Golf legend Phil Mickelson on Friday praised 26-year-old former U.S. Marine <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/daniel-penny" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daniel Penny</a>, who&#8217;s currently being tried in New York City for the death of Jordan Neely.
Penny restrained Neely on the NYC subway last year, after Neely, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/05/04/jordan-neely-had-history-of-mental-health-issues-before-subway-death/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a troubled man</a> with a lengthy criminal record and a history of mental health issues, allegedly threatened passengers.
Responding to a post that called Penny a &#8220;hero,&#8221; Mickelson wrote on X, &#8220;Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual. <a href="https://t.co/tUI5pe7pFV">https://t.co/tUI5pe7pFV</a>
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1865120282207490132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;Daniel Penny is a model citizen who should be praised by the city of New York,&#8221; the post Mickelson responded to said. &#8220;He is a breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.&#8221;
Collin Rugg, who authored the post, said Penny &#8220;put his own safety at risk to help others.&#8221;
&#8220;He didn&#8217;t cower or pull out his phone to film when Jordan Neely started threatening to k*ll people,&#8221; Rugg wrote. &#8220;Instead, he took it upon himself to protect subway passengers.&#8221;
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
&#8220;He was praised by the passengers on the train but was ridiculed by the city of New York,&#8221; the post continued. &#8220;He is the citizen that every mayor of every city should want more of. He is the person you hope is around if your loved ones&#8217; lives are being threatened.&#8221;
&#8220;Anyone who is quiet about this injustice lacks moral clarity and should take a long look in the mirror,&#8221; Rugg closed the post. &#8220;Daniel Penny is a hero.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Daniel Penny is a model citizen who should be praised by the city of New York.
He is a breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.
He puts his own safety at risk to help others.
He didn&#8217;t cower or pull out his phone to film when Jordan Neely started threatening… <a href="https://t.co/sSl74Mji0W">pic.twitter.com/sSl74Mji0W</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1865103248450818302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
Penny was controversially charged by liberal District Attorney Alvin Bragg with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in Neely’s death. During jury deliberations on Friday, however, the second-degree manslaughter charge was dismissed by the judge at the state&#8217;s request.
If convicted on the remaining count, Penny could serve up to four years behind bars.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/heres-why-the-state-dropped-top-charge-in-daniel-penny-case-and-why-defense-is-calling-foul" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here’s Why The State Dropped Top Charge In Daniel Penny Case, And Why Defense Is Calling Foul</a>

The American Express – Round Three

Golf Legend Phil Mickelson Praises ‘Hero’ Daniel Penny

Courts

Daniel Penny

Golf

Phil Mickelson

U.S.

Pro golfer Phil Mickelson shared details of his gambling addiction in a social media post on Monday, warning that gambling took him away from being with his loved ones.
Billy Walters, a well-known sports gambler who said that he knows about Mickelson&#8217;s bets over the years, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/10/golf-legend-phil-mickelson-wagered-more-than-1-billion-over-decades.html">estimated</a> that Mickelson has placed more than $1 billion in bets over a 30-year period and that he lost approximately $100 million.
Mickelson posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, that while many people will enjoy fantasy football with their friends and family this year, he will not because &#8220;I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn’t any fun at all.&#8221;
&#8220;The money wasn’t ever the issue since our financial security has never been threatened, but I was so distracted I wasn’t able to be present with the ones I love and caused a lot of harm,&#8221; Mickelson wrote. &#8220;This lack of presence has been so hurtful. &#8216;You’re here but you’re not with us,&#8217; is something I’ve been told often throughout my addiction. It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware or could fully understand.&#8221;
Mickelson likened the situation to having a hurricane going on outside and not being aware of it and then going outside and realizing the scale of damage and then wanting to go back inside and not deal with it.
&#8220;If you ever cross the line of moderation and enter into addiction, hopefully you won’t confuse your enablers as friends like I did,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Hopefully you won’t have to deal with these difficult moments publicly so others can profit off you like I have. But hopefully you WILL have a strong and supportive partner who is willing to help you through being your worst self, and through your worst moments like I have in Amy.&#8221;
Mickelson said that his wife has loved and supported him through his &#8220;darkest and most difficult times&#8221; and that he could not have gotten through it without her.
&#8220;I’m so grateful for her strength in helping us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Because of her love,support,and commitment, I’m back on track to being the person I want to be.&#8221;
&#8220;After many years of receiving professional help, not gambling, and being in recovery from my addictions, I’m now able to sit still, be present in the moment and live each day with an inner calm and peace,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;I still have a lot of cleaning up to do with those I love the most but I’m doing it slowly and as best I can.&#8221;
He encouraged everyone to enjoy this football season with moderation and to remember that moments with family &#8220;will be far more remembered than any bet you win or fantasy league triumph.&#8221;

