Tyrrell Hatton risks LIV Golf fury with violent gesture banned in NFL and NBA
Tyrrell Hatton let his frustrations get the better of him during Sunday's final round, with the Englishman producing a violent gesture in LIV Golf.
LIV Golf superstar Tyrrell Hatton caused a stir with an angry display that included mimicking a gun with his putter during Sunday's final round at Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas.
Actions resembling gun gestures are frowned upon in sports like the NFL and NBA. LIV Golf doesn't expressly ban gun-like gestures, but Hatton straddled the line of acceptable behavior and proper etiquette.
Experiencing a rough patch at the U.S. Open that knocked him out of the running as J.J. Spaun won, Hatton again let his temper show during the tournament in Dallas. On Friday, first-round viewers could hear his frustrations after a second shot on the 7th hole went awry, with further mistakes following on Sunday.
- Donald Trump had one-word answer to Danica Patrick question on Air Force One
- NASCAR results in full as Chase Elliott wins chaotic Atlanta race as 12 stars DNF
A significant setback occurred when Hatton scored a double bogey on hole 12, proceeding to use his putter to simulate shooting at objects. Although he managed to swing back with a birdie thereafter, it was little consolation compared to his seven-under-par performance the day before.
Despite frustration and a shaky start, by Saturday, Hatton outshone all other competitors in LIV Golf, rebounding impressively from an aggravating opening round where he finished two-over par post-outburst on the 7th hole after his ball found the water hazard.
"Worst hole on the planet! That is f------ b-------!" Hatton was heard yelling in anger.
Hatton, known for his lively demeanor in LIV Golf and major tournaments, has made a gesture that's not commonly seen in golf. It's also become less common in the NFL and NBA as both leagues have tried to discourage it.
While the NFL hasn't officially outlawed violent gestures, players are penalized for using them. Any player caught making a violent gesture will receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, setting their team back 15 yards.
Players can also anticipate an average fine of around $12,700, with repeat offenders facing steeper penalties. Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies was slapped with one of the heftiest fines due to a gesture, resulting in a $75,000 charge from the NBA.
Don't miss: Tony Finau turns heads with weird sounds during unexpected NHL Draft appearance
Don't miss: Koepka withdraws from LIV Golf event after smashing tee box in angry outburst
Don't miss: DeChambeau delivers ruthless verdict on 'diabolical' course for The Open
NBA commissioner Adam Silver had warned Morant to stop using the gesture, but the Grizzlies star ignored this and made the gesture again after sinking a 3-pointer. The NBA then fined Morant $75,000, stating: "Morant was previously warned by the league office that this gesture could be interpreted in a negative light."
Morant says he's come to terms with the negativity surrounding his actions, confessing that he no longer minds playing the villain role. "I'm kind of used to it," Morant admitted after the fine was imposed.
"I was pretty much a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it's going to be out there. So, yeah. I don't care no more."
