Professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau defended Saudi Arabia during an interview this week after it was announced that the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf would merge and form a new golf league.
9/11 Families United released a statement following the announcement slamming the PGA Tour for partnering with the Saudi-backed entity, noting that Saudi operatives played a role in facilitating the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans.
“The PGA and [PGA Commissioner Jay] Monahan appear to have become just more paid Saudi shills, taking billions of dollars to cleanse the Saudi reputation so that Americans and the world will forget how the Kingdom spent their billions of dollars before 9/11 to fund terrorism, spread their vitriolic hatred of Americans, and finance al Qaeda and the murder of our loved ones,” the group said, later adding: “Our entire 9/11 community has been betrayed by Commissioner Monahan and the PGA as it appears their concern for our loved ones was merely window-dressing in their quest for money – it was never to honor the great game of golf.”
DeChambeau was asked about those remarks during an interview on CNN earlier this week with host Kaitlan Collins.
“Well, I think we’ll never be able to repay the families back for what exactly happened just over 20 years ago,” he said. “And what happened was definitely horrible. And I think as time has gone on, 20 years has passed, and we’re in a place now where it’s time to start trying to work together to make things better together as a whole.”
DeChambeau said that he did not know what the families were feeling but that he had sympathy and respect for them and “their position, and what they believe.”
“I think as we move forward from that, we’ve got to look towards the pathway to peace, especially in forgiveness, especially if we’re trying to mend the world and make it a better place,” he said. “I think this is what they’re trying to accomplish, LIV is trying to accomplish, the PIF is trying to accomplish. We’re all trying to accomplish is a better world for everybody. And a way to provide great entertainment for everybody around the world.”
When asked about the kingdom being accused of financing the murder of a Washington Post journalist several years ago and how he felt about the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund backing his reportedly $125 million contract, he responded: “Yes. I mean, look, it’s unfortunate what has happened. And that’s something I cannot necessarily speak on, as I’m a golfer. But what I can say is that what they’re trying to do, what they’re trying to work on, is to be better allies, because we are allies with them.”
“And look, I’m not going to get into politics of it. I’m not specialized in that,” he said. “But what I can say is they are trying to do good for the world and showcase themselves, in a light that hasn’t been seen in a while. And nobody’s perfect. But we’re all trying to improve in life.”
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