Tensions are running high among fans of golf influencer and media personality Paige Spiranac, as her public support of college basketball star Lamont Butler amid his recent controversies has sparked a wave of division within her loyal following.
The uproar began after Spiranac took to social media to defend Butler, who has faced backlash over an altercation with a teammate and alleged violations of team conduct at San Diego State. While the full details remain under investigation, Butler’s behavior has been widely debated in the sports world.
In a now-viral post, Spiranac wrote: “Everyone makes mistakes. Lamont’s a great athlete and an even better person. Let’s not be so quick to cancel someone without the full story.”
The comment drew mixed reactions from her millions of followers. Some applauded her for standing by an athlete during a difficult time, praising her loyalty and compassion. Others, however, criticized her for what they saw as a “tone-deaf” take, accusing her of overlooking the seriousness of the allegations.
“She’s always been outspoken, but this one doesn’t sit right,” one follower commented. Another posted, “Respect to Paige for sticking her neck out — not everyone would.”
Spiranac has since addressed the backlash, saying in a follow-up video: *“I understand why people are upset, but my intention wasn’t to excuse anything — just to remind people that we’re all human.”*
Meanwhile, Butler has yet to make a public statement beyond a brief apology issued through the school’s athletic department. The university is still conducting its internal review, and a decision on any potential disciplinary action is expected within the week.
With both fanbases watching closely, the situation continues to unfold — and it’s clear that the intersection of sports, social media, and public opinion remains as unpredictable as ever.
