Developing: Pakistani Plane Escorted by UK Fighter Jets — 2 Men Arrested

Doc Thompson’s 24-hour radio marathon, ‘#24forok,’ continues until 9 am ET — Listen Live!

Sports

Phil Mickelson Now Sorry to Those He ‘Upset’ or ‘Insulted’ After Bashing High Taxes

Jan. 23, 2013 7:34am Jonathon M. Seidl

Phil Mickelson Apologies for Statement Complaining About High Taxes

FILE – In this Feb. 19, 2012 file photo, Phil Mickelson plays during the final round of the Northern Trust Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Mickelson says he should have kept his opinions on taxes to himself. Mickelson had suggested “drastic changes” were in store for him — perhaps moving from his native California — because of changes in federal and state taxes that he says tap into more than 60 percent of his income. Credit: AP

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Phil Mickelson is talking more about how much he pays in taxes than how many fairways he hits off the tee.

Mickelson, regarded as the “People’s Choice” for his connection with fans, put his popularity on the line with polarizing comments about how much he has to pay in state and federal taxes. The four-time major champion said it might lead to “drastic changes,” such as moving from his native California, and that it already caused him to pull out of the San Diego Padres’ new ownership group.

His only regret was not keeping his opinion to himself.

“Finances and taxes are a personal matter, and I should not have made my opinions on them public,” Mickelson said in a statement released Monday night. “I apologize to those I have upset or insulted, and assure you I intend not to let it happen again.”

Mickelson first made a cryptic reference to “what’s gone on the last few months politically” during a conference call two weeks ago for the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, where he won last year for his 40th career PGA Tour title. After his final round Sunday at the Humana Challenge, he was asked what he meant.

“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,” he said. “So I’m going to have to make some changes.”

Mickelson said the new federal tax rate, and California voting for Proposition 30 to increase taxes on the earnings over $250,000, contributed to total taxes that tap into more than 60 percent of his income.

Golf Digest magazine, in its annual survey of top earners in the sports, said Mickelson made just over $45 million last year on and off the golf course.

The response to Mickelson’s opinions on taxes ranged from mocking a guy who has become a multimillionaire by playing golf to support for having such a high tax rate and not being afraid to speak his mind.

A majority of PGA Tour players live in Florida and others in Texas, two states that have no state income tax. Tiger Woods grew up in Southern California and played two years at Stanford. He was a California kid when he won an unprecedented three straight U.S. Amateur titles, but when he made his professional debut in Milwaukee a week later, he was listed as being from Orlando, Fla.

“I moved out of here back in `96 for that reason,” Woods said Tuesday.

“I enjoy Florida, but also I understand what he was – I think – trying to say,” Woods said of the Mickelson comments. “I think he’ll probably explain it better and in a little more detail.”

Mickelson deflected questions at the Humana Challenge by saying he would prefer to elaborate at his news conference at Torrey Pines.

That couldn’t wait.

“I know I have my usual pre-tournament press conference scheduled this week but I felt I needed to address the comments I made following the Humana Challenge now,” Mickelson said in his statement. “I absolutely love what I do. I love and appreciate the game of golf and the people who surround it. I’m as motivated as I’ve ever been to work on my game, to compete and to win championships.

“Right now, I’m like many Americans who are trying to understand the new tax laws. I’ve been learning a lot over the last few months and talking with people who are trying to help me make intelligent and informed decisions. I certainly don’t have a definitive plan at this time, but like everyone else I want to make decisions that are best for my future and my family.”

Mickelson’s news conference Wednesday will come after his pro-am round in the Farmers Insurance Open, a tournament he first won 20 years ago.

“He definitely showed a lack of sympathy for the plight of a lot of people, unemployed and all that sort of stuff,” Geoff Ogilvy said. “But everything is relative. He’s verbalized when he’s thinking, and you shouldn’t get in trouble for verbalizing what you’re thinking.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry even weighed in with this tweet: “Hey Phil….Texas is home to liberty and low taxes…we would love to have you as well!!”

Mickelson is among the most famous athletes to come out of San Diego. He went to school at Arizona State and lived in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the first decade of his career until moving back home to Rancho Santa Fe.

He was part of the group that bought the Padres, saying that it would be a “significant investment” for him but that he saw it as a great opportunity to get involved in his hometown. Asked if the tax changes were why he withdrew, Mickelson said, “Absolutely.”

