'SICKENED BY IT': PGA-LIV merger worries senators with Saudi Arabia's human rights record in the backdrop

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators on Capitol Hill expressed concerns over the PGA Tour’s merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf, particularly over human rights in the Middle Eastern nation.

"I was really sickened by it. I thought the PGA was taking a principled stand," Sen. Tim Kaine told Fox News. "When I saw the news yesterday, I was really disappointed because it seems they set aside all the human rights objections that they had and just decided ‘okay, well, we can make more money if we go a different direction.'"

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"Values don’t have price tags, and you out to stand for your values," the Virginia Democrat added.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal called ther merger "craven, blatant sportswashing."

"I am disappointed and even outraged by the PGA's sellout," the Connecticut Democrat said. "The PGA out to be ashamed, and it's leadership, frankly, has lost all credibility, certainly all moral authority."

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Tiger Woods turned down an offer between $700 million and $800 million to join LIV Golf. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

The PGA Tour, a nonprofit, and LIV announced the surprise merger Tuesday, ending months of intense litigation. Activists and a bipartisan swath of lawmakers criticized the agreement over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, while others, including former President Trump and Phil Mickelson, praised the deal.

Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, said he wants to see the details of the agreement and ensure "there are no antitrust concerns." Blumenthal also questioned whether there was an antitrust violation and said Congress may have an oversight role.

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