The man who helped end 86 years of failure for the Boston Red Sox is trying to keep a low profile.
Terry Francona abruptly backed out of a golf tournament that was planned in his honor. The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports "Thank You Terry Francona Day" was scrapped when Tito let the host golf club know he won't attend.
Members of the International in Bolton, Mass. were informed that Francona said no to the event "due to the current hostile media environment."
The former Red Sox manager has been roasted on sports radio and blogs over reports his players were drinking beer in the clubhouse and eating fried chicken during games as the worst September collapse in the history of Major League Baseball unfolded.
The Boston Globe reported the Red Sox believed Francona was distracted during the 2011 season because of a separation from his wife of more than 30 years and his use of pain medication.
A total of 160 golfers had agreed to pay $225 each to play in the golf event, which was set to benefit cancer research.
Francona last appeared publicly when he filled in for Tim McCarver on FOX TV's coverage of ALCS Games 1 and 2 in Texas.
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