Phil Mickelson burns McIlroy, McDowell on lawsuit & teamwork

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Have you ever thought of a joke that was so good, so clever that you just had to say it, even if it offended some people? Phil Mickelson had such a zinger on Wednesday at the Ryder Cup.

Mickelson was responding to a question about the Americans’ camaraderie when he let this one out:

“Well, not only are we able to play together, we also don’t litigate against each other, and that’s a real plus, I feel, heading into this week.”

If you haven’t been paying attention, that’s a pretty deep burn on the European side’s top player. Rory McIlroy is mired in a lawsuit against Horizon Sports Management, his former, Dublin-based representation. McIlroy abruptly ended his relationship with Horizon in 2013, opting to represent himself. McIlroy sued Horizon, claiming their fees were much too high, particularly compared to those paid by Graeme McDowell, who ostensibly recruited McIlroy to the firm. The suit has become so contentious that McIlroy’s legal team has asked for very personal documentation related to McDowell’s contract and finances. An Irish judge has implored both sides to seek mediation to end the suit before a 2015 trial.

Mickelson apologized for the quip soon after, saying, “I couldn’t resist. Sorry.”

Based on the reaction on social media, the comment has incensed many European fans. Then again, they could throw their own stones at Mickelson, pointing to a federal investigation into well-timed trades of multiple stocks.

The only line that could have made the exchange more complete was a play on Ben Crenshaw’s 1999 “I have a good feeling about this” remark on Saturday night before the Americans’ incredible comeback at Brookline. Maybe