Mickelson has earned just under $70 million in PGA Tour earnings for his career, which doesn’t include corporate endorsements (Callaway, Barclays, Rolex) or his golf course design company, which is thriving in China.

In November, California voters approved Proposition 30, the first statewide tax increase since 2004. It raises the rate on earnings over $250,000 for seven years.

“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 is 62, 63 percent,” Mickelson had said. “So I’ve got to make some decisions on what I’m going to do.”

The reaction to Mickelson’s comments from the California legislature split along party lines, with Republicans saying they expect more high-earners to follow and Democrats saying multimillionaires can afford to pay more.

“You know, it’s sad,” said Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare. “And I think it’ll be the first of many.”

Democrats said there is no evidence in the U.S. or California of mass departures in the wake of higher taxes on the wealthy. State Assemblyman Roger Dickinson, D-Sacramento, called Mickelson “the exception rather than the rule.”

This is not the first time Mickelson’s opinions have brought him attention. Ten years ago, he came to Torrey Pines and apologized for Woods for saying in magazine article that the world’s No. 1 player was using inferior equipment.

These comments on paying taxes were sure to resonate with far more people.

Ogilvy recently moved from San Diego County to Scottsdale, though his reason was more about golf than taxes. He bought a home in Del Mar and lived with his wife and three kids for about four years, knowing there were other states he could live with lower tax rates.

“It’s a little bit of one negative to a lot of positives,” Ogilvy said. “If the tax rate in California was the same as it was in Texas, half the tour would live here. The lifestyle is impressive. The climate is impressive. But even the ones who grow up here move away.”

—

Juliet Williams and Don Thompson in Sacramento contributed to this story.

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (83)

mont1414r
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 10:46am
never apologize its a sign of weakness.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
mglake2
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 10:39am
Why in the world would he want to backtrack his statement unless the PGA tour officials have threatened him in some way? I hate it when someone comes out with a truthful statement, only to back step it and apologize for saying it. California is an extremely expensive state to live in and he and anyone else has a right to move because it’s just the smart financial move to make. Phil, have you noticed alot of your fellow golfers live in Florida? Texas would love to have you too!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Beachmastermax
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 10:20am
22 When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack ; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven ; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God ! 25 “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They who heard it said, “Then who can be saved ?” 27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
RaydocX
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 10:05am
you are now sorry that you spoke the TRUTH, Lefty?
C’mon, nut up, swing away… when we cower from truth because of the response of the sheeple or drones, we doom ourselves.

or are you saying you feel guilty about your earnings… maybe we need to tax professional atheletes at a higher rate for their conscience? fortunately, taht’s not what the IRS is trying to do taxation based upon a person’s perceived worth… yet

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
barber2
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:57am
The Democrat Media Character Assassination Squad has found another target! Already going silent, Phil ? This is just another example of life during Big Brother Obama II. Putin must be jealous. The Founding Fathers must be twirling in their graves. All bow to Chicago, the new Mecca of the Alinsky inspired Radicals who are well trained and organized in the fine political art of “persuasion” which is the new word for the old word ” intimidation.” Like ” Redistribution ” used to be stealing and ” social justice ” used to be revenge ! So many new definitions in the New , Changed America of the Obama Radical Lefties.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
truthnstuff
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:55am
Phil, Phil, Phil, I guess the only balls you have are flying down the fairway. This is why the left are making headway. They count on the law of Political Correctness, and when invoked all the wusses give up all rights, cry, apologize and beg to be accepted again.

Her’s a thought……have a press conference and say you are giving an extra 20% to the fuehrer.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- honeydijon13
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 11:22am
  I think it’s the sponsor thang?
  You know how he loves his money.
  
  Report this comment
myptofvu
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:34am
You didn’t upset me Phil in fact here is a couple Tax Free Countries you should look into: Lichtenstein and Andorra.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
matinva
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:33am
Mr. Mikelson,
Ignore the critics. They are the ones benefiting from your tax bill. We need more successful people standing up for prosperity. You earned it. It’s yours. Losers who aren’t willing to pay the price you paid to get it don’t deserve to have it. I applaud any move you make to preserve what you have worked your entire working life to create. Screw Taxifornia. I hope you leave them in the dust.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
South Philly Boy
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:27am
Chump

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
hawk1
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:22am
Phil, you’re a coward. Hmm. Maybe I should never buy Callaway golf clubs, a Rolex, or use KMPG accounting services since all these companies are represented by a gutless man afraid to speak his mind. Now that’s a spokesperson.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
wolverine
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:03am
Typical closet liberal all talk and no guts

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
kfogs1957
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:01am
I saw nothing wroung with Mickelson saying what he did about th Tax situation. The fact that he feels the need to apologize is certainly strange. Why would that possibly be. Come on Phil, you were right, stand up for yourself.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SamIamTwo
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:59am
Silly to say you are sorry for what you are going to do…weirdo, no apologize for that!

