Former Ryder Cup Vice Captain Phil Mickelson Makes a Case For His ‘Integrity’ in Light of $1B Betting Allegations: ‘I Would Never…’

Phil Mickelson is known in the golf fraternity for his outspoken nature and his stellar career record. Ever since Mickelson defected to LIV Golf, he has been a very vocal advocate of the Saudi-backed league. The golfer has always taken a stand for what he thought was right and has never shied away from presenting his side of the story.

Well, this time is no different! The golfer recently was accused of some severe betting allegations from his past, in his old friend Billy Walters’ upcoming book. The golfer presented a statement in which he spoke about the alleged claims that are being pinned on him.

Phil Mickelson issues a statement amid the staggering betting remarks

Billy Walters, a professional gambler from Las Vegas, has written a book, ‘Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk’, that’s all set to release very soon. According to the book, Mickelson had bet almost $1 billion in the three decades of gambling and lost around $100 million. Not a $40 million loss as reported earlier.

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Another serious allegation in the book against the 2021 Ryder Cup Vice-Captain is that he tried to wager $400,000 on the USA team during the 2012 Ryder Cup, and shockingly the golfer himself was part of the American team that year. The 6X major champion is currently in Bedminster for the LIV Golf event and has refused to speak to the media. But, he did release a statement wherein he spoke what he wanted to.

According to Sports Illustrated, in Mickelson’s statement, he said, “I never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game.” Extending his statement, the 53-year-old said that he has been very open about his gambling addiction and has never tried to hide it. He talked about his past experience with gambling and said that he took full responsibility for his actions, and got the necessary help.

Lefty also talked about his being fully committed to the therapy which has impacted him positively and put him in a good space right now. Although the golf veteran gave the required clarifications, his words did not sit right with a PGA Tour loyalist, Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy swipes Mickelson for the betting allegations

Mickelson’s statement had no impact on the Irish golfer as he did not refrain from sharing his two cents about Lefty’s allegations. After his first round in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the golfer sat down with the media and shared his thoughts about the widespread claims.

The Northern Irishman said that Mickelson can bet this year on the Ryder Cup as he won’t be a part of the US team. The 34-year-old has always been a PGA Tour loyalist, but he has limited his media presence ever since the PGA Tour-PIF agreement. What do you think of Phil Mickelson’s statement against the ongoing claims against him? Let us know in the comments below!

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