Reporter Jim Gray Again Becomes Part of the Story

Golf Channel reporter Jim Gray was pulled off the assignment because of the way he reacted to the two-stroke penalty imposed on American player Dustin Johnson during Thursday's opening round.

Johnson was penalized after arriving late for his teeoff time at Riviera Country Club and later told reporters his caddie Bobby Brown had given him the wrong information.

According to Brown, Gray asked Johnson as the player was walking to the 14th tee to explain why he had been late for his scheduled start. At the end of the round, Brown scolded Gray for speaking to a player out on the course during competition.

"Our aim is to provide the best possible golf coverage for our viewers. Anything else is a disservice," Golf Channel spokesman Dan Higgins said in a statement Friday.

"In order not to provide further distraction, we've decided to remove Jim from this particular assignment."

Looks to me like Gray's tenure with the Golf Channel is about over.

A similar move was made by Golf Channel last August at the PGA Championship, where Gray got into a heated argument with U.S. Ryder Cup team captain Corey Pavin.

Gray had reported that Pavin told him that Tiger Woods was a lock to be picked for the team; Pavin denied doing so.

Gray's interview with Pete Rose during the 1999 World Series drew an reaction that was not positive when many fans and critics thought he badgered Rose about his ban from baseball.  One media member even called his interview style "bush league."

Gray, who was working as a freelance reporter, was involved in ESPN's airing of  LeBron James publicly announced decision to leave Cleveland last summer and take his talents to South Beach.

A think people watch sports for enjoyment and the competition, not to see a sideline reporter try to inject himself into the story.

Fantasy Golf Buy, Sell or Hold for Northern Trust Open

 

A strong field is expected as the 2011 Northern Trust Open tees off at Riviera.  This tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1926 when the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce puts up a $10,000 purse for the first LA Open, it was at the time, the richest prize in professional golf.

The list of winners here reads like a who's who of golf.  Ben Hogan Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson all have been winners here and Steve Stricker is the defending champ. 

Tiger, Phil and Steve are all in the field as are Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar and two-time winner this year, Mark Wilson.

Who will win this year?  We'll find out in a few days, but in the meantime here is this week's buy, sell and hold.

Buy:

Matt Kuchar (A) - Kuchar is back playing this week.  He has three top 10's in three events so far this season.  He'll be looking for a fourth this week.

Steve Stricker (B) - With the weather forecast calling for rain later this week, you would do well to have an experienced player like Stricker on your team.  He is the defending champ and was runner up here in 2009.

J.B. Holmes (C) - Three top 7 finishes in his last three starts at Riviera.  His game is waking up.  He had a T-5 at Phoenix and a T-13 at Pebble.

Marc Leishman (A) - May be a surprise start  to many as an A-level player, but he's a good scrambler and is playing well.  Had a T-15 here last year and should improve on that this year.

Sell:

Ernie Els (A) - Els has withdrawn from the Northern Trust, don't put him on your team this week.

Shaun Micheel (B) - Two missed cuts in three events in 2011.  No need to select him this week.

Rich Beem (C) - An awful start to 2011 for Beem.  What has happened to his game?  His results so far this year...+9, +10 and +1.  Don't look for him to make the cut here.

Hold:

Jhonattan Vegas (C) - Has Vegas cooled off after his hot start?  Let's see how he fares this week.  Hold him out this week if you can.


Don't forget to listen to the AudioBoo for the flyer of the week.