GOLF: AUG 11 LIV Golf Bedminster

Phil Mickelson Opens Up About Gambling Addiction

gambling

Sports

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/golf">Golf</a> star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ok-she-might-be-beautiful-jordan-peterson-humorously-salutes-traditional-idea-of-beauty">Paige Spiranac</a> channeled “Seinfeld” after taking heat for her stance against the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/blood-money-what-to-make-of-the-new-saudi-funded-golf-series">Saudi-back golf tour</a> that threatens to undermine the PGA.
The bombshell linkster told the “<a href="https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/paige-spiranac-reveals-why-shed-turn-down-liv-golf">Bunkered</a>” podcast she would never join the LIV Golf tour, which has lured American superstars including <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/saudi-golf-tour-reaches-deal-with-mickelson-after-landing-dustin-johnson-for-125m">Phil Mickelson</a>, Bryson DeChambeau, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/another-major-pga-star-golfer-defects-to-saudi-tour-after-black-cloud-hint">Brooks Koepka</a>, and Dustin Johnson with huge signing bonuses and big prize money. That prompted Larry Klayman, a Washington attorney, to tweet that no one cares what she thinks.
“A Boob Job Does Not Make You a Wise Sage!” Klayman wrote.
To which Spiranac replied: “They’re real and they’re spectacular.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
They’re real and they’re spectacular <a href="https://t.co/Epr83O0jiM">https://t.co/Epr83O0jiM</a>
&mdash; Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaigeSpiranac/status/1539986337880838144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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That line was famously uttered by actress Teri Hatcher on an <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697711/">episode of “Seinfeld”</a>in which Elaine insists Jerry’s girlfriend has breast implants.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ok-she-might-be-beautiful-jordan-peterson-humorously-salutes-traditional-idea-of-beauty">‘OK. SHE MIGHT BE BEAUTIFUL&#8217;: JORDAN PETERSON ON PAIGE SPIRANAC</a>
Spiranac, a fan favorite for her pinup looks as much as her swing, told the podcast no amount of money would persuade her to play for the Kingdom’s new venture.
&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t do it,&#8221; she said. &#8220;A lot of people like, &#8216;Bulls***, you would do it for a certain amount of money.&#8217; But I think about things and my career and, like, I wouldn&#8217;t sign up for OnlyFans because, morally, it just doesn&#8217;t align with what I&#8217;m doing.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
US Open day 2! Who do you have winning? <a href="https://twitter.com/PointsBetUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PointsBetUSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/n0KMXS0btT">pic.twitter.com/n0KMXS0btT</a>
&mdash; Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaigeSpiranac/status/1537799147813621761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The LIV Golf Invitational Series takes its name from the Roman numeral for 54, which is the number of holes golfers will pay in each three-round tournament. It is backed by Saudi Arabia and fronted by Australian golf legend Greg Norman.
The tour reportedly paid Johnson $120 million to join and Mickelson as much as $200 million. But others have refused, according to reports. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus turned down $100 million to be the face of the tour and Tiger Woods reportedly refused nearly $1 billion to play.
The PGA has effectively banned defectors from its tournaments.
“We have followed the Tournament Regulations from start to finish in responding to those players who have decided to turn their backs on the PGA Tour by willfully violating a regulation,” the PGA said in a statement. “The players are being notified that they are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play, including the Presidents Cup. This also applies to all tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour: the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica.”

