Amanda Balionis drops another hint after Rory McIlroy controversy

Amanda Balionis has taken to social media to send a message to her detractors after she was criticized for her comments on Rory McIlroy skipping media obligations at the PGA Championship

CBS reporter Amanda Balionis has caused a stir with some of her recent comments at the PGA Championship(Image: Getty Images)

CBS Sports journalist Amanda Balionis subtly clapped back at her critics by sporting a baseball cap with the word “chill” emblazoned on it, following what some perceived as a veiled jab at Rory McIlroy on her social media platforms.

Attending the recent PGA Championship, Balionis became a talking point when she delved into the hot-button issue of the five-time major champion bypassing press engagements. McIlroy skipped media conversations for four straight days during the Quail Hollow event, and Balionis seemed to allude to this during a live interview with golfer Bryson DeChambeau.

Her conduct was praised, especially after navigating an uncomfortable exchange with Scottie Scheffler as he grappled with allergies during their on-air chat. However, McIlory’s media no-show became a significant storyline from the PGA Championship, and Balionis addressed it head-on.

Post-Championship, she expressed gratitude to players who did meet with the press, posting: “Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss. Simply a reminder that no one is obliged to talk, it’s a choice. And to bring us in after coming so close to a career accomplishment is awesome for the viewer.”

Following what appeared to be backlash, Balionis shared a clip of renowned actress Kerry Washington, alongside the message: “I don’t really take criticism to heart from people I don’t admire and respect.”

In a brazen move against her critics, she captioned a recent post with a powerful message, stating: “Monday reminder for all my fellow recovering people pleasers. Needed this one today.”

Amanda Balionis did not hold back as she appeared to issue a response to her critics(Image: Instagram/Amanda Balionis)

The TV star has once again shrugged off negative attention with a subtle jab at her critics, sharing a selfie donning a baseball cap emblazoned with the word “chill” following the McIlroy uproar at the PGA Championship.

Following McIlroy’s recent behavior at Quail Hollow, ex-Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley expressed his disapproval on Golf Channel, remarking: “My view is very clear, I said it about Collin Morikawa and I’ll say it about other players, I’ll say it about Rory McIlroy, I don’t like it when they don’t do interviews.

“I don’t think it’s good for the game, I don’t think it’s good for their persona. Rory is very popular and you run the risk of undoing a lot of the popularity when you don’t speak, whatever his reasons were.”

Previously, McIlroy had given his take on Morikawa’s past media snubs at Augusta National, noting: “Well he [Morikawa] is right, not that I think he could have worded it a little bit better.

“Look every other athlete whether it be in the NBA or NFL, they are obligated to speak to you guys after a game, and we’re not.

“So whether that’s something the PGA Tour looks to and put that into their rules and regulations, but as long as that’s not the case and we have the option to opt out when we want, expect guys to do that from time to time.”

Meanwhile, Shane Lowry expressed his desire for more time before facing the press: “I think we need time. I think I need half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts. I can’t be coming to talk to you guys straightaway. It shouldn’t be happening. I don’t agree with it.

“Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. That’s how I feel. I’m probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I’m p——- off right now.”