SUGAR GROVE, Ill. — Six-time major champion Phil MickelsonThursday, he said that he is considering removing himself from LIV Golfs federal antitrust suit against the PGA Tour.
Mickelson was one of 11 golfers who participated in the event. The PGA Tour was sued on Aug. 3,They claimed they were wrongly suspended for participating in LIV Golf events. The PGA Tour also used its monopoly power and tried to suppress competition.
LIV Golf joined its ranks As a plaintiffin the lawsuit on July 27.
Mickelson stated that he hasnt done any yet but that LIV is involved and its not necessary for him to be a part. He said this after participating in Thursdays LIV golf pro-am at Rich Harvest Farms. I am still alive. [part of the lawsuit]. I don’t know what I’m actually going to do. It is only damages that are causing me to stay there. I dont need or want anything.
Mickelson was at the forefront of LIV Golf’s ongoing battle with PGA Tour for the top players in the world. He was one of the first to sign with LIV. LIV is financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. It is managed by two-time Open winner, Darren Clarke. Greg Norman.
Mickelson had complained to the PGA Tour about its obnoxious greed but argued that professional golfers are free agents and should be able go where they want.
Mickelson stated that I believe that its essential that players have the ability to play whenever and wherever they choose Now that LIV has been added to the program, it is an integral part of. [the lawsuit]They will achieve this if they win.
Mickelsons Some controversial commentsAlan Shipnuck, the author, said that Mickelson was first suspended for two months by the PGA Tour for recruiting players to the Saudi Arabians. He then spent four months off golf. According to the lawsuit, Mickelson was first suspended by the PGA Tour for two months on March 22 for attempting recruit players to . [LIV Golf]. Mickelsons suspension was upheld by an appeals panel. He applied for reinstatement two months later, but was denied by an appeals committee because he had been playing in the first LIV Golf event at London.
According to the lawsuit, Mickelson endorsement deals were and sponsorships were lost due to the Tours illegitimate conduct. Notably the Tour is the only tour that is regularly shown on American broadcast television and it earns a lot more in sponsorship, advertisement, and broadcast revenue, than any other golf tours.
Four players were originally plaintiffs in this lawsuit Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz, Pat Perez Jason Kokrak— are no more involved in the case.