Paige Spiranac

Golf Star Paige Spiranac Channels ‘Seinfeld’ In ‘Boob Job’ Retort

Golf Star Paige Spiranac Channels 'Seinfeld' In 'Boob Job' Retort

Jerry Seinfeld

LIV Golf

Tiger Woods

The Professional Golf Association (PGA) paid out $20 million in a single tournament this year, its largest-ever purse.
But that&#8217;s not enough to keep every touring professional happy.
Enter the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, which is making waves by courting some of the game&#8217;s top names such as Phil Mickelson and Dustin (D.J.) Johnson, as well as 24 other top 150 players.
But the league couldn&#8217;t win over the game&#8217;s biggest name, Tiger Woods.
Former world No. 1 Greg Norman, CEO of the new golf league, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/06/05/last-attack-greg-norman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> The Washington Post that Woods &#8220;was offered, and turned down, a deal that was &#8216;mind-blowingly enormous.&#8217; The offer reached into the &#8216;high nine&#8217; digits, Norman said,&#8221; according to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/06/06/tiger-woods-rejected-mind-blowingly-enormous-offer-from-saudi-golf-league/">New York Post</a>.
So let&#8217;s do the math: a million is seven figures, tens of millions are eight figures, and hundreds of millions are nine figures. Low is 1, 2, 3; mid is 4, 5, 6; high is 7, 8, 9. So let&#8217;s take the lowest of the &#8220;high-nine digits&#8221; and call it $700,000,000.
That&#8217;ll buy you a lot of ugly golf pants.
&#8220;Woods acknowledged before that he was approached by the LIV Tour before but rejected it,&#8221; the Post said.
The Saudi-backed league has also wooed other top names in golf. &#8220;LIV Golf reportedly offered Jack Nicklaus more than $100 million to run the operation (Nicklaus passed), reportedly offered Dustin Johnson $125 million to play (DJ didn’t pass) and, according to one Golf Channel report, paid [Phil] Mickelson an astounding $200 million to sign up,&#8221; the Post reported in a separate <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/06/06/phil-mickelson-pga-tour-proving-they-only-care-about-money/">article</a>.
Woods last month weighed in on the new league after Mickelson complained about the PGA.
&#8220;[Mickelson] has his opinion on where he sees the game of golf going. I have my viewpoint on how I see the game of golf, and I’ve supported the tour and my foundation has run events on the tour for a number of years. I just think that what Jack [Nicklaus] and Arnold [Palmer] have done in starting the tour and breaking away from the PGA of America and creating our tour in ’68 or ’69, somewhere in there, I just think there’s a legacy to that,” Woods <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/pgachampionship2022-tiger-woods-phil-mickelson-health-saudi-LIV-golf-pga-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters in May.
Johnson, the No. 13 world-ranked player who has won two majors, is the highest-ranked player to join the LIV series, which includes at least 26 of the top 150 players in the world.
But Johnson “has not been granted permission to leave and may now face a ban from the [PGA] tour,” the Daily Mail <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-10873917/Dustin-Johnson-makes-U-turn-joining-Saudi-backed-golf-league-having-committed-PGA-Tour.html">reports</a>.
“Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity off-and-on for the past couple of years. Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family’s best interest to pursue it,” said his manager, David Winkle, according to the Mail. “‘Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up.”
Joseph Curl has covered politics for 35 years, including 12 years as White House correspondent for a national newspaper. He was also the a.m. editor of the Drudge Report for four years. Send tips to josephcurl@dailywire.com and follow him on Twitter @josephcurl.

Payne’s Valley Cup

Tiger Woods Rejected ‘Mind-Blowingly Enormous’ Offer From Saudi-Backed League

PGA Golfer Tiger Woods Rejected 'Mind-Blowingly Enormous' Offer From Saudi-Backed LIV League

