I’m not surprised by this latest revelation about Phil Mickelson. It’s almost laughable how the mainstream media has chosen to handle this scandal. Outlets like CNN and NBC would rather focus on the sensationalism of the story than on the actual implications of someone with Mickelson’s status behaving like a middle schooler who just discovered cell phones and privacy, or lack thereof.

It’s not just the “he said, she said” drama we’re used to; it’s an insight into a culture that enables obnoxious behavior. Can you imagine if this were a lesser-known athlete or a public figure who hasn’t racked up millions? They’d be crucified by that same media that currently seems too enamored with the “star power” of Mickelson to really dig into what this means for standards of conduct among celebrities. Instead, they choose to paint a picture of a fun-loving guy rather than peel back the layers on misogyny and lack of professional boundaries.

Meanwhile, Fox News will probably pivot to some debate about the morality of it all, sensationalizing both sides without genuinely addressing the power dynamics at play. They often highlight the “shock value” while conveniently hiding the implications surrounding professional ethics and mutual respect in relationships. No wonder the public is confused about accountability; our media isn’t even trying to hold these celebrities to any real standards.

What we truly need are fierce conversations about integrity and respect—even if they come at the expense of our beloved stars. It’s high time we demand more from our role models, both on and off the green.