Phil Mickelson has had a longstanding battle against gambling addiction in a process that has been seen in bits and pieces by the outside world. Whether it was rumors heard through he-said-she-said stories on the PGA tour or from tell-all biographies released on the subject, Phil’s love-hate relationship with sports betting has been on full display in recent years.
Now, Phil is vowing to bring an end to that behavior that some think may have nearly seen him go broke despite hundreds of millions of dollars in golf earnings and massive endorsement contracts. In an Instagram post, Phil wrote to his fans about the dangers of excessive betting and informed them that he would be staying away from the addictive act.
He wrote, “Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment. The fantasy leagues will provide banter amongst friends and money won or lost betting. won’t affect you. I wont be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn’t any fun at all. 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.”
This divide between his family is the real issue that Phil saw in his actions. While he continued to live a lavish lifestyle due to his legendary play on the course, a wedge was being driven between him and the ones that he loved with every passing loss.
In detailing one of the many wake-up calls that he faced, Phil wrote, hurtful. ‘”You’re here but you’re not with us,” 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.”
Phil used this post to thank his wife for being supportive and helping him seek aid in getting his life back on track.
“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. She has loved me and supported me through my darkest and most difficult times. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her. I’m so grateful for her strength in helping us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us. Because of her love,support,and commitment, I’m back on track to being the person I want to be,” he said.
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Concluding, Phil wrote, “This football season and beyond, enjoy yourself with moderation so it doesn’t detract from your ability to be present. In my experience, the moments with the ones you love will be far more remembered than any bet you win or fantasy league triumph.”
Like the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Phil is doing exactly that, taking his past mistakes and using them as a way to teach a great lesson to the people who look up to him as an athlete.