Saudi Arabia

<div>
Golf great <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/golf-great-phil-mickelson-lost-obscene-amount-of-money-gambling-says-new-book">Phil Mickelson</a> ended four months of speculation by announcing he will play in an upcoming <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/saudi-arabia">Saudi-sponsored</a> series of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/golf">golf tournaments</a> for what is almost certainly a nine-figure payday &#8212; and the end of his PGA career.
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/golf-great-phil-mickelson-lost-obscene-amount-of-money-gambling-says-new-book">Mickelson</a> said Monday he will tee off in the Kingdom&#8217;s LIV Golf series later this week after not playing for four months and delaying with a barrage of bad publicity. The move wasn’t completely unexpected, as Mickelson had wavered back and forth since playing Feb. 6 in the Saudi International. But it gives the petro-funded upstart tour huge star power.
</div>
“I am ready to come back to play the game I love but after 32 years this new path is a fresh start, one that is exciting for me at this stage of my career,” Mickelson wrote on social media.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Phil Mickelson, a chief recruiter for a Saudi-funded rival league to the PGA Tour, is ending his four-month hiatus from competitive golf by adding his name to the 48-man field for the LIV Golf Invitational that starts Friday outside London. <a href="https://t.co/JkFHrTM3ho">https://t.co/JkFHrTM3ho</a>
&mdash; The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1533908772762034176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The defection likely brings Mickelson’s career on the PGA Tour to an end, as he would face suspension for violating tour regulations by playing overseas without a release. The PGA Tour denied releases to all 14 members who have signed up for the rival series.
It’s a coup for golf legend Greg Norman, who has been the chief architect of the Kingdom’s answer to the PGA.
<div>
“Phil Mickelson is unequivocally one of the greatest golfers of this generation,’’ Norman said. “His contributions to the sport and connection to fans around the globe cannot be overstated and we are grateful to have him. He strengthens an exciting field for London where we’re proud to launch a new era for golf.”
LIV Golf last week announced a 48-player field for its first event, a 54-hole tournament June 9-11 at Centurion Golf Club near London with $25 million in prize money and $4 million going to the individual winner. American Dustin Johnson was the biggest name on that list, but with Mickelson in the fold, the Saudi tour has a trophy to tee off. It was not known how much Mickelson is being paid, but Johnson reportedly got a $125 million &#8220;signing fee&#8221; to play in a series of LIV Golf tournaments and Mickelson is assuredly receiving at least as much.
</div>
Just weeks after Mickelson played in the Saudi tournament in February, excerpts from a coming unauthorized biography quoted him referring to Saudi Arabia&#8217;s human rights atrocities, including the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The quotes likely caused some awkwardness with the Saudi tour&#8217;s officials and may have led to months of dithering by Mickelson.
The book, “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar,” by Alan Shipnuck, also alleges Mickelson racked up a stunning $40 million in gambling losses from 2010-14, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/golf-great-phil-mickelson-lost-obscene-amount-of-money-gambling-says-new-book">according to excerpts</a>.
Mickelson, known to fans as “Lefty,” has won 45 PGA tour events, including three Masters, two PGA championships and one Open. Last year’s PGA victory made Mickelson the oldest golfer to ever win a major championship.

Saudi Golf Tour Reaches Deal With Mickelson After Landing Dustin Johnson For $125M

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/golf">Golf</a> great <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/phil-mickelson-proves-age-is-just-a-number">Phil Mickelson</a> racked up a stunning $40 million in gambling losses from 2010-14, according an excerpt from an upcoming biography.
The huge losses were uncovered by federal auditors who investigated Mickelson&#8217;s connection to an insider trading scheme, according to Alan Shipnuck, who posted an excerpt from his unauthorized biography, “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar,” on his website, &#8220;<a href="https://firepitcollective.com">Firepit Collective</a>.&#8221; The book is due out on May 17, coinciding with Mickelson&#8217;s potential defense of his 2021 PGA Championship.
&#8220;According to a source with direct access to the documents, Mickelson had gambling losses totaling more than $40 million in the four-year period (2010–14) that was scrutinized,&#8221; Shipnuck wrote. &#8220;In those prime earning years, his income was estimated to be just north of $40 million a year.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Phil Mickelson Reportedly Piled Up $40 Million In Gambling Losses Over a 4-Year Span <a href="https://t.co/rrh5pUz9Y5">https://t.co/rrh5pUz9Y5</a> <a href="https://t.co/4fybYnmKB4">pic.twitter.com/4fybYnmKB4</a>
&mdash; Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1522324025690804227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Shipnuck, a former Sports Illustrated golf writer, cited documents from government auditors who did a “forensic” analysis of Mickelson’s finances during the period in which he was involved with professional gambler Billy Walters, who gave Mickelson insider stock tips. Mickelson was not accused of any wrongdoing, but had to pay back about $1 million in stock profits. Walters  was fined $10 million and <a href="https://nypost.com/2017/07/27/phil-mickelsons-pal-gets-5-years-fined-10m-for-insider-trading/">sentenced to five years in prison</a>.
Mickelson, 51, has kept a low profile since early February when he courted controversy by signing on for a Saudi-backed golf tour. Mickelson angered many in the golf world with his comments on the Kingdom&#8217;s horrific human rights record, including the killing of Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi.
The Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour was launched by fellow golf great Greg Norman with funding from Saudi royals. Mickelson helped recruit golfers to join the tour, which the PGA sees as direct competition. The first LIV Golf Invitational series is set to tee off June 9-11 outside London.
The Telegraph reported that Mickelson is getting $30 million up front and must appear in eight events during the LIV Golf Invitational series. It is not known who will take part in the tournament.
Mickelson, known to fans as &#8220;Lefty,&#8221; has won 45 PGA tour events, including three Masters, two PGA championships and one Open. Last year&#8217;s PGA victory made Mickelson the oldest golfer to ever win a major championship.
Shipnuck, who wrote that Mickelson&#8217;s lavish lifestyle remains legendary &#8211; including getting multiple mansions, a plane and a genuine T Rex skull for a birthday present &#8211; said he still roots for the golfer.
&#8220;There is something Shakespearean about Mickelson’s arc,&#8221; Shipnuck wrote on his blog. &#8220;He had it all, or so it seemed, but greed and vanity and recklessness (and perhaps desperation) cost him everything, at least in the short-term. But he will come back, because he always has, through myriad controversies and heartbreaks.&#8221;

