Credit: Twitter
Phil Mickelson has spoken up about his gambling addiction, comparing it to a "hurricane" that "caused a lot of damage" in his life. He made this statement on Monday. Mickelson, who has previously discussed his difficulties with sports betting, recently commented on Instagram about his experience dealing with his addiction in light of the start of the NFL season.
Given how betting on the NFL has historically impacted his life and relationships, Mickelson revealed why he has decided to forgo doing so this season. According to him, the problem is that moderation is being lost and addiction is developing, "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,” Mickelson stated in the social media post on Tuesday.
More than a month after famous bettor Billy Walters revealed in his book that Mickelson want ed to risk $400,000 on the 2012 Ryder Cup while representing Team USA, Mickelson made his first public admission of a gambling problem.
In particular, the 53-year-old thanked his wife, Amy, for supporting him during his "darkest and most difficult times. “I couldn’t have gotten through this without her,” he said. “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.”
This weekend's LIV competition at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois, will feature Mickelson as a competitor.
