Caddie Greg Johnston at Fault? (Updated)
Chris Baldwin over at TravelGolf makes a good argument on why Sports Illustrated reporter Michael Bamberger isn’t at fault:
Most sports reporters could care less who wins and loses. Sports reporters worry about deadlines (they hate TV pushing important games to late at night). They worry about their access to the athletes, really the fans access to what the athletes are really like, being cut off by the trend of mass press conferences. Heck, they worry about the quality of the free food at the games or the golf tournaments.
They don’t worry about whether Michelle Wie blows a fourth-place finish with a careless move that no one in their 30th pro tournament should really be making. Sports reporting is a job, people. A great one often - though not nearly as often as a lot of fans assume - and that’s how it’s almost always approached. These reporters are just trying to earn a living, keep their bosses off their back and spend some time with their families and friends. Like any other person in almost other job.
It’s true. Everyone in this situation was doing their job, except one. Michelle played golf. Bamberger needed his story. So where was Wie’s caddie in all of this? Baldwin correctly points out caddie Greg Johnston is probably Wie’s next ex-caddie.
This only confirms what colleagues at media gossip hub Talk Stink have always said: Journalists don’t care about your story. They only care about their story.
TravelGolf: Wie Warriors sink to new lows
Update: According to the latest AP story on SI.com states that Greg Johnston did warn Michelle about the lie.
Being hasty, of course, is part of being a 16-year-old, which is part of the reason the LPGA Tour has a rule that you have to be 18 before you can become a full-time touring pro. Wie’s caddie even warned her before she took the drop that she had to be careful not to drop the ball any closer to the hole. But the moral arbiters of the game aren’t writers who think they see something, or fans who call in after seeing what they believe are wrongs committed on TV. They’re the players themselves, who are ultimately responsible for policing themselves in the one sport where players call penalties on themselves. [emphasis added]
Let’s see how this plays out. I think Michelle is ready to move on, but something tells me Daddy Wie is still thinking about this one.
Update #2: Turns out there is a rather interesting thing Daddy Wie said… Daddy Wie Gets Final Say As Always
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October 17th, 2005 at 10:19 am
Many years ago (more than I can remember) the PGA stopped the practice of outsiders (on the course and off) advising the Tour Officials.
So why does the LPGA Tour Official(s) listen to a spectator or writer. It wasn’t right then and isn’t right now. Like Wie - I bet Stadler never thought that towel was cheating - AND neither did his caddie. It is really dumb to think that Craig Johnston would intentionly let Wie cheat - geez he just got the best bag on the tour - why throw it away!
October 17th, 2005 at 10:54 am
Greg Johnson is at fault, as a Caddie, he should have noticed. Its time for him to consider a change career paths…
October 18th, 2005 at 9:14 pm
Greg Johnston is one of the LPGA’s finest caddies…and by all reports…he offered the proper advice to Ms. Wie…and thus, did HIS job. To suggest that it was his fault, that this incident occurred…is a joke. As a now PRO PLAYER, Ms. Wie made a costly mistake, and is totally responsible…and should be held totally accountable for HER actions. Greg Johnston didn’t get “The Biggest Bag” because his name was pulled out of a hat…and should he lose it because of this…anymore than if she missed a putt. Contrary to Mr. Baldwin’s position…even though blaming the caddie is an much more interesting twist to a simple instance of player error…Greg Johnston isn’t at fault. Perhaps, it was the butler in the study with the candlestick, Baldy? Also, I doubt Johnston would have much time to consider a change of career paths…as one ridiculous post suggests…before another player requests his services. The fact is…Johnston is her caddie…and he works for her. He is not her “Daddy” caddie…who for at least a few more years…she should still obey…no matter what the age minimum is on the Tour. I believe the youngster, either got sloppy, or just tried to get away with something that her father would have never approved of on the course. Kids do that at sixteen! However, to assume that her new caddie is expected to be her babysitter, disciplinarian or whistleblower is just wrong. Greg Johnston was clearly an integral part of Juli Inkster’s success…and he is a great choice for Wie. I expect Team Wie understands that Michelle’s going to need to grow up fast…but Michelle must learn ON HER OWN that while she may have her “eye on Tiger,” there’s more to his and all pro’s games than just great golf shots. She screwed up…but thank goodness for the SI guy! It’s amazing that steriods in baseball was overlooked for so long with him around. And he obviously doesn’t know where bin Laden is…
October 19th, 2005 at 10:09 am
Of course the ultimate responsibility is the player’s. Personally I believe, if the caddie saw something wrong with the drop, he should have told Michelle. Aside from that, the S.I. guy had no right or business being involved and the tour should have ignored it. S.I. guy wanted his 15 minutes of fame. I think he was a schmuck. Except for Swim Suit issue I do not read or buy S.I. To me Geraldo has more to offer than S.I.