According to multiple media reports, one of the driving forces behind the PGA of America’s move from Florida to Texas has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested on suspicion of assault.
Darrell Crall, the chief operating officer for PGA of America, was arrested on Nov. 24, according to a report in the Denton (Texas) Record-Chronicle.
Crall, 53, is accused of assault family violence impeding breath or circulation, a third-degree felony alleging someone purposely prevented someone from breathing or prevented their blood circulation.
“Darrell made us aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously,” a spokesperson for PGA of America told the Record-Chronicle for the piece written by staff writer Zaira Perez. “He has been placed on administrative leave while the judicial process runs its course. We have no further comment.”
According to the story, Denton County records show Crall posted a $15,000 bond on Nov. 25.
An attorney, David Ovard of Frisco, Texas, released a statement to Morning Read, which also reported the story, saying: “Please know that Darrell has full faith in the legal system and expects that when all the facts are known, the truth – that no crime occurred – is something everyone will understand. In addition, the person who initially made a complaint has since recanted all of the allegations and doesn’t want this matter to be involved in the legal system. Darrell expects to be fully exonerated.”
The PGA of America will be moving its headquarters to Frisco from South Florida, relocating to a $520 million development that will include two golf courses and host the PGA Championship.
The move is expected to be completed by August of 2022, with only slight delays during the pandemic.
Currently located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the PGA of America has had plans to employ at least 100 people at the new headquarters when completed.
The PGA Championship will be held on one of the two new courses in 2027 and 2034. The Senior PGA Championship and Women’s PGA Championship will be held there twice, in addition to a possible Ryder Cup.
Frisco is about 20 miles north of Dallas. “Sports City USA” already plays host to FC Dallas of MLS, the Dallas Cowboys training facility, the team headquarters and practice site for the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers’ Class AA affiliate.
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