While the fallout continues from Ted Bishop’s short-lived comments about Ian Poulter, Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee believes that the back-and-forth between the PGA of America president and the five-time Ryder Cup participant is a sign of a larger issue.
“Unfortunately it’s another example of just the way the whole Twitter world has desensitized the whole world to rude behavior,” Chamblee said Friday on Golf Central Pre-Game. “Cyberbullying has become so much a part of how we all get entertained.”
Chamblee’s reaction comes after Bishop called Poulter a “Lil girl” on Twitter and offered a more expanded take on his personal Facebook page. Both posts were deleted Thursday night about an hour after being published. Bishop’s criticism of Poulter came after the Englishman called out 2008 European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo in his recently-released autobiography, “No Limits.”
According to Chamblee, the cycle of comments and reactions only serves to fuel the growing issue of cyberbullying.
“The sad part about this is, what happens when insults beget insults? Somebody gets more followers,” he said. “Ian Poulter is going to sell a book. He’s going to be further encouraged to cyberbully.”
Chamblee cites some of Poulter’s past behavior on Twitter, which includes calling Hideki Matsuyama an “idiot” for damaging a green in March and complaining to British Airways when the airline downgraded his nanny from business class while she was traveling with Poulter’s wife and their four children.
“He does this all the time,” he said of Poulter. “And it’s not just him. So many others are engaged in it, so maybe it brings to light an issue that has become a cancer in our society to some extent.”
As for Bishop, whose term as president expires next month, Chamblee feels a more sincere response is still required after the PGA of America released a terse statement and Bishop told the Associated Press he “could have selected some different ways to express my thoughts.”
“I was surprised actually this morning that he didn’t resign,” Chamblee said. “I think he needs to offer a more substantial apology.”
