As the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf league plays its first tournament in the United States later this week near Portland, Oregon, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland confirmed Monday to USA TODAY Sports that her husband, Keith, a veteran golf television producer, is “a contractor for LIV.”
When asked about her husband’s role with LIV Golf, Hirshland, who has led the USOPC for nearly four years and is considered the highest-ranking woman in American sports, texted:
“I can confirm he is a contractor for LIV. Beyond that, I will not comment on my husband’s employment, nor speak on his behalf. We are both professionals who have made, and will continue to make, individual career decisions. In the year 2022, it’s my hope that women will not be defined by their husbands’ careers.”
She continued: “In my role as CEO of the USOPC, and supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, I am steadfast in my resolve to uphold the ideals of the Olympic values. I will always advocate for sport as a pathway to peace and understanding among communities and cultures. That is my focus.”
Keith Hirshland did not respond to a message Sunday night seeking comment.
Over the past month, news of PGA Tour defections for extraordinary amounts of Saudi money — a reported $200 million for Phil Mickelson, for example — has roiled men’s golf and become the leading story in the sports world.
In addition to Mickelson, big names such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have left for the huge paydays and exhibition-style, 54-hole, no-cut tournaments of LIV Golf.
The new tour has also brought in broadcasters Arlo White, a former NBC Sports Premier League announcer, and longtime Golf Channel reporter Jerry Foltz, LIV Golf announced earlier this month. The tournaments are not available on over-the-air or cable television but are being streamed on LIV Golf’s website as well as on YouTube and Facebook.
LIV Golf spokespeople were sent several emails from USA TODAY Sports over the past few weeks asking about Keith Hirshland’s role with their broadcast team, including on Monday, but declined to confirm his employment or his specific role or title.
LIV Golf is financed by the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund, which is controlled by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. MBS, as he is known, sanctioned the 2018 murder and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, according to human rights…
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