Mickelson apologizes for Saudi comments, deal with KPMG ends
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DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
Phil Mickelson apologized Tuesday for comments about the Saudis and a proposed super league, damaging words he claims were off the record and not meant to be shared publicly.
“It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words,” he said.
The same time as Mickelson’s statement, KPMG became the first of his corporate sponsors to announce an immediate end to their partnership, a decision KPMG said was mutual.
In explosive remarks, Mickelson told Shipnuck the Saudis behind a proposed breakaway rival league were “scary mother (expletive)s to get involved with.”
He also told Shipnuck, who is writing a biography on Mickelson due out in May, that it was worth getting in bed with the Saudis, despite their history of human rights abuses, if it meant a chance to change the PGA Tour.
The interview took place last November.
Mickelson said he has always put the interests of golf first, “although it doesn’t look this way now given my recent comments.”
