Patrick Reed responds to allegations of cheating

Patrick Reed issued a statement to Golf Channel today, responding to a book excerpt containing accusations by former college teammates that he had cheated and stolen.

Patrick Reed responded earlier today to allegations made in a recently released excerpt from an upcoming book. In a statement released by his management team at IMG, Reed said,

“The accusations that were made against me are serious and were intended to damage my reputation and character. They will not be taken lightly. My team and my representatives are looking into all aspects of this matter, and we look forward to setting the record straight." “For now, I’m staying focused on my life in the present and being the best husband, father and golfer I can be.”

The unofficial excerpt comes from an upcoming book by author Shane Ryan about young PGA Tour players, to be titled "Slaying the Tiger: A year inside the ropes on the new PGA Tour." The sample in question is taken from a section of the book focussing on Reed, unflatteringly entitled: “The Villain.”

In the excerpt, Ryan speaks of Reed’s allegedly turbulent youth and his strained relationship with his parents. The most controversial section, however, relates to when he was at the University of Georgia and features accusations of cheating and stealing against Reed by former college teammates.

Four-time PGA Tour winner Patrick Reed has raised eyebrows a couple of times in recent years.  Last March, he told NBC that he believed he was a “top-5 player in the world.” That rustled a few feathers. So too did his gesture to fans during the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles when he put his finger to his lips, “shushing” the galleries after holing a putt. Some have viewed those words and actions as a touch arrogant and antagonistic, others have seen them simply as youthful exuberance and confidence.