GOLFER’S “LEAVE OF ABSENCE” SPARKS DRUG, AFFAIR ALLEGATIONS
Around this time a year ago we were wishing professional golfer Dustin Johnson the best as he announced his engagement to Paulina Gretzky, daughter of National Hockey League legend Wayne Gretzky.
Johnson – a native of Columbia, S.C. and graduate of Coastal Carolina University – seemed to have it all going for him.
This summer? The thirty-year-old is struggling. Earlier this week, Johnson announced he is taking a leave of absence from the remainder of the 2014 PGA tour to deal with “personal challenges.” According to Golf.com Johnson didn’t take a leave, though, he was suspended for six months after testing positive for cocaine.
The publication also reported that Johnson had failed two previous drug tests – one for marijuana in 2009 and one for cocaine in 2012. It also alleged that he “had a sexual indiscretion with at least one wife of a PGA Tour player.”
A Fox Sports reporter later tweeted this …
Not a huge secret either that #DustinJohnson had affairs with 2 wives of PGA Tour players. One broke up the marriage.
— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) August 1, 2014
Whoa …
Without commenting on the drug or infidelity rumors, the PGA shot down the suspension report.
“With regard to media reports that Dustin Johnson has been suspended by the PGA Tour, this is to clarify that Mr. Johnson has taken a voluntary leave of absence and is not under a suspension from the PGA Tour,” a statement from the organization read.
Johnson missed two-and-a-half months in 2012 – ostensibly due to injuries sustained in a jet ski-related incident. According to Golf.com, though, Johnson was suspended in 2012 due to a failed drug test.
In 2009 – the year he allegedly failed his first PGA drug test – Johnson was arrested for driving under the influence in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
“Rest assured, I will definitely learn from my mistake,” Johnson said at the time.
This year he was playing exceedingly well, earning seven top ten finishes and earning $4.2 million. As a result of his leave of absence, he will miss the 2014 PGA Championship, FedEx Cup playoff series and Ryder Cup.
Johnson is one of the longest drivers on the tour. In fact he hit a ball 405 yards earlier this year at the British Open – where he finished second in 2011 (his best-ever finish at a major tournament). He’s currently the No. 16 golfer in the world, according to the official world golf rankings.
That may be why his top sponsor, TaylorMade, said it was sticking with him.
“We wish him well and look forward to his return,” the company said.
We do, too.
“I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced,” Johnson said in his statement. “By committing the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation, I am confident that I will be better equipped to fulfill my potential and become a consistent champion.”
Let’s hope that’s what happens …
FIRST REACTIONS
@fitsnews He's throwin' it all away. I hope he gets it back together before he becomes the next John "What Could Have Been" Daly.
— William Lewis (@welewis) August 2, 2014
32 comments
PGA disavows Golf.com report about Dustin.
FITS repeats allegations on its website about Dustin that PGA has stated as false.
If Golf.com is sued for libel can FITS be sued for repeating the defaming comments/allegations about Johnson?
p.s.. cue dui video??… :-)
You are wrong. PGA did not refute the Golf.com report, they refuted only the part about his being under suspension. Stay tuned to see if DJ ever sues Golf.com…if he does not, then you will know the truth of the matter asserted.
So they refuted ONE libelous and defaming comment from Golf.com but not the others? Is that what you are saying?
Why then , would anyone believe the other allegations by Golf.com if they apparently lied about the suspension?
I wonder if he knows Ravenel? it would make sense. coke, women, lies, no morals, etc….
Don’t you watch the TV? T-Rav just likes the smell of it, dude.
My money say T-Rav’s smelled better.
Plus the DUI. Does cocaine mess up their life and others or are people with messed up lives drawn to mess it up further with cocaine?
Well if it does “mess up your life and others”, think of how many “others” there are for Ravenel to mess up if elected. Either way DJ should have known better here too.
