Phil Mickelson is open about why he won’t bet on football this year.
The 53-year-old professional golfer shared on social media Monday that he is recovering from a gambling addiction and how he and his family have been dealing with it.
Mickelson explained his story in a series of Instagram slides, saying in part that while many people will “enjoy this football season” in terms of creating fantasy leagues, he “will not bet this year because I have crossed the line from moderation to addiction that not fun at all.”
“Money was never an issue because our financial security was never at risk, but I was so distracted that I couldn’t be present with those I love and I caused a lot of damage,” he continued.
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The two-time PGA Championship winner then described how this “lack of presence” was “so painful” for his family, saying he was told “often” during his addiction: “You’re here, but you’re not with us.”
“He affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware of or could fully understand,” Mickelson said. “It’s like there’s a hurricane going on outside and I’m isolated in the shelter unaware of what’s going on.”
“When I came out there was so much damage to clean up that I just wanted to go back in and not deal with it,” he added.
The father-of-three then warned others, saying he hopes those who potentially cross the line into addiction don’t “confuse your ones that allow you to be friends like I did,” and that hopefully those people won’t have to deal with “those difficult times publicly so others can profit from you,” as he had.
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Phil Mickelson during the 2015 Masters Tournament on April 12, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia.
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Although he noted that he had a bright light in all of who was “willing to help him” “through what he is [his] worst me”: his wife Amy, to whom he has been married for 26 years.
“She loved and supported me in my darkest and most difficult moments,” Mickelson wrote. “I couldn’t have gotten through this without her.”
“I’m so grateful for her strength to help us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us,” the golfer continued. “Because of her love, support and dedication, I’m back on track to becoming the person I want to be.”
Mickelson wrote that “after many years of receiving professional help” and abstinence from gambling, he “can now sit still” and “be present in the moment” with his family, and “live each day with inner peace and tranquility.” And although he said he still has things to work on with his loved ones, he is “doing it slowly and to the best of his ability.”
“Football season and beyond, enjoy it in moderation so it doesn’t diminish your ability to be present. In my experience, the moments with the ones you love will be remembered far more than any bet you win or fantasy league triumph,” he concluded his post.
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Phil Mickelson with his wife Amy during the 43rd Ryder Cup on September 26, 2021 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
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Mickelson spoke for the first time about his gambling addiction in an interview with Sports Illustrated last year, saying the practice had “reached the point of recklessness and embarrassment”.
“I had to work it out. And I’ve been doing it for several years. And for hundreds of hours of therapy. I feel good where I am there,” he added. “My family and I are and have been financially secure for some time.”
The athlete went on to say that “gambling has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” but it “became reckless” about 10 years ago.
“It’s embarrassing. I don’t like people knowing,” Mickelson admitted. “The fact is, I’ve been dealing with it for a while. Amy has been very supportive of it and of me and the process. After many years, we’re at a place where I’m comfortable with it. It’s not a threat to me or my financial security. It’s just been a series of bad decision.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or go to gamtalk.org.
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Source: HIS Education