Most in Cali can’t re-locate due to the costs of relocation…so they are envious and got pissed at him. jimho

They should have legalized Pot like WA state to kool out those who are on the down hill slide to poverty. WA State knows exactly what they are doing to keep the masses under control…tool of the devil.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SocialistSlayer
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:58am
I have to admit that I have lost some respect for Phil Mickelson since he caved in! Are there no real men left in America ??? Where the hell are your balls you sissy wad ???

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Skeeterhawk
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:54am
How pathetic that the liberal media makes the issue Mickelson’s position on his dislike of being robbed by sky high state tax rates when the real issue is the greedy legislators and the tax laws of California.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
PA_Iraq_Vet
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:46am
Use one of those golf clubs as a spine. Man up.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
grimjack3791
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:43am
Phil Mickelson is angling for 2013 Wuss of the Year and it’s only January.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
VetMike
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:41am
Phil, no liberal out there has any problem at all in complaining about anything and everything. You have earned your money and have the right to keep it. The people who are upset with you likely are convinced that you somehow unfairly made all your money; that you cheated to get it. They don’t want to put out the effort to succeed; they just want to live off other’s efforts. Don’t apologize for speaking the truth.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Kolbie
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:40am
My understanding is that when professional golfers “work and earn money” at a tourney in any state, they have to pay state income taxes on the amount they “won” while “working” in that state. Regardless of their state residency, they pay the state income tax to the state they were in at that time.

Solution: Follow the expert advice from your accountants, your financial advisers, your tax consultants, and lawyers. Move out of California to a state with either lower taxes or no state income tax. Stop playing golf (earning income) in California. Play more tournaments in states with lower or no state income tax.

WOW! Look at the possible impact if a majority of the “big name” golfers all refused to play in the “West Cost Swing” stages of the PGA Tour. Of course not all professional golfers would avoid California. However, the ability of those tournaments to draw the attendance of large “paying” crowds to watch them play would be greatly impacted.

I wonder…. How many “filthy rich” movie stars have a home in California and claim legal residence at their “other residence”? See, I didn’t make the $40 million in California, the movie was made in Canada, and my legal state of residence is Texas. Therefore California only receives a thank you card (if that).

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
anothercomment
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:39am
Mickelson, stick to your original remarks. Many people like us, who don’t make over $250,000 a year – do not have the attention of the media, or state/federal government, pay too much taxes, are telling go make statements, and no one listens.
Double down and STAND BY YOUR STATEMENT. It’s not scandalous, nor is it controversial; it is the TRUE for all Americans.
Apology is a sign of weakness; when your statement is true, and delivered in an honest way, don’t apologize.
You did not get to where you are today by apologizing to yourself for a bad performance, you were honest with yourself.
At some point you (and every American) need to take a stand on bad laws and insane government decisions made by the elitist elected officials of this country you live in, and this one happens to impact every American.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
longun45
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:38am
How about those California / Nevada communists – opps I mean Democrats. Democrats said there is no evidence in the U.S. or California of mass departures in the wake of higher taxes on the wealthy. = bald faced lie. WE just need to be sure they leave the commie culture in California.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
BrutalTruth
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:37am
Most everyone has a price. Poor Phil’s is dirt cheap.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
jungle J
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:34am
He is a progressive operative now. He sees himself as a golfer before a citizen….what a coward.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
culpeperminuteman
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:33am
For the love of pete, don’t apologize for speaking your mind! What the heck is wrong with you? Who would be offended by those comments? Oh, that’s right. The tax and spend liberals who are afraid you will take your 63% tax rate somewhere else. I wish for once someone would have the testicular fortitude to tell these treasonous liberals to go pack sand. I cringe when I see someone speak their mind and then apologize for it later on. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Obama minions got to him and intimidated him into apologizing. America is in real trouble folks.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
geo01
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 8:33am
.
Mickelson CAVED to the politics of the subject. What a whimp!!!!
.
Get out of California Phil . . . if it is not already, it is soon to become
.
THE ARM PIT OF AMERICA.
.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.