(AP) — Phil Mickelson is apologizing for comments he made about the Saudis and the financing of a rival league.
Mickelson claims the comments golf writer Alan Shipnuck posted were off the record. Shipnuck wrote that was never the case.
Most damaging about Mickelson’s remarks was referring to the Saudis financing a proposed breakaway league as “scary mother (expletive)s.” 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.
Mickelson says he regrets what he said and that his comments were reckless.
The interview took place last November.
Meanwhile, KPMG announced that the company and Mickelson have agreed to part ways. Their sponsorship has been around since 2008.
Mickelson says he has been under pressure and stress for the last 10 years and says he needs time away. But he didn't say when or for how long.
