“Tiger Woods Sparks Outrage: 9/11 Families Furious Over Secret Meeting with Saudi LIV Golf Backers in NYC Just Before Anniversary”

Tiger Woods Sparks Outrage: 9/11 Families Furious Over Secret Meeting with Saudi LIV Golf Backers in NYC Just Before Anniversary

Tiger Woods, one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, is now facing significant backlash from families of 9/11 victims after news broke about his meeting with Saudi backers of LIV Golf in New York, just one day before the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This controversial meeting has sparked outrage among many, who see it as a tone-deaf and insensitive move, given Saudi Arabia’s alleged links to the tragedy.

A Highly Controversial Encounter

Reports suggest that Woods attended a high-profile meeting with key figures behind LIV Golf, the Saudi-funded golf league that has been mired in controversy since its inception. The timing of this meeting — on the eve of one of the most solemn days in American history — has intensified the anger, with critics calling it “disgusting and unacceptable.”

The involvement of Saudi Arabia in backing LIV Golf has already been a sore spot for many, as the kingdom has faced accusations of involvement in funding the 9/11 attacks. While these allegations have never been proven conclusively, the mere association has been enough to fuel outrage, particularly from the families of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terror attacks.

Fury from 9/11 Families

Several organizations representing the families of 9/11 victims have condemned Woods’ decision to meet with Saudi officials. “For him to choose to meet with representatives of the Saudi regime right before the anniversary of 9/11 is beyond appalling,” said one spokesperson from 9/11 Justice, an advocacy group representing victims’ families. “It’s a slap in the face to those of us who are still grieving the loss of our loved ones.”

Many families have expressed that while they have admired Woods for his contributions to the sport of golf and his philanthropic efforts, this meeting feels like a betrayal. For them, this is not just about golf but about moral responsibility and sensitivity to the American public’s pain.

LIV Golf’s Shadow of Controversy

LIV Golf has faced consistent criticism for its association with Saudi Arabia. Its financial backing comes from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund closely tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Critics of LIV Golf accuse Saudi Arabia of using the sport to “sportswash” its human rights record, diverting attention from accusations such as the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing repression of dissidents.

The PGA Tour, the long-established governing body of professional golf in the United States, has also criticized LIV Golf, with many viewing the league as a disruptive force within the sport, further tainting its association with Saudi Arabia’s controversial global image.

Woods’ Silence on the Matter

Despite the firestorm, Woods has yet to make a public statement about the meeting, leaving many wondering whether he will address the concerns of the 9/11 families or remain silent. Woods has long been a major figure in golf’s landscape, and his involvement in the ongoing battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour could have significant implications for both his career and the sport at large.

While Woods has largely stayed out of the public debate surrounding LIV Golf, his quiet support of the PGA Tour has been clear. This meeting, however, raises questions about whether he could be reconsidering his stance — or if this was purely a business move without regard to the optics of the situation.

An Uncertain Future for Woods and LIV Golf

This controversy comes at a precarious time for Woods. As he continues to manage his career post-injuries, his legacy as one of golf’s greatest players remains intact. However, his image has taken hits before — and this meeting with LIV Golf’s Saudi backers may add to that list of controversies.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf’s position in the golf world remains contentious. With several high-profile players joining their ranks and others refusing to participate due to moral concerns, the league is struggling to shed its image as a vehicle for Saudi influence. This latest development involving Woods could further deepen the divide between LIV Golf and its critics.

Whether this meeting will lead to any further involvement from Woods in the LIV Golf saga remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the outrage from 9/11 families and the broader public is unlikely to die down anytime soon.