident done business and with them? And why are big corporations encouraged to take Saudi money for funding? If it’s bad is all bad, you don’t get to pick and choose

[@soda8736]

So was the Saudi Arabian government or military behind 9/11 or was it a terrorist group from Saudi Arabia?

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

Blame Saudi Arabia for 9/11? Blame an entire nation for the actions of a few whackjobs who have that common ethnicity? Maybe, we should still blame Japan for 12/07/1941 then, or Spain for the sinking of the battleship Maine in 1898? Those who are peddling this unmitigated hate, disguised as moral righteousness, are totally and completely disingenuous. We need to see this dishonest hate for what it is and not condemn a nation or all its people for the actions of a criminal few.

[@wazi13]

"If you better than LIV be better." Don't think Stephen A knows the PIF has $600 BILLION to spend lol

[@skyloraustin5028]

All this means is LIV can legitimately compete with PGA

[@dfynestmax8716]

No

[@thehumanity0]

What do you mean "compete"? LIV is just Saudi Arabia throwing endless sums of oil money at golfers until they defect due to sheer greed. Also, since when do we have "competition" between sports associations? Golf is going to be much worse off for the split.

[@TheManFromKansas]

Big ups 2 Tiger Woods, not 2 many people would turn down $800 million dollars

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

Tiger already has a net worth of $1 BILLION so this is something on which he could pass. Besides, he'll need to coast on his name and reputation now as his physical condition and his age are working against him winning any tournaments again, much less a Major. The Tour and Jay Monahan are probably giving him big money to parrot the PGA Tour mantra.

[@theonlygus]

Stephen A reducing a complex issue down to the only thing he truly cares about. Getting paid. Stephen, we all hate that US corporations do business in Saudi Arabia! Just because YOU didn’t say anything until now doesn’t mean the rest of us don’t care.

[@fadethechannel]

That’s what this is all about anyway lol the bag. That’s what it’s always about.

[@BigbearTKO]

You just reduced his argument which was complex to the only thing you heard. That was not his point at all. All he said is do not question the ethics of athletes when the United States government does business with them as well. He said not to chastise athletes when American corporations have been doing business with Saudi Arabia for years. Every Saudi is not oppressive just like every American is not oppressive stop generalizing a whole country based on the actions of a few.

[@gjulia312]

You're wrong, n here's why

[@GenteelCretin]

This is spot-on.

[@BigbearTKO]

Way to edit your comment

[@iamawesome6462]

Umm...if you play for the MLB, NBA, or NHL, you can't play for a competing league. FACTS. Maybe tell the LIV players not to sue the PGA then?

[@shanaeverowe9626]

NHL pick and choose which competition they don't want you on. NHL dislikes the khl due to poor conditions the teams travel under and weak training staffs. No such complaints against "summer league" in Scandinavian areas

[@jonc1839]

Thank you Stephen A , finally someone talking sense without the PGA bias propaganda, what’s wrong with a World 🌎 Golf Tour , grow the game worldwide 🌎

[@GolfisLife44]

LIV is not trying to grow golf. And you’re a full of you think that.

[@goodymob9638]

Well LIV should build there own league without throwing around blood money. And the cry babies that want to play LIV should just go play LIV.

[@jonc1839]

🇺🇸 = blood 🩸 money

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@goodymob9638 *their

[@thesauce669]

I actually agree with SAS on this one.

[@privatebh]

Faulty arguement. We can’t do anything about the corporations that deal with Saudi, but the players can do something about LIV

[@tbone007]

Thank You! Americans don't need to deal with 9/11 founders AKA Saudi's.

[@freegibran]

Why should everyone else outside of the PGA care?

[@turangatohiariki3042]

Tiger must be the spoke's person for all players(PROPERTY)of the PGA

[@residentalien982]

Stephen A spitting facts🤯

[@rikmichaels9233]

You hate America

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

I am an old (73 years) white guy and it matters not to me what ethnicity a man may be when he speaks the truth; truth knows no arbitrary class distinctions. Stephen A. speaks the truth here and, as a Black man, he automatically dispels any possible charge of "racism" in his criticism of Tiger. I have the utmost respect and admiration for his point of view on this as PGA Tour executives, golfers, and Golf Channel talking heads are dispensing a daily dose of slime against the LIV, Greg Norman, and those golfers who have gone to the LIV. Again, as he states, if the PGA Tour product is so good, then it should just compete and it should rise to the top. But, IMO, the Tour is trying to be a monopoly, trying to ensure that the Tour is "the only game in town." Competition will always tell. As a personal note, just let me say...AMEN, STEPHEN A. !!!

[@WaseMr]

This man Stephen A is on point!!! You got that right.

[@terryreid8838]

The only question is if this is the most ignorant take on tv today. These guys don’t even understand the main issues.

[@fabiennefertiti3017]

Yes we do understand. You can't blame a whole country for the 15 terrorists of 9/11 besides. Golfers are NOT employees but INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS and should have the right to play wherever they want without retaliation

[@Henlarious]

Would SAS be okay of Saudi came and offered the top best 30 players in the NBA $50m a year to play in a new league in Saudi? The NBA would be left with bench warmers playing on national television. Would SAS support that? Likely not.

