UPDATE: ESPN is coming down on Paul Azinger for mocking President Obama on Twitter. The golf analyst tweeted Thursday the commander in chief plays more golf than he does -- and that Azinger has created more jobs this month than Obama has.
On Friday ESPN 'reminded" Azinger his venture into political punditry violates the company's updated social network policy for on-air talent and reporters.
"Paul's tweet was not consistent with our social media policy, and he has been reminded that political commentary is best left to those in that field," spokesman Andy Hall told Game On! in a statement.
Asked if Azinger, who won the 1993 PGA Championship, will be reprimanded, suspended or fired, Hall said Sunday: "He will not be fired – he was reminded about ESPN's social media policy, and we're all moving on."
Azinger declined an interview request through ESPN. The 12-time PGA tour winner joined ESPN in 2010.
President Obama, a big sports fan, has a good relationship with Disney's ESPN. He's filled out his March Madness brackets on air for both the men's and women's college basketball tournaments.
PREVIOUS: ESPN's Paul Azinger is zinging President Barack Obama for playing too much golf on Martha's Vineyard during his vacation. The PGA pro, golf analyst, author and businessman took to Twitter to mock Obama, tweeting he's created more jobs than the President.
TELL US: Was Couples right to pick Woods for Presidents Cup?
GAME ON: Is Obama the Tiger Woods of politics
Azinger, who captained the U.S. team to victory in the 2008 Ryder's Cup, tweeted Thursday:
Facts: Potus has played more golf this month than I have: I have created more jobs this month than he has.
About Reid and Mike
Reid Cherner has been with USA TODAY since 1982 and written Game On! since March 2008.
He has covered everything from high schools to horse racing to the college and the pros. The only thing he likes more than his own voice is the sound of readers telling him when he's right and wrong.
Michael Hiestand has covered sports media and marketing for USA TODAY, tackling the sports biz ranging from what's behind mega-events such as the Olympics and Super Bowl to the sometimes-hidden numbers behind the sports world's bottom line.
