Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry blow the beans on their conversation with Michael Jordan over Ryder Cup compensation.
The question of whether or not players should be compensated for their presence was a major subject during the most recent Ryder Cup. Michael Jordan, a sporting icon, said such a concept was “missing the point of what it means.”
The Irish Independent has released the second portion of Lowry and McIlroy’s conversation with writer Paul Kimmage. Both stars discussed their encounter with “MJ” following the European triumph in this episode.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry informed the Irish Independent that Michael Jordan approached them about whether the players should be compensated for their participation in this tournament. Jordan underscored his point with a personal incident, according to the Northern Irishman.
According to Rory McIlroy, who said to the Irish Independent:
“He [“MJ”] sat with us from six till nine o’clock. We were discussing the problem of players getting paid at the Ryder Cup when he told me a tale about the United States basketball squad, the Dream squad, during the 1992 Olympics.”
Jordan’s statements were paraphrased by the Northern Irishman as follows:
“Do you believe I couldn’t have gotten paid to play in the Olympics?” These folks are completely missing the point.”
McIlroy then went on to say:
“He saw the long-term value of winning an Olympic gold medal and said he ended up doing far better than if he had taken the money right away.” And that’s exactly how I see it. More people watch the Ryder Cup than any other golf competition in the world.
Rory McIlroy also stated his agreement with Michael Jordan. The biennial event, in his perspective, should be radically different. He stated:
“I believe it piques the interest of the casuals a little more.” So we have this incredible platform to bring the game to a new audience, and that’s far more important than being paid a hundred or two hundred dollars to participate in the event.
The subject of paying for Ryder Cup participants generated news during the most recent edition of the event. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, in particular, issued remarks on the subject.
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