Rocco Mediate's Pool Cleaner Prank Gets Johnny Miller's 'Greatest Comeback' Label
During the 2008 U.S. Open, NBC analyst Johnny Miller sparked controversy by saying Rocco Mediate "looks like the guy who cleans Tiger's swimming pool" and that "guys with the name of 'Rocco' don't get on the trophy." While some Italian-American groups took offense, Mediate himself wasn't bothered by the comments.
When Miller called to apologize after Mediate's 19-hole playoff with Woods, Mediate brushed it off. He even defended Miller when Italian-American groups pushed for consequences, threatening to skip an award ceremony if they pursued action against Miller.
Mediate crafted the perfect response later that year at Miller's pro-scratch event in Utah. Before being introduced at the pre-tournament gala, Mediate gathered pool cleaning equipment and dressed the part - khakis rolled up, shoes off, T-shirt on, with PVC pipe and cleaning nets.
The room erupted in laughter when Mediate emerged in his pool cleaner costume. Miller, thoroughly impressed by the prank, declared it "the greatest comeback he's ever seen."
This playful resolution showed how Mediate handled potentially controversial situations with humor and grace, turning what could have been a contentious moment into a memorable laugh between colleagues.
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