Amanda Balionis drops another hint after appearing to take jab at Rory McIlroy
Amanda Balionis was a central figure in the Rory McIlroy media storm at the PGA Championship, and she has now taken a veiled swipe at her critics on social media
CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis made a low-key response to her detractors by donning a cap with "chill" inscribed on it, in the aftermath of what some deemed a hidden dig at Rory McIlroy across her digital channels.
In the wake of the latest PGA Championship, the spotlight turned to Balionis during her coverage of critical discussions involving five-time major titleholder McIlroy dodging press duties. Throughout the four days of the Quail Hollow tournament, McIlroy remained absent from media interactions, and Balionis seemed to reference this while conducting a live talk with golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
Her professionalism was lauded, notably when she smoothly handled an awkward moment with Scottie Scheffler as he dealt with allergies during an on-air segment. Still, McIlroy's evasion of the press turned into a prominent narrative of the PGA Championship, which Balionis confronted directly.
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After the event, Balionis showed appreciation for those athletes who did engage with journalists, stating via a post: "Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss. Simply a reminder that no one is obliged to talk, it's a choice. And to bring us in after coming so close to a career accomplishment is awesome for the viewer."
Facing what seemed to be criticism, Balionis broadcasted a video belonging to famed actor Kerry Washington, adding the caption: "I don't really take criticism to heart from people I don't admire and respect."
Defiantly addressing her detractors, she added a potent note to her latest social media update: "Monday reminder for all my fellow recovering people pleasers. Needed this one today."
The television personality has once more deflected criticism with a stealthy dig at detractors by posting a selfie while sporting a baseball hat inscribed with the word "chill," amidst the furor surrounding McIlroy’s incident at the PGA Championship.
Reacting to McIlroy's contentious actions at Quail Hollow, former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley did not hold back on Golf Channel, asserting: "My view is very clear, I said it about Collin Morikawa and I'll say it about other players, I'll say it about Rory McIlroy, I don't like it when they don't do interviews."
He further expressed concerns about the broader impact, opining: "I don't think it's good for the game, I don't think it's good for their persona. Rory is very popular and you run the risk of undoing a lot of the popularity when you don't speak, whatever his reasons were."
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In a prior discussion, McIlroy himself had reflected on Morikawa's avoidance of media conversations at Augusta National, stating: "Well he [Morikawa] is right, not that I think he could have worded it a little bit better."
He also commented on the expectations placed on professional athletes, remarking: "Look every other athlete whether it be in the NBA or NFL, they are obligated to speak to you guys after a game, and we're not."
McIlroy concluded with insight into golfers' current media obligations and their implications: "So whether that's something the PGA Tour looks to and put that into their rules and regulations, but as long as that's not the case and we have the option to opt out when we want, expect guys to do that from time to time."
Golfer Shane Lowry voiced his frustration regarding immediate media obligations, stating: "I think we need time. I think I need half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts. I can't be coming to talk to you guys straightaway. It shouldn't be happening. I don't agree with it.
"Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. That's how I feel. I'm probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I'm p------- off right now."
