When Phil Mickelson Was Forced to Issue an Apology After Questioning the State and Federal System

Ever since his debut, Phil Mickelson has been renowned for his impressive golfing skills. However, in addition to that, he is also known for his strong opinions. Skimming through the years, it is evident that he has gotten away with his opinions on most occasions. However, walking down memory lane, he once came up with an opinion that forced him to later take back his words.

In 2013, the state of California made headlines for raising the income tax by an additional 7.9%. An increase that prompted the multi-millionaire Mickelson to present his worrisome stand. Even though he exercised his democratic right to speech, he soon had to retract his statements by issuing a regretful message.

Phil Mickelson expresses concern over the increased tax rates

In January 2013, Phil Mickelson headed to La Quinta, California to play the Humana Challenge. Following the tournament, he indulged in a conversation with the press. During the interaction, he opened up about his struggle with taxes. “If you add up all the federal and you look at the disability and the unemployment and the Social Security and the state, my tax rate’s 62, 63 percent,” he said. 

That wasn’t all, going ahead, he further pointed out how the increased tax rates have forced him to make some “drastic changes”. He said, “There are going to be some drastic changes for me because I happen to be in that zone that has been targeted both federally and by the state, and it doesn’t work for me right now.”

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Mickelson expressed his concern about the increasing rate of taxes. However, little did he know that his opinions had opened the doors of criticism from the American public.

Mickelson regrets putting forward his opinion

Disturbed by the criticism, the former World No. 2 took no time to issue an apology. He said, “Finances and taxes are a personal matter, and I should not have made my opinions on them public. I apologize to those I have upset or insulted, and assure you I intend not to let it happen again.”

Digging into the situation, the situation arose after the Federal government opted to increase the tax rate, along with the state of California coming up with Proposition 30 to increase taxes on earnings over $250,000. As per reports, Mickelson had made a whopping $45 million in his on and off-course earnings last year.

Despite paying high-income taxes, Mickelson continues to be a moneyman. Close to a decade since the incident, the 52-year-old enjoys an estimated net worth of $300 million. A figure, that is set to grow further owing to his $200 million deal with LIV Golf.

Watch this Story- Phil Mickelson, who toiled hard to earn $95 million on the PGA Tour in 3 decades, effortlessly earned more with LIV Golf in just a matter of months

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