Olympian Michael Johnson criticized Tiger Woods and took issue with the golf legend’s apology for handing Justin Thomas a tampon during the Genesis Invitational on Thursday.
Johnson criticized Woods for beginning the apology with «If I offended anyone,» after receiving backlash for what appeared to be a joke between him and Thomas.
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Michael Johnson celebrates winning the men’s 200 meter event during the Summer Olympics on August 1, 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Madison/Getty Images)
«An apology that starts with ‘If I offended anyone’ is not an apology. But this is Tiger. He has never been a leader and he is Teflon,» Johnson wrote Friday on Twitter. «He is still heralded after all the mistakes, so he hasn’t learned anything. The media always focuses on the miraculous recovery. Never why the need for recovery.»
Woods handed the tampon to Thomas after he out-holeed him in the first round of the tournament. Thomas laughed off what Woods called a «joke,» but Woods noted that many have not taken it lightly.
GOLF INFLUENCER PAIGE SPIRANAC DEFENDS TIGER WOODS’ TAMPON GAG: ‘I CAN’T CHOOSE WHEN TO BE A FEMINIST
Tiger Woods during the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on February 19, 2023 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
«It was supposed to be a fun game, but obviously it didn’t turn out that way,» Woods said. «If I offended someone, it wasn’t the case. It was just friends having fun.»
Woods added: «If I offend someone in any way, shape, or form, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be that way. We make jokes about each other all the time. Virally, I think this was misunderstood.» that way, but between us, it’s different.»
Woods and Thomas have grown close since the latter turned pro. They were paired during the 2019 Presidents Cup and won both of their team matches.
Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas tee off the 9th tee during the Genesis Invitational on February 16, 2023. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
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The Genesis Invitational is Woods’ first tournament since the Open Championship last July.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.