Households of those that tragically misplaced their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, have each proper to be indignant as soon as once more this week—per week by which the larger New York space, and america as a complete, is remembered to “By no means Neglect.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, someday earlier than the twenty third anniversary of essentially the most devastating terrorist assaults in American historical past, PGA Tour brass held conferences with members of the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF), LIV Golf’s beneficiary, in New York. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach initially reported the information of those discussions going down this week.
The report signifies that Tiger Woods and Adam Scott are current for these negotiations. PGA Tour Enterprises chairman Joe Gorder, who can also be the Government Chairman of Valero, and Fenway Sports activities Group proprietor John W. Henry are additionally concerned in these discussions.
“Tomorrow, we commemorate the twenty third anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, but right here we’re as we speak, in New York Metropolis, down the road from Floor Zero, and the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods are negotiating with them,” mentioned Brett Eagleson, who misplaced his father John within the assaults and now serves as President of 9/11 Justice, in an announcement on Tuesday.
“As has been confirmed in the previous couple of weeks by CBS Information reporting, the Saudi Arabian authorities performed a task within the horrific assaults of 9/11. It’s disgusting, unacceptable, and extremely painful that the Tour and Woods would do that—particularly now.”
Fifteen of the 19 hijackers within the 9/11 assaults have been Saudi residents, which explains why 9/11 households have vehemently protested towards LIV Golf since its inception. Those self same households additionally voiced their disapproval throughout three separate Senate hearings over the previous 14 months and proceed to take action.
However as time goes on, increasingly proof continues to emerge about Saudi Arabia’s function within the 9/11 assaults.
As Eagleson alluded to, a CBS Information report from June 2024 features a newly launched video by which a Saudi intelligence operative, Omar al-Bayoumi, references a “plan” for an assault. Inside this tape, al-Bayoumi even mentioned the place to strike the U.S. Capitol constructing, the presumed goal for Flight 93.
“This footage is damning proof that an official agent of the Saudi Arabian authorities was complicit within the association and finishing up of the homicide of two,977 harmless women and men on September 11, 2001,” Eagleson mentioned after this video grew to become public.
“The main focus should stay on the complicity of the Saudi Authorities in these heinous acts. It’s lastly time for Saudi Arabia to be held accountable.”
The Biden Administration launched de-classified paperwork in early 2024 that point out Saudi authorities workers aided the attackers within the months and years main as much as that horrific day.
Plus, the Saudi Kingdom has a horrible historical past of human rights abuses, has subjugated girls, facilitated a civil battle in Yemen, and murdered Washington Submit reporter Jamal Khashoggi. This authorities additionally controls all media and restricts any freedoms inside its press and amongst its residents.
On prime of that, PIF Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan, who unveiled the preliminary framework settlement alongside PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan in June 2023, faces a $74 million lawsuit in Canadian court docket. Al-Rumayyan allegedly carried “out the directions” from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to hurt, silence, and finally destroy the household of Saudi Arabia’s former intelligence chief, Dr. Saad Aljabri.
Nevertheless, the PIF has greater than $700 billion in belongings and has invested north of $1 billion in LIV Golf’s launch. It has investments in nearly each business, lots of that are in america. Look no additional than its not too long ago introduced plans to create a $40 billion fund for Synthetic Intelligence (AI), per Time Journal.
The Saudi Arabian Kingdom is aware of that oil—its most necessary export—is a depreciating asset. So, it has felt obligated to diversify its financial system by means of investments in every part from Newcastle United within the English Premier League to synthetic intelligence and Twitter to aviation. And these strikes have labored.
No surprise bin Salman mentioned he would “proceed to sportswash,” with LIV Golf being an ideal instance. This apply helps the Saudi financial system whereas bettering its stature on the world stage regardless of its precarious historical past.
Regardless, representatives from the PGA Tour and the PIF proceed to work in the direction of an settlement that might maybe unite males’s skilled golf as soon as once more. The tour additionally hopes a deal would see the PIF be part of the Strategic Sports activities Group (SSG) as one other billion-dollar investor.
But, Eagleson and a whole lot of different households proceed to combat on, though the anniversary of the worst day of their lives is unfortunately now upon them.
“Former President Donald Trump and present Vice President Kamala Harris will tour the 9/11 memorials tomorrow,” Eagleson added.
“We implore they tackle the brand new proof that has not too long ago come to gentle exhibiting Saudi authorities help for the 9/11 assaults.”
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. Make sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
