Golf: Daly in 'thug' fight

Golfer John Daly is suing The Florida Times-Union and its website, contending he was defamed by a columnist who called him a thug who allegedly beats women.

Mike Freeman's article appeared during The Player's Championship in March. It discusses 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 has "Thug Life qualifications" and "a rap sheet that would make R. Jay Soward look like a Backstreet Boy".

Soward was drafted in 2000 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was suspended for repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy.