The Disastrous Dustin Johnson ESPN Interview...

I've seen the negative social media and comment references to Dustin Johnson’s chat with ESPN's top interviewer, Tom Rinaldi, and having watched the four minute chat I understand the lack of empathy for Johnson as he returns from his "leave of absence."

Chalk this one up as a horrible bit of stage puppetry to Johnson's agent, David Winkle, who mysteriously thought the public would buy the story of a vacation and nothing more. Johnson, who is undoubtedly an immense talent but by no means a wordsmith, has a good heart. But throwing him in front of a camera and taking tough questions from a pro like Rinaldi? He has zero chance. In the court of public opinion, even one that rarely sides with the media, Johnson’s stance of innocence will not hold up to golf.com's multi-sourced story suggesting a drug suspension.

Also of note is the bizarro on-course footage shot at Sherwood Country Club of Johnson, including a shot with a crowd reaction and Johnson playing to them. Who is that reacting? Friends? Family? The caddies?

The entire thing matches the lameness of the Sears catalog shot in the SI package. File it all under textbook examples of "how not to return from your suspension" stuff here: