Mickelson Says He Won’t Be Testifying

Both the government and attorneys for Las Vegas sports bettor/businessman Billy Walters say Phil Mickelson is a key figure in the Walters’ securities fraud trial . But Mickelson said he won’t be called to testify. He didn’t say how he knows this information.

“I’m not a part of that,” Mickelson told the Associated Press Wednesday at the Dell Technologies Match Play. “It’s not even a thought.”

Not only have attorneys for both sides said the 46-year-old golfer is a key figure, the judge mentioned he could be on the witness stand. Mickelson disagreed when asked about the subject.

“I won’t be called,” Mickelson said. “I haven’t even thought about it. I don’t think I’m going to say any more.”

Mickelson was never charged, but found himself in hot water after making close to $1 million on Walters’ suggestions regarding Dean Foods stock. He agreed to repay his profits plus interest.

“Lefty” was one of 20 witnesses on the defense list. Prosecutors say Walters could serve between 8 and 10 years if found guilty.

Things are going pretty good for “Lefty” on the golf course, as he won his third straight match Friday. The win moves him to the final 16, which he didn’t make last year even after going 2-1.

“Last year I won the first two and ended up getting knocked out,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson easily won Group 16 with his 3-0 record. Si Woo Kim was second in the group with a 1-1-1 record. The group winners begin play on Saturday.

Mickelson hasn’t won on the Tour since capturing the British Masters in 2013, but has been playing well this year. He’s 57th in money won with $689,000 and has played fewer tournaments than most above him.

So far, the threat of the trail hasn’t affected Mickelson’s play one bit. If anything, he’s playing as well as he has in quite a while.