PIF Saudi International – Day Three

Golf Great Phil Mickelson Lost Obscene Amount Of Money Gambling, Says New Book

Golf Star Phil Mickelson Racked Up $40M In Gambling Losses From 2010-14, According To A New Book

We could have had an old-school Masters tournament, with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson teeing it up at Augusta. But with Mickelson dealing with off-the-course issues, we’ll just have to settle for Tiger. 
On Wednesday, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley told reporters that the tournament “did not disinvite Phil.”
&#8220;I would like to say we did not disinvite Phil,&#8221; Ridley <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33683807/augusta-chairman-phil-mickelson-was-invited-pulled-out">said</a> during a news conference Wednesday. &#8220;Phil is a three-time Masters champion and is invited in that category and many other categories; he&#8217;s the defending PGA champion.”
&#8220;Phil reached out to me &#8230; and let me know that he did not intend to play,” Ridley <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33683807/augusta-chairman-phil-mickelson-was-invited-pulled-out">continued</a>. “That was by way of a text, and I thanked him for his courtesy in letting me know. I told him that we certainly appreciated that and, you know, told him that I was certainly willing to discuss that further with him if he&#8217;d like. He thanked me, and we had a very cordial exchange.&#8221;
In March, <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/phil-mickelson-2022-masters">Golf Digest</a> confirmed that Phil Mickelson would not be playing at The Masters for the first time since 1994, making it the first time in 28 years that Mickelson will not be present at the course in Augusta, Georgia. 
The 51-year-old is a three-time Masters champion, and the defending PGA champion. On the Masters&#8217; website, Mickelson is listed in the category “Past Champions Not Playing.”
While the news was disappointing for golf fans everywhere — Mickelson is a fan favorite — it wasn&#8217;t surprising, following Mickelson’s February announcement that he would be taking some time away from golf. 
Mickelson found himself in trouble after comments he made to Alan Shipnuck of the Fire Pit Collective went public in an excerpt from the upcoming book “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar.”
Mickelson was discussing the new Saudi Golf League on a phone call with Shipnuck in November, a league that will rival the PGA Tour. Mickelson has been rumored to be one of the players the Saudi League is going after, to which Mickelson responded by saying it gave him “leverage” over the PGA Tour. 
“They’re scary motherf***ers to get involved with,” Mickelson <a href="https://firepitcollective.com/the-truth-about-phil-and-saudi-arabia/">said</a>. “We know they killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates. They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse.”
“As nice a guy as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right,” he continued. “And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want [the SGL] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.”
Mickelson apologized for his comments, but longtime sponsor KPMG still cut ties with the six-time major winner, as did the financial management company Workday.
&#8220;He made a personal decision, and I don&#8217;t know anything beyond that,&#8221; Ridley <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33683807/augusta-chairman-phil-mickelson-was-invited-pulled-out">said</a>. &#8220;I know that Phil has been a real fixture here at the Masters for many, many years. He&#8217;s been a big part of our history. I certainly and we certainly wish him the best sort of working through the issues he&#8217;s dealing with right now.&#8221;
The first round of the Masters is currently underway, with Woods scheduled to tee off at 11:04 a.m. ET. 
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to sports@dailywire.com.

