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Jim Gray Removed From Golf Tournament Coverage After “Profanity-Laced” Fight With Caddie

Reporter Jim Gray was pulled from the Golf Channel’s coverage of the Northern Trust Open after reportedly getting in a “heated argument” with Dustin Johnson‘s caddie. It’s the second golf-related controversy for Gray in less than a year: in August, he went nose-to-nose with Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin and called Pavin a liar.

The fight between Gray and Johnson’s caddie apparently started after Johnson made a “stumbling” start to the tournament, incurring a two-stroke penalty for being late for his tee time. Johnson was almost disqualified from the tournament, but ran up the hill to the first tee within five minutes of his scheduled start.

Gray reported the error on the Golf Channel, and this is apparently where the problems between him and Johnson’s caddie began. After Johnson’s first round 73, the caddie got into a “profanity-laced argument” with Gray.

“Our aim is to provide the best possible golf coverage for our viewers.” Golf Channel spokesman Dan Higgins told USA Today. “Anything else is a disservice. In order not to provide further distraction, we’ve decided to remove Jim from this particular assignment.”

Gray, of course, is best known (recently, at least) for his involvement with LeBron James’ televised “Decision” special, in which he lobbed softball questions at James for ten minutes before LeBron finally announced his intentions to join the Heat.