TROON, Scotland -- For a little over an hour on Tuesday afternoon here at Royal Troon, the player interview room became a repository for cautiously dancing around an issue and for stomping all over it. For tiptoeing through eggshells and for spitting straight fire. For remaining wholly image-conscious and lapsing into I-dont-give-a-you-know-what mode.With the 145th Open Championship set to begin in less than 48 hours, two of the games biggest stars sat down in front of the assembled media and were largely grilled not about the games oldest major championship, but about the upcoming Olympics -- an event neither will be playing.First up was Jordan Spieth, whod just withdrawn his name from Olympics consideration one day earlier. He answered an initial softball about returning to The Open, then punctuated his response by knowingly adding with a coy smile: I can already see, by far, thats going to be the easiest question I receive.It was. He was immediately asked about the burden of his decision, the pressure hed received to compete and why he came to that conclusion. Spieth explained that health concerns and other risk factors of playing in Rio de Janeiro ultimately led to his withdrawal.He then offered comments that would bring a proud tear to the eye of any PR flak.This was probably the hardest decision Ive ever had to make in my life. ... Im very passionate and very much a supporter of the Olympics and Olympic golf. ... I certainly hope they vote to keep it, because I believe it can be very beneficial for the game and I would love to be a part of benefiting the game with it.At one point, Spieth was even self-aware enough to acknowledge his hand movements, saying hed better sit still or theyd be misconstrued in photographs.It was clear that he understood this was an unpopular decision but fully intended to emerge from it with his public image still intact. He might have declined an invitation to the wedding, but he still wanted to send a nice present with the RSVP.If there was a controversial comment during the proceedings, even that was masked by Spieths insistence that this was a personal choice.Im making the decision of what I think is best for me, he said. I dont feel like I have to carry the torch -- see what I did there? -- for the sport or anyone else. This is bigger than that for me personally.Not long after Spieth finished, Rory McIlroy sat down in the same chair and offered a contradictory approach to answering similar questions.It was three weeks ago when McIlroy made his decision to eschew the Olympics, citing fears over the Zika virus. Up to that point, hed been in favor of golfs inclusion; after his announcement, he softened on the idea, though still contested that more top players would be competing if the tournament was being held elsewhere.On Tuesday, he didnt pull any punches.I dont feel like Ive let the game down at all, he said of his decision. I didnt get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win major championships. All of a sudden, you get to this point and there is a responsibility on you to grow the game and I get that. But at the same time, thats not the reason that I got into golf. I got into golf to win. I didnt get into golf to get other people into the game.This was a stark departure from just a few months earlier, when McIlroy specifically said of his Olympics inclusion, I feel like I have a responsibility to grow the game.Not only did he shift gears this time, he clearly wasnt worried about the public reaction.He continued: Ill probably watch the Olympics, but Im not sure golf will be one of the events I watch. ... [Ill] probably [watch] the events like track and field, swimming, diving -- the stuff that matters.The stuff that matters.Unlike Spieths delicate attempt to convey golfs relevance in the Olympics without his participation, McIlroy stuck a knife in the back of the event and twisted it. Hard.The ensuing public outrage and social media uproar over McIlroys comments in comparison to the general malaise surrounding those of Spieth are less because of what he said than how he said it. If Spieth launched a high fade that landed like a butterfly with sore feet. Then, McIlroy opted for a penetrating stinger that bounded relentlessly into the gallery.Theres no right or wrong answer here. Theres no specific blueprint for these players to speak their minds about the Olympics or any other issue.From tiptoeing through eggshells to spitting fire, two of the games biggest stars took two severely different approaches toward voicing their feelings. On this afternoon, the dichotomy between them was shocking. Tom Owen Jersey . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. Steve Bono Jersey . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. http://www.custompatriotsjersey.com/custom-paul-hofer-jersey-large-1441f.html . Perez, 35, posted a 1-2 record with a 3.69 earned-run average in 19 relief appearances last season. His season ended Aug. 9 due to a torn ligament in his left elbow. Perez joins infielder Andy LaRoche and catcher Mike Nickeas with minor-league agreements for 2014 that include invitations to attend spring training. Bruce Armstrong Jersey . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Jeff Kemp Jersey . Louis Cardinals. Victorino is batting sixth and playing right field after missing two games because of back tightness. MILAN -- Police say 12 Sparta Prague fans were arrested for clashes during a Europa League match at Inter Milan.The fans were accused of assaulting stadium security stewards at the end of the first half.Inter, which had already been eliminated, won Thursdays match 2-1. Sparta had already won Group K.Police say the fans kicked and punched stewards guarding an exit ramp, injuring 16 stewards.The 12 arrested fans were released from custody on Friday after the charges were processed.dddddddddddd Nearly all of the fans denied participating in the clash.A trial date has not been set yet.Also this week, four Dinamo Zagreb fans were arrested for clashing with police before a Champions League match against Juventus in Turin. ' ' '