The Masters ‘Did Not Disinvite’ Phil Mickelson; Six-Time Major Champion Chose Not To Play

We won’t be seeing Lefty making the turn at Amen Corner in April. 
On Monday, <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/phil-mickelson-2022-masters">Golf Digest</a> confirmed that Phil Mickelson will not be playing at The Masters for the first time since 1994, making it the first time in 28 years that Mickelson will not be present at the course in Augusta, Georgia. 
The 51 year old is a three-time Masters champion, and the defending PGA champion. On the Masters website, Mickelson is listed in the category “Past Champions Not Playing.”
While the news is disappointing for golf fans everywhere — Mickelson is a fan-favorite — it’s not surprising, following Mickelson’s February announcement that he would be taking some time away from golf. 
Mickelson found himself in trouble after comments he made to Alan Shipnuck of the Fire Pit Collective went public in an excerpt from the upcoming book “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar.”
Mickelson was discussing the new Saudi Golf League on a phone call with Shipnuck in November, a league that will rival the PGA Tour. Mickelson has been rumored to be one of the players the Saudi League is going after, to which Mickelson responded by saying it gave him “leverage” over the PGA Tour. 
“They’re scary motherf***ers to get involved with,” Mickelson <a href="https://firepitcollective.com/the-truth-about-phil-and-saudi-arabia/">said</a>. “We know they killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates. They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse.”
“As nice a guy as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right,” he continued. “And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want [the SGL] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.”
Mickelson apologized for his comments, but longtime sponsor KPMG still cut ties with the six-time major winner. 
“KPMG U.S. and Phil Mickelson have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately. We wish him the best,” the company <a href="https://www.golfchannel.com/news/kpmg-says-company-and-phil-mickelson-mutually-agree-end-partnership">said</a> in a statement.
The financial management company Workday, who Mickelson has worked with since 2017, also ended their business relationship with the six-time major champion.
&#8220;At this time, Workday and Phil Mickelson have mutually and amicably agreed to not renew our brand sponsorship that ends this March,&#8221; Workday said according to <a href="https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/workday-drops-sponsorship-with-phil-mickelson">Golf Monthly</a>. &#8220;We want to thank Phil for his great contributions as a Workday ambassador, both on and off the course. And we continue to wish him and his family all the best.&#8221;
In his apology, Mickelson said that his comments to Shipnuck were “off-the-record,” a claim which Shipnuck disputes. 
“Although it doesn’t look this way now given my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been with the best interests of golf, my peers, sponsors and fans,” <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1496228830113058816?cxt=HHwWgMCymbKM1sMpAAAA">Mickelson wrote</a>. “There is the problem of off-the-record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger issue is that I used words that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions.”
“It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words,” he continued. “I’m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.”
“The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level,” Mickelson added. “I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.”
The Masters will be played from April 7 to April 10.
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers, and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to sports@dailywire.com.

PIF Saudi International – Day Two

No Mickelson At Masters For First Time Since 1994, One Month After Comments Cause Loss Of Sponsorships

