r also scored for the Chiefs (3-0-0). Luke Harrison spoiled Garrett Hughsons shutout bid with a power-play goal at 13:17 of the thir

TROON, Scotland -- For a little over an hour on Tuesday afternoon here at Royal Troon, the player interview room became a repository for cautiously dancing around an issue and for stomping all over it. For tiptoeing through eggshells and for spitting straight fire. For remaining wholly image-conscious and lapsing into I-dont-give-a-you-know-what mode.With the 145th Open Championship set to begin in less than 48 hours, two of the games biggest stars sat down in front of the assembled media and were largely grilled not about the games oldest major championship, but about the upcoming Olympics -- an event neither will be playing.First up was Jordan Spieth, whod just withdrawn his name from Olympics consideration one day earlier. He answered an initial softball about returning to The Open, then punctuated his response by knowingly adding with a coy smile: I can already see, by far, thats going to be the easiest question I receive.It was. He was immediately asked about the burden of his decision, the pressure hed received to compete and why he came to that conclusion. Spieth explained that health concerns and other risk factors of playing in Rio de Janeiro ultimately led to his withdrawal.He then offered comments that would bring a proud tear to the eye of any PR flak.This was probably the hardest decision Ive ever had to make in my life. ... Im very passionate and very much a supporter of the Olympics and Olympic golf. ... I certainly hope they vote to keep it, because I believe it can be very beneficial for the game and I would love to be a part of benefiting the game with it.At one point, Spieth was even self-aware enough to acknowledge his hand movements, saying hed better sit still or theyd be misconstrued in photographs.It was clear that he understood this was an unpopular decision but fully intended to emerge from it with his public image still intact. He might have declined an invitation to the wedding, but he still wanted to send a nice present with the RSVP.If there was a controversial comment during the proceedings, even that was masked by Spieths insistence that this was a personal choice.Im making the decision of what I think is best for me, he said. I dont feel like I have to carry the torch -- see what I did there? -- for the sport or anyone else. This is bigger than that for me personally.Not long after Spieth finished, Rory McIlroy sat down in the same chair and offered a contradictory approach to answering similar questions.It was three weeks ago when McIlroy made his decision to eschew the Olympics, citing fears over the Zika virus. Up to that point, hed been in favor of golfs inclusion; after his announcement, he softened on the idea, though still contested that more top players would be competing if the tournament was being held elsewhere.On Tuesday, he didnt pull any punches.I dont feel like Ive let the game down at all, he said of his decision. I didnt get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win major championships. All of a sudden, you get to this point and there is a responsibility on you to grow the game and I get that. But at the same time, thats not the reason that I got into golf. I got into golf to win. I didnt get into golf to get other people into the game.This was a stark departure from just a few months earlier, when McIlroy specifically said of his Olympics inclusion, I feel like I have a responsibility to grow the game.Not only did he shift gears this time, he clearly wasnt worried about the public reaction.He continued: Ill probably watch the Olympics, but Im not sure golf will be one of the events I watch. ... [Ill] probably [watch] the events like track and field, swimming, diving -- the stuff that matters.The stuff that matters.Unlike Spieths delicate attempt to convey golfs relevance in the Olympics without his participation, McIlroy stuck a knife in the back of the event and twisted it. Hard.The ensuing public outrage and social media uproar over McIlroys comments in comparison to the general malaise surrounding those of Spieth are less because of what he said than how he said it. If Spieth launched a high fade that landed like a butterfly with sore feet. Then, McIlroy opted for a penetrating stinger that bounded relentlessly into the gallery.Theres no right or wrong answer here. Theres no specific blueprint for these players to speak their minds about the Olympics or any other issue.From tiptoeing through eggshells to spitting fire, two of the games biggest stars took two severely different approaches toward voicing their feelings. On this afternoon, the dichotomy between them was shocking.Nike Air Pegasus Sale . -- Matt Kuchar and Harris English ran away with the Franklin Templeton Shootout, shooting a 14-under 58 on Sunday in the final-round scramble to break the tournament course record. Air Jordan 29 Sale .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward James Neal on injured reserve Tuesday. https://www.wholesaleshoesforcheap.com/yeezy-sale/ .C. - The Carolina Hurricanes have placed backup goalie Anton Khudobin on injured reserve with an unspecified lower-body injury. Air Max 2004 Sale . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. Nike Dunk Sale . Mitch Holmberg added a goal and three assists. Connor Chartier also scored for the Chiefs (3-0-0). Luke Harrison spoiled Garrett Hughsons shutout bid with a power-play goal at 13:17 of the third period. The Spokane goaltender finished with 28 saves, including a Brandon Fushimi penalty shot in the second period that would have tied the game 1-1.TEQUESTA, Fla. -- Charles Howell III has removed his name from the alternate list at the British Open because of a medical procedure that will sideline him for about a month.With two more players withdrawing Wednesday, Howell would have been next in line for Royal Troon next week.Howells management company, 4Sports & Entertainment, did not say what the procedure was except that it was not major. It said Howelll will be out of competition for four to five weeks and hopes to return in time for the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs on Aug.dddddddddddd 25 at The Barclays.Howell is No. 31 in the FedEx Cup.He has five top 10s this season and has moved up 50 spots in the world ranking to No. 87. ' ' '