Earlier this week, GolfWRX reported on a defamation case issued by Patrick Reed ‘against Golf Channel and analyst Brandel Chamblee, alleging that they “have conspired as joint tortfeasors for and with the PGA Tour, its executives and its Commissioner Jay Monahan, to engage in a pattern and practice of defaming Mr Reed. misreporting information with falsity and/or reckless disregard for the truth.”’

• Related: In one defamation lawyer’s analysis, Patrick Reed’s lawsuit ‘has zero legal merit and will not succeed’

For students of the sport, the accusations read like much of what we have read or heard over the years, but Rick Reilly has gone to town.

• Related: Will Zalatoris condemns former mentor’s obscene attack on NBC pair

On Saturday, the member of the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame tweeted an open message to the 2018 Masters Champion, sarcastically supporting Reed against the long-time anti-LIV commentator, while also alleging that he had an unpleasant nickname on Tour: “Table for one.”

I agree Patrick Reed! That's so mean for Brandel Chamblee to point out all the times you've been caught bending the rules. Or to mention how you won't speak to your family. Or how your nickname on the #PGATOUR is Table For One. People shouldn't bring stuff like that up!

— Rick Reilly (@ReillyRick) August 20, 2022

It’s not nice to read, causing a mini-storm on Twitter, with some more critical of Reilly than Reed for the post.

Pointing out an amendment to the original tweet, one respondent asked, “Notice that you censored your own tweet to protect yourself… there is a huge difference between saying bending rules and calling somebody a cheater. Speaking in his or anybody’s family is awful and giving nasty nicknames is bullying. You’re not on the moral high ground here.”

Others pointed out the pettiness in all this: “What a waste of time, as if any court will lean any direction in a case because “nobody likes him”. Are we in grade school?” and, “It’s really crazy how passionate people are about someone’s else’s life. Mind your own f____g business and this works would be a much better place. I believe you’re an American right Rick? Enough said..nothing to brag about.”

Having been involved in golf reporting and betting for several years, 2022 has been unique in so many ways. Some aspects have become more nasty and vitriolic than ever before. And I’m not sure it has ended yet.

More from the 19th Hole

• Justin Thomas slams Will Zalatoris’ mentor for ‘egregious and aggressive’ tweets attacking NBC duo
• LPGA blasted over ‘outright offensive’ provisions at Q-School event despite scorching heat
• Controversial ESPN host says he’s ‘disgusted’ by Tiger Woods in unpopular rant