[@tonygovan9733]

Who cares they are players not property. You act like the over here buying land stfu

[@bayodaman]

He basically just said yes dummy lol. Like he said you could offer them a $100 million a year doesn't mean it's the NBA bro lol.

[@mikeotero5125]

Thats not the subject of the debate. Who cares?

[@philthornton1382]

If Saudi Arabia set up a basketball super league and offered more money That’s only better for nba players who would get bigger deals to stay, supply and demand

[@Paulafan5]

1 player off of each team? It would still be a great league.

[@hathoundtt1137]

54 holes, guaranteed millions upfront for players, no cut, can shoot 100 over par and finish last and still get paid $125,00, this is not competition golf. It's exhibition golf. Like going to las Vegas and seeing a show. To compare liv to pga tour is nonsense.

[@mineshjogia9945]

You must live under a rock. Every point you think you made has been thoroughly debunked and made to look ridiculous in other videos and comments. The fact that an idiot is still copy pasting the same dumb points shows a level of retardation not seen very often.

[@_thewhaat]

Stephen A. has always had horrible sports take but this... I just lost all respect for the man.

[@Listman11]

I’m a fan of the LIV tour but if you go, go. You should be able to play the majors because that’s not run those events.

[@gabechristianson7089]

Finally, Stephan A. spot on with a political take.

[@mops515]

Ikr???? Finally Smith is standing up for the good cause: taking money from those killing the population of Yemen. Bin Salman gets too much hate; all he's doing is starving an entire country. Obviously it's not ideal, but if genociders want to buy an industry, why not? Genocide shmenocide am I right? If ya can't beat em, join em.

[@JasonSchierling]

LIV should be able to compete with the PGA tour, but that does not mean PGA players can rally against it. There is going to be a winner and loser in this deal (LIV is going to lose) and it will mostly be because the PGA players worked together.

[@ericzellershow]

Just remember to delete this comment in three months or so when you realize you were wrong.

[@rashidowens837]

😂😂 here the day

[@travissmith6380]

Cant be surprised, SAS will put on a cowboy hat and dance a jig if it means a few more dollars. Hes made that quite clear

[@stickum4147]

I didn't get that impression 😕. I just felt like that was his take.

[@michaelshannon3486]

There’s nun he said that backs that. U just chatting.

[@ruebascu]

The man's product is sports ENTERTAINMENT. You're trying to shame the man for doing his job? He's not a rapper, performing modern day minstel shows, tearing down, and portraying a negative image of his community. He's a sportscaster, entertaining via sports news

[@travissmith6380]

@@ruebascu so that's why he's always screaming when he talks? and puts on goofy hats and doing goofy voices is because he's trying to entertain? sure is a unique way to do it. you mention rappers tearing down, SAS isnt uplifting anyone with his act

[@travissmith6380]

@@michaelshannon3486 I guess you've never seen him with the hat doing his goofball clown act but he does it regularly

[@bernardheight6871]

in bowling you have the USBC and TNBA, bowlers are allowed to participate in both associations tournaments as long as they are a member. they just pay the membership fees for both

[@itshiho]

Too bad Tiger cares more about the PGA then he does Black folks 🤷‍♂

[@tlawengmophosho4848]

Tiger is dominicans

[@fabiennefertiti3017]

@@tlawengmophosho4848 Are you saying there are no blacks in the DR?

[@robh316]

Man I rarely agree with Stephen a but hit the nail right on the head he ain't wrong on this one

[@Yyxqq123]

Steph A dropping massive facts bombs!

[@Lee-ni3zh]

Wonder how much SAS and the other mouth piece got paid for this?

[@stop_banning1347]

Once Tiger Woods made his money... he was picking and choosing which tournaments to play. One year he only played 7 or 8 tournaments (while healthy). So he wasn't "all in" on the PGA tour. Ridiculous!

[@lostphone3101]

He played PGA tournaments!

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

@@lostphone3101 He also played many exhibitions around the world where he received BIG appearance fees. Oh, and he also received waivers from the PGA tour to play in these. Money talks and...well, you know the rest.

[@lostphone3101]

@@Diogenes-ty9yy he got permissions to play from the pga because he's a member as NBA NFL MLB and other team owners have in their contracts that players can't do any other activity unless okayed by the owners! Deion Sanders had to get permissions to play both sports as did bo Jackson!

[@CORP86]

He aint wrong here

[@kraken8993]

Kevin Hart is so correct when Steven A talks so confidently even tho he talks nonsense 😂

[@WWIE444]

Say it again Stephen A!!! So true

[@packkrasinski6329]

nice to know Saudis have their hand in disneys pocket lol

[@toussaintlouverture5149]

Why didn't they get any first responders to play in it? As if they would have got any amount of money.

[@Tlacaelel1124]

Money matters over anything essentially what Stephen A says . And what most Americans believe that’s why god is on the money because it is their god.

[@everettsimmons6334]

I won’t get mad at someone for chasing the bag