I love it i think the message is great and think it’s greatly wirtten and is a great message to write about
although i think it doesnt flow in parts cause some lines are too long and clunky and sound totally out of place for example
“Together they can make life,
something a man and a man, or a woman and a woman cannot do”
it feels akward to read out but it’s good overall
Shoot, John Daly said his all night drunks would not wear off till the 10th hole…and he would nail those 310 yd drives and sink those 20 footers all day long.
This author proposes the First Annual Fits Cup employee/commentator skins match at 50.00 a hole. (9 holes because Fits’ payroll goes as far as the Mother Hubbard Food Bank) Maybe the second or third Thursday after the Masters? Indian Rivers? Anyone? This author has had 4 holes in one (par 3) with witnesses.
He probably said that, but an all nighter won’t wear off by the 10th, unless you got a helper. Btdt, usually by 10 if you have a 12 pack you’re feeling a little better. Never did the other stuff, god says I don’t have the money.
Been around the boy, dumb as a box of towels. Loser. He would call me “dude”.
BTW, “challenges”? Don’t make me throw up in my mouth. You are a dumb fucking loser. Party on you fucking redneck.
Agreed. A millionaire whose career consists of knocking a little white ball around has zero credibility when puling about his self-imposed “challenges” and “struggles”. No sympathy here…
DUDE!
You call yourself “Dude”, Dude.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77v_Q0mhbZU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJjCnWm5cvE
Dumb to the bone.
Golf is supposed to be a gentleperson’s game. This is probably why my father could always beat the crap out me, even into his 70’s. He could drive 310yds straight. God allowed me to hit the fairway. His puts were poetry.. his ability to read a green, legendary. He drank like a fish with my Uncle Reg (they had been college roomies in the late 30’s into the early 40’s.), but he never cheated or did coke or J or Flip… My guess is that Mom always had that certain spell on him. His Birthday was today. He was a great dad. I miss him so. Maybe brother Dunstin’ checking out WILL be a healing one. Only please Lord, don’t let him screw up his perfect swing…
And dad? I love you! Happy birthday. R.I.P….
DJ looks cute from a distance – and certainly wears his white pants well – but up close not so cute . . .
All liberals are ugly as shit. Why is that? Is it a disease or is it because they are angry all the time?
Michelle Obama looks cute from a distance-and certainly wears her ‘tent’ well around her donkey ass-but up close not so cute.
“All liberals are ugly as shit. Why is that?”
LOL I love it! I hope I ruined your whole weekend, nutcase!
“All liberals are ugly as shit”
Why aren’t you posting under your usual name, Brigid???
I DON’T BLAME DUSTIN FOR FUCKING THE GOLFING WIVES – THEY ARE SOME FINE LOOKING BABES. GOOD FOR HIM!
I partied with Dustin at a tailgate spot for the South Carolina – Georgia game in Athens a few years back. He was there because they were honoring his good buddy, Bubba Watson, at halftime for his Masters win. Dustin was a great guy and very down to earth, but he did keep disappearing about every 30 minutes and we all knew why. Not shocked about this.
Cocaine…loose women…DUIs…lotsa money…time….
TBG thinks DJ should run for Senate.
Is he a Liberal-Tarian?
Was it Robin Williams who opined “Cocaine is God’s way of telling you you have too much money”?
Timely comment, given he went back in again.
Rehab is for quitters.
IF you are going to have a story about Dustin, least include a photo of Paulina Gretzky in it!
What’s wrong with Dustin Johnson? Read State of South Carolina v. Steve Gillian and you will have a pretty good idea of what his teenage years were like. While that was 13 years ago, you get the impression that Dustin is the type of person who finds success and temptation hard to handle. Overall, he has really done well as a professional golfer. If he is able to get a grip on the problems that have been dogging him for years, he may return to find a career that is even bigger and better than before. With all that Tiger Woods has done, he is still the darling of the sports media and of product merchandisers. People love comeback stories.
You say comeback story, I say his hook up story. T-rav is still his hook up in one form or another.
I gar oh tee this wont be his last time in rehab.tough times are ahead for this freakishly Talented young man.