Pat McAfee supports Rory McIlroy blowing off the media: ‘Tell them to kiss your ass'
'I'm going to say this to Rory: Rory, I love everything you're doing,' McAfee said Wednesday on ESPN's 'The Pat McAfee Show. 'You walk up to the media and tell them to kiss your ass. You do whatever you need to do, buddy. It is great whenever you're playing incredible golf. If you need to take some time, you need to take some time.'
In the wake of his win at the Masters in April, McIlroy has found himself at odds with the media in the following months over his unwillingness to speak at certain points.
Pat McAfee defended Rory McIlroy on Wednesday's 'The Pat McAfee Show.'
The Pat McAfee Show/YouTube
The 36-year-old golfer was sharply criticized for skipping out on media availability after he struggled at the PGA Championship in May, a decision he doubled down on ahead of the RBC Canadian Open in early June.
McIlroy justified avoiding the media by calling his time at the PGA Championship a 'weird week,' while also citing frustrations about a leak that his driver had been deemed nonconforming.
He also noted that the PGA Tour doesn't require its golfers to speak to the media, unlike the NBA, NFL and MLB.
Rory McIlroy during a practice round Wednesday before The Open Championship.
Getty Images
McAfee doesn't believe the golfer should have to explain himself.
'S–t, I just took some time, I am taking some time from WWE,' said McAfee, who is a color commentator on 'Raw' and has wrestled for the promotion. 'You mentally get to a place where you're kind of exhausted and things like that. So if that's what happened to Rory or if that's going on with Rory or it was happening with Rory and he's on the other side — Rory, we just want to let you know, we love when you're golfing good. And I love that people hate you. I think that is a good thing for sport, not a bad thing for sport.'
After placing second in the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick last weekend, McIlroy is now competing for another major title at The Open Championship, which is being held at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in his home country of Northern Ireland.
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