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CBS Sports journalist Amanda Balionis subtly hit back at her critics by donning a baseball cap with the word "chill" boldly displayed, after facing criticism for what some saw as an indirect dig at Rory McIlroy on her social media channels. While covering the recent PGA Championship, Balionis became the subject of conversation when she touched upon the contentious topic of five-time major winner McIlroy skipping press duties.

McIlroy had avoided media interactions for four consecutive days at the Quail Hollow event, and it appeared that Balionis referenced this during a live interview with golfer Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy's absence from the media spotlight turned into a prominent narrative of the PGA Championship, which Balionis confronted directly.

After the Championship, she took to social media to thank those players who did engage with the media, posting: "Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss. Simply a reminder that no one is obliged to talk, it's a choice. And to bring us in after coming so close to a career accomplishment is awesome for the viewer."

In response to what seemed to be criticism, Balionis posted a video of esteemed actress Kerry Washington, along with the caption: "I don't really take criticism to heart from people I don't admire and respect."

With a cheeky nod to her critics, the TV then recently posted a selfie wearing a "chill" baseball cap, accompanied by a bold message that read: "Monday reminder for all my fellow recovering people pleasers. Needed this one today."

The controversy over McIlroy choosing not to participate in interviews prompted ex-Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley to express his disapproval on Golf Channel: "My view is very clear, I said it about Collin Morikawa and I'll say it about other players, I'll say it about Rory McIlroy, I don't like it when they don't do interviews."

"I don't think it's good for the game, I don't think it's good for their persona. Rory is very popular and you run the risk of undoing a lot of the popularity when you don't speak, whatever his reasons were."

McIlroy had previously weighed in on Morikawa's media snubs at Augusta National, saying: "Well he [Morikawa] is right, not that I think he could have worded it a little bit better."

"Look every other athlete whether it be in the NBA or NFL, they are obligated to speak to you guys after a game, and we're not."

McIlroy suggested that the PGA Tour might consider implementing rules requiring players to participate in post-game interviews, but until then, players would likely continue to opt out from time to time.

Shane Lowry has voiced his frustration over the short time frame between rounds and media obligations, insisting on a cooling-off period to compose himself: "I think we need time. I think I need half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts. I can't be coming to talk to you guys straightaway. It shouldn't be happening. I don't agree with it.

"Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. That's how I feel. I'm probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I'm p***ed off right now."