Golfing legend Phil Mickelson talks a lot, usually giving the media some tasty soundbites. 
But this time, Lefty’s comments have him in very hot water. Last week, Mickelson’s comments to Alan Shipnuck of the Fire Pit Collective got everyone in a tizzy. 
Mickelson was discussing the new Saudi Golf League on a phone call with Shipnuck in November, which will rival the PGA Tour. Mickelson has been rumored to be one of the players the Saudi League is going after, to which Mickelson responded by saying it gave him “leverage” over the PGA Tour. 
“They’re scary motherf***ers to get involved with,” Mickelson <a href="https://firepitcollective.com/the-truth-about-phil-and-saudi-arabia/">said</a>. “We know they killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates. They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse.”
“As nice a guy as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right,” he continued. “And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want [the SGL] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.”
His comments caused a handful of PGA Tour players to come out against the league, with four-time major champion Rory Mcllroy calling Mickelson&#8217;s comments “ignorant.” 
“I don’t want to kick someone while he’s down obviously, but I thought they were naïve, selfish, egotistical, ignorant,” McIlroy <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/02/21/rory-mcilroy-blasts-phil-mickelson-for-saudi-golf-league-support/">told</a> reporters at the Genesis Invitational. “A lot of words to describe that interaction he had with Shipnuck. It was just very surprising and disappointing, sad. I’m sure he’s sitting at home sort of rethinking his position and where he goes from here.”
On Tuesday, Mickelson apologized for his comments, but it was too little too late, as longtime sponsor KPMG cut ties with the six-time major winner. 
“KPMG U.S. and Phil Mickelson have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately. We wish him the best,” the company <a href="https://www.golfchannel.com/news/kpmg-says-company-and-phil-mickelson-mutually-agree-end-partnership">said</a> in a statement.
In his apology, Mickelson indicated that he would be taking some time away from the game of golf. 
&#8220;Although it doesn&#8217;t look this way now given my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been with the best interests of golf, my peers, sponsors and fans,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1496228830113058816?cxt=HHwWgMCymbKM1sMpAAAA">Mickelson wrote</a>. &#8220;There is the problem of off-the-record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger issue is that I used words that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions.&#8221;
&#8220;It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words,” he continued. “I&#8217;m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.&#8221;
“The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level,” Mickelson added. “I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
A Statement from Phil Mickelson <a href="https://t.co/2saaXIxhpu">pic.twitter.com/2saaXIxhpu</a>
&mdash; Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1496228830113058816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Shipnuck has <a href="https://firepitcollective.com/askalan-mickelson-edition/">disputed</a> Mickelson&#8217;s claim that his comments were off-the-record. 
Monahan — the PGA Tour commissioner — has threatened to ban any player who joins the Saudi League for life from the PGA Tour. The league is backed by golfing great Greg Norman, and has reportedly reached out to most of the PGA Tour’s biggest names about making the jump.
This article has been updated to include pushback to Mickelson&#8217;s claims.
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers, and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to sports@dailywire.com.
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PIF Saudi International – Previews

Longtime Sponsor KPMG And Phil Mickelson ‘Part Ways’ After His Comments On Saudi Golf League

