A recent article published based on a phone excerpt has been troubling Phil Mickelson lately. He had revealed his intention of using the Saudi-backed Golf League to reshape the PGA Tour. His comments against PGA Tour Commissioner also had backfired. Although Lefty had apologized for his actions, the golf world has yet to forgive the golfer. And Charles Barkley thinks it is time for everyone to forgive the golfer.

In the latest episode of The Steam Room podcast, Barkley shared his takeaway from the Mickelson controversy. He said, “Phil Mickelson is my friend. Phil Mickelson is wrong. He apologized, I accept his apology.” Barkley explained that people say things that are wrong. People also make mistakes, but others have to accept if they apologize.

He added that he has been reading and watching the others criticize Mickelson. And some of them were “excessive.” Charles further added, “Like I said, he was wrong, but once you apologize, that’s all you can do as a person.”

Barkley said the other golfers have no right to criticize Lefty!

According to the NBA player turned Analyst, the other golfers who played at the Saudi International have no right to criticize Mickelson. He said, “You didn’t care about their human rights when you were getting paid like two weeks ago.” 

Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau have recently disclosed that they will stay with the PGA Tour. However, they haven’t said anything related to Lefty yet. Both have played at the Saudi International this year. Johnson finished 8th in the rankings while DeChambeau withdrew due to injuries.

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Charles explained that since the Lefty is a good friend of his, he called the golfer after the controversies rose. According to him, Mickelson was not alright. 

Barkley stated that there had been no other golfer, except for Tiger Woods, who has been more devoted to the sport than Mickelson in the last 30 years. He added, “Tiger- one and Phil- two, so just forgive the man and keep it moving.”

The friendship between Phil Mickelson and Barkley

Barkley has been friends with Phil and his wife Amy for a long time. The sports entities met through Amy, who used to do cheerleading for NBA games. The friendship then led to both of them playing a golf tournament, ‘The Match,’ for charity purposes.

What do you think of Barkley’s comments on Mickelson’s situation? Do you think it is time to forgive what the golfer said and move forward? Let us know!

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