Greg Norman, a LIV Golf player, posted two photos to social media of himself in a private plane, one while he read and the other as he gazed meditatively out the window. The caption was: “Books, the training weights for the mind — Epictetus.”
It was meticulously staged, implying a confident captain of industry, as per his usual every-waking hour. Norman could have spent more time curating selfies than he did scrolling to Epictetus’ quote — or his transcribing student Arrian. The Greek Stoic never left any writings. “Neither should a vessel rely on one small anchor nor should life depend on one hope.
Norman’s LIV Golf is protected by a single anchor: the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The PIF is a great ally when it comes to the ability to throw money after bad. Norman’s trademark delusional enthusiasm masquerading to unstoppable momentum is what Norman brings to LIV’s second-season. But he should be concerned that California’s Northern District legal developments could cause that wealthy anchor to lose him.
This past week was filled with disappointments that the flaxen-haired finger puppet had never experienced other than at Augusta National.
The court rejected arguments made by Yasir Al Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi investment fund, and that they shouldn’t have to comply discovery requests in LIV’s antitrust case against the PGA Tour. Saudi lawyers claimed that submitting documents or to a deposition would violate sovereign immunity. This would also put at risk Al-Rumayyan who has no illusions about his mercurial brutality as Crown Prince. Al-Rumayyan participates in decision-making, and the Fund holds 93% of LIV (while covering 100% of its costs), so the pretext of being an investor was discredited and they were forced to comply.
On February 21, Judge Beth Labson Freeman granted Tour’s request for Al-Rumayyan to be added as co-defendants in LIV’s countersuit that alleges interferences with player contracts. The Saudi Fund and its chief cannot rebut the court’s jurisdiction as they are now parties to the litigation. Within hours, the Kingdom indicated that it would file an amicus brief supporting, well, itself, this entire justice concept.
It is not difficult to understand why Saudi Arabia refuses to comply with America’s permissive discovery procedure. Even though the court has set strict guidelines for discovery, there is still a risk that PIF investments, both known and stolen, will be subject to scrutiny and exposure. Al-Rumayyan might find this a prohibitive price to pay in order to continue underwriting Norman’s foolishness.
This litigation is necessary to prove that Norman’s players were not banned by the PGA Tour. They also believed that they would be allowed to play LIV events at any Tour stop they choose. Norman’s promises dissolve faster than Zsa Zsa Gabriel’s (Google her, children).
The promise of major broadcast rights became a gift to a small network whose affiliates prefer Judge Judy reruns over tournament action. One shipping company was left out of the promised blue-chip sponsor stampede. Seven star players were signed, including Danny Lee and Dean Burmester. These two would not be considered top-drawers in a one-drawer industry. The promised frenzy in off-season trading between teams such as Majesticks and RangeGoats only led to the sad realization that a business aimed at young people is now a captive to middle-aged marketing dorks.
Norman is no wonder he has started to quote a Stoic who believed events were beyond our control and that it was our responsibility to accept what comes our way.
There are deadlines by which Saudis must demonstrate a good faith effort in meeting their legal obligations. However, the likelihood that Al-Rumayyan or the Public Investment Fund will submit to probing by PGA Tour attorneys is almost the same as Norman getting his green jacket. LIV’s antitrust case could be withdrawn or dismissed. This would leave players on Greg’s Gilligan’s Island as well as force a reckoning about the Saudi commitment to a product which can’t gain traction on the only market that can provide serious commercial viability.
Sharks have a blind spot in front of their noses so it is not surprising that Norman marched into federal court declaring victory before the ink dried on his false claims. He must now understand the predicament he has put his employer in. Al-Rumayyan thanks to Norman is now learning that the U.S. judiciary system doesn’t give MBS agents the same untrammeled latitude as they are used to at home or in Turkish consulates.
