Thomas will be better for this mistake, insists Rory
JUSTIN THOMAS has received the backing of Rory McIlroy as the American vowed to examine why he recently used a homophobic slur.
Thomas was heard using the derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. The world No.3 quickly apologised but was dropped by clothing sponsor Ralph Lauren.
On the eve of his debut in the Abu Dhabi Championship, Thomas was asked how he would respond to suggestions that what happened may not have been an isolated incident, but rather the first time it had been overheard.
‘Yeah, it’s very easy to say that and understand, but that’s unfortunately what comes with people not knowing who I am,’ Thomas said.
‘I’m clearly beyond [not] proud of what I said. It’s humiliating, embarrassing. It’s not me. It’s not a word I use, but
for some reason it was in there. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.’
McIlroy believes Thomas will learn from the episode and be less ‘ignorant’ of words which can cause offence.
‘He’s already responded really, really well,’ McIlroy said. ‘I think he realised he made a big mistake. He said he messed up, is going to try to be better. He is true to his word. He will be.
‘He is as good a guy as they come. He’s got a lot of integrity, character. Obviously it doesn’t make what he said any better, but I think in this day and age it’s hard because it seems like you’re not allowed to make a mistake.
‘He made a mistake, he owned up to it and he’ll be better because of it. He’ll maybe not be as ignorant to things that offend people, I guess. Obviously what he said was offensive but he’ll be better for it. He’ll learn and move on.’