PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — The man driving NBC Sports analyst Roger Maltbie’s golf cart at the U.S. Open was taken into custody Saturday after a state trooper said the driver ignored instructions to stay put, then hit the officer with the cart.
North Carolina Highway Patrol spokeswoman Pam Walker says Tommy Lineberry was taken to the Moore County jail and charged.
Walker says the charge was not immediately available but adds that paperwork will be available Sunday.
An official at the jail says Lineberry was not in custody Saturday night and had no further details.
NBC Sports is aware of the incident but declined further comment.
Maltbie was walking with the final group of Martin Kaymer and Brendon Todd. Lineberry’s job is to drive Maltbie to get in position for the next shots.
An Associated Press reporter who witnessed the incident heard Lineberry tell the trooper, “I’m supposed to get the cart to Roger.”
“When a state trooper tells you to stop, THAT’S what you’re supposed to do,” the trooper responded, inches from Lineberry’s face.
The trooper was holding traffic behind a walkway as the players teed off on the 11th hole. He told Lineberry that the cart struck his leg. The trooper asked for any the names of witnesses, and three people in the gallery immediately handed him their business cards.
The trooper ran after and then collared Lineberry, quickly placing him in handcuffs.
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