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LIV Golf and the PGA Tour announced a merger, putting an end to the public media feud between the two organizations as well as withdrawal of a growing number of lawsuits against the Saudi-backed LIV. The decision leaves many questions about ethics, morals and principles.

For Don Heider, professor and chief executive of the Ethics Center at Santa Clara University, the answer is clear.

“People will take a principle stand when they don’t have principles,” Heider said. “It’s remarkable what money will do.”

Based on the Saudi government’s principles and violent history, Heider said, “there is no moral ambiguity here” considering their “abominable track record.” As a result, he believes, Saudi Arabia is participating in “sportswashing” – the concept that through sport, they might be attempting to improve their worldwide reputation.

Don Heider, executive director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, quoted by Cronkite News.