Jamal Khashoggi

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what a cesspit Twitter has become. What was once a promising platform for the immediate dissemination of information has devolved into the preferred hangout for bullies, bots, trolls and mean girls. And if you’re conservative? Twitter boss Jack Dorsey has higher regard for the debris in his quarantine beard than he does for you. Instead of offering a free and open forum for varying opinions, he’s more than happy to de-platform or shadow ban those with whom he and his henchmen disagree. 
Twitter is still where news breaks — but it’s usually broken beyond recognition, irretrievably tainted by the bias of the messenger. Sports Twitter is no different. It’s where you’ll find the pro-China, anti-Trump musings of LeBron James, or the anti-cop, pro-cop killer ruminations of Colin Kaepernick — not to mention the historically illiterate reflections of sportswriters for whom leftism is truth and history began yesterday.
All that said, I haven’t given up on Twitter quite yet. There are pockets of sanity, decency, cleverness and common sense that are worth seeking out. There are still those using it for good rather than evil. 
So, now that I’ve thoroughly denounced and discredited the forum, let me present 10 sports figures who are worth following on the world’s worst social media platform (except for all the others). 
Jay Bilas (<a href="https://twitter.com/JayBilas">@JayBilas</a>)
Yes, he’s opinionated, but college basketball’s most intelligent analyst backs up his opinions in a reasoned, coherent fashion — not much flamethrowing, but a lot of common sense. Gets extra points for his frequent beclowning of the NCAA. His signature “I gotta go to work” tweets showcasing rapper and urban philosopher Young Jeezy are a morning source of inspiration. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Prеacher told me I need to live my lifе with grace. Lawyer wanted twenty before he even touched the case. I gotta go to work.
&mdash; Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayBilas/status/1330466135154810881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
David Feherty (<a href="https://twitter.com/Fehertwit">@Fehertwit</a>)
Golf’s wittiest analyst has provided much of the soundtrack to the Tiger Woods era. His compelling personal story — he’s overcome addiction and mental illness — adds to his Twitter appeal. He’s also a tireless supporter of the troops defending his adopted home country. 
Kirk Herbstreit (<a href="https://twitter.com/KirkHerbstreit">@KirkHerbstreit</a>)
College football’s top analyst was basically run out of Columbus for not being an Ohio State homer, while simultaneously being accused of Buckeye homerism by OSU haters. A tough spot to be in, but one that Herbie has handled with aplomb by deftly refuting both sides. Plus, the guy just knows and loves college football.  
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Such a GREAT message for people to hear. Especially hope kids see this-feel like many kids feel such pressure to be perfect in all as aspects of their lives. It’s not realistic-being frustrated and more determined after a failure is a huge life lesson. Have a great weekend. <a href="https://t.co/N59VuXQqGv">https://t.co/N59VuXQqGv</a>
&mdash; Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirkHerbstreit/status/1324701722133045254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Chad Johnson (<a href="https://twitter.com/ochocinco">@ochocinco</a>)
His career as a social media influencer may have eclipsed his former career as a highly productive, if eccentric, wide receiver. That eccentricity only adds to his Twitter appeal, and he knows it. The erstwhile Chad Ochocinco may be the funniest athlete on Twitter.
Lane Kiffin (<a href="https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin">@Lane_Kiffin</a>)
The well-traveled, oft-reviled college football coach has used humor to ingratiate himself with college football fans, who are now more apt to forgive his professional and personal shortcomings thanks to his amusing Twitter presence, which proves that he’s in on the joke. Example: Fined $25,000 for criticizing the refs, Kiffin took to Twitter to try to figure out how many pennies it would take to pay the fine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Where can I find 25,000 pennies??
&mdash; Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/1320904303838699520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Phil Mickelson (<a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson">@PhilMIckelson</a>)
Lefty has the hang of this Twitter thing, using his 280 characters for humorous self-deprecation and witty observations. His posts far outshine the sanitized, sterile, corporate output of his rival, Tiger Woods.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Just when I think I’ve arrived ( I was the answer to tonight’s final Jeopardy question) I realize I still have a ways to go (they all got it wrong ):
&mdash; Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1309674188534210560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Shaquille O’Neal (<a href="https://twitter.com/SHAQ">@SHAQ)</a>
Folk hero, pitchman nonpareil, and, as he puts it in his Twitter tagline, very quotatious. Shaq uses the platform to promote causes he supports and companies he does business with, but he does it with a light touch that belies his Paul Bunyan frame. 
Tim Tebow (<a href="https://twitter.com/TimTebow">@TimTebow</a>)
Decency hasn’t been entirely eradicated from Twitter. Exhibit A is Tim Tebow, who might just be the most encouraging presence on the internet. Just don’t dig through his mentions and replies, where the haters reveal themselves. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Sometimes it seems easier to just give up on people, or to shut down emotionally ourselves. This is just fear talking. 
God is bigger than our greatest fears.
&mdash; Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimTebow/status/1330640839605882889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Clay Travis (<a href="https://twitter.com/ClayTravis">@ClayTravis</a>)
Whoever thought that a lawyer who voted twice for Obama could become the face of the counterculture center/right? With his partner Jason Whitlock, the “Outkick the Coverage” founder is a lonely but essential voice of reason in the monolithically leftist world of sports journalism. Travis’ stubborn pushback against the COVID fearmongers, whom he has dubbed “coronabros”, earns him extra points.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
There hasn’t been a single case of covid spreading from one team to another during a game in the entire world. Not one. Wearing masks during games is absolute idiocy. <a href="https://t.co/oqa7c4dAiS">https://t.co/oqa7c4dAiS</a>
&mdash; Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayTravis/status/1329894178076168198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Jose Canseco (<a href="https://twitter.com/JoseCanseco">@JoseCanseco</a>)
There’s a place for the insane in this world, and it’s on Twitter. Canseco is the entertaining kind of insane, covering topics ranging from vampirism to Bigfoot to aliens to steroids in sports. He’s a leftist of sorts, but he has enough disdain for both sides that we’ll allow it. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
all we need is a dollar from everyone in this country who wants change to finance my running for president
&mdash; Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoseCanseco/status/1269025007797071874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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