John Daly sued the Florida Times-Union and its Web site, contending he was defamed by a columnist who called the golfer a thug who allegedly beats women.
Columnist Mike Freeman's article appeared during the Player's Championship in March. It discusses Daly's past and how fans continue to cheer for the former British Open and US PGA champion who has battled problems with alcohol, weight and his temper.
Daly, 39, is suing over statements that he is "accused of smacking women around" and he has "Thug Life qualifications" and "a rap sheet that would make R. Jay Soward look like a Backstreet Boy."
Soward was drafted in 2000 as a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was suspended for repeated violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
The suit was filed July 26 in Duval County Circuit Court and seeks an unspecified amount in excess of US$15,000 -- the minimum for filing a circuit court suit -- and a jury trial.
"The statements in the Times-Union [column] were not true. We are pursuing the lawsuit vigorously and intend to seek punitive damages," said Lydia Jones, Daly's attorney.
Times-Union editor Pat Yack defended Freeman and his March 25 column.
"It's regrettable that Mr. Daly has taken this step. Mike Freeman is a fine journalist. We stand by his work and his column," Yack said.
The Times-Union and its Web site, Jacksonville.com, and their owners, Morris Publishing Group of Augusta, Georgia, were named in the suit. Freeman is being sued personally.
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