Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee has been a longtime critic of LIV Golf, often citing atrocities committed by Saudi Arabia when disparaging the league.
He has also criticized Patrick Reed a lot, not only for his relationship with LIV, but also for the various rules controversies that plagued his career. Mr Reid has been at the center of disputes in Dubai, Torrey Pines and the Hero World Challenge over the past five years.
In response to this criticism, Mr. Reed sued Mr. Chamblee and other journalists for defamation, seeking an exorbitant $750 million in damages. Mr. Reed claimed that members of the media, including Mr. Chamblee, were actively trying to destroy his reputation and continually ridicule LIV Golf.
Nevertheless, Florida Judge Timothy Corrigan, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, has twice dismissed these cases.
Then, on January 5, 2024, Corrigan ordered Reed to pay the defense's legal costs, indicating that Reed's legal actions ultimately backfired.
So, Mr. Chamblee took a victory lap When the judgment is announced,
To be fair, he was bought and now works for a guy who doesn't allow free speech…so I can see how Reed would fall into this trap. https://t.co/lq2Zcz9wGk
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) January 6, 2024
“To be fair, he was bought and now works for a guy who doesn't allow free speech…so I can see how Reed could fall into this trap.” Chamblee posted on X.
Chamblee retweeted a post summarizing Andrew Pantazi's order concluding that Reed filed a frivolous lawsuit seeking to violate the First Amendment.
At the time, Chamblee mentioned LIV Golf's beneficiary, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
PIF functions as a sovereign wealth fund for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has a history of gross human rights abuses. Saudi Arabia also ranks as one of the worst countries in the world in terms of freedom, meaning its citizens have no control over their government and are not allowed to criticize it freely. Only state-run media operates in Saudi Arabia; there are no independent media outlets.
Indeed, Chamblee will continue to criticize LIV Golf, as he has the freedom to do so. He seems to do it every chance he gets.
This latest ruling gives Chamblee another chance at something similar. But unlike other indictments, the longtime journalist will now receive additional pay from Reid.
Chamblee and other defendants are named. in this case Claims for legal fees and costs must be submitted by January 24, 2024. Reed has until February 23, 2024 to respond and, as a result, is obligated to pay the legal costs associated with this action.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
