Hilarious moment when Jordan Spieth starts answering a question about Phil Mickelson’s gambling… before quickly coming back and claiming he ‘didn’t really see much’
- Spieth quickly restrained himself and evaded an honest answer to the question
- That was in contrast to Rory McIlroy – who did a dig at Mickelson on Thursday
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
PGA Tour golfer Jordan Spieth seemed to hit the brakes when he responded to a question about LIV Golf rival Phil Mickelson’s gambling habits.
Spieth was speaking to reporters at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee — the first leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs — when someone asked him his opinion on the allegations made by Mickelson’s former gambling partner.
The three-time grand winner began giving a candid reply before immediately stopping, then backing off and staying out of it.
“I’d say people were maybe a little surprised at the amount… I haven’t really seen much on it.
“I just saw what some people sent me and stuff, and it went so fast this morning that even if I wanted to comment, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Spieth said.
Jordan Spieth stopped himself before answering a question about Phil Mickelson’s gambling
It was alleged yesterday that Mickelson tried to place a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup
Mickelson had long been known as someone who would place bets on sports, but the scope and extent had remained anonymous until parts of the forthcoming memoir of his gambling partner, Billy Walters, were leaked.
In the book, Walters said Mickelson wagered more than $300 million between 2010 and 2014 alone.
“Based on our relationship and what I’ve since learned from others, Phil’s gambling losses (between 2010 and 2014) did not approach $40 million as previously reported, but much closer to $100 million,” Walters writes.
Walters also said that Mickelson tried to bet $400,000 on the 2012 Ryder Cup – a team Mickelson played in – but Walters declined the request.
Mickelson released a statement on his Twitter account denying the allegation and saying he was committed to the integrity of the game.
‘I’ve never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is known that I always enjoy a friendly bet on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game,” said Mickelson.
“I’ve also been very open about my gambling addiction. I’ve expressed my regret before, taken responsibility, got help, fully committed to therapy that has had a positive impact on me, and I feel good about where I am today.”
Rory McIlroy used the opportunity to deliver a subtle swipe at Mickelson ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup
The way Spieth took the main road differed from the one other golfers took in the tournament.
Rory McIlroy – a longtime opponent of LIV Golf – seemed to enjoy Mickelson’s misfortune when reporters asked about it.
He replied with a mischievous smile, “At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year, because he won’t be part of it.”
Mickelson will not be part of the Ryder Cup team this year – partly because of his Official World Golf Ranking.