Sports
Ewen Murray Stepped Back From Sky Sports After Ryder Cup Abuse
Veteran golf commentator Ewen Murray cited the abusive environment at the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, New York, as his reason for initially stepping away from Sky Sports. Murray, who had been with Sky Sports for 35 years, was disturbed by the verbal abuse directed at Rory McIlroy's family during the event.
Ewen Murray, a veteran golf commentator, revealed that the hostile atmosphere at the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, New York, contributed to his initial decision to leave Sky Sports. Murray, age 71, had been a fixture with Sky Sports for 35 years. He recounted overhearing appalling insults directed not at Rory McIlroy, but at McIlroy's family. Murray stated that he couldn't repeat the language he heard. Murray said he questioned whether he wanted to continue in commentary after witnessing the abuse. Murray singled out American Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and comedian Heather McMahan for inflaming the crowd.
Key Facts
- Ewen Murray initially stepped back from Sky Sports following the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, New York.
- Murray worked 35 years as a golf commentator for Sky Sports.
- Murray was upset by the abuse directed at Rory McIlroy's family.
- Murray overheard the abuse while taking a break during the Ryder Cup.
- Murray stated the abuse he overheard was too offensive to repeat.
- Murray will return to Sky Sports for the major championships this season.
- Murray blamed American Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley for the scenes.
- Murray also took exception to comedian Heather McMahan's antics.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Irish mirror — Sky Sports commentator pushed to retire after witnessing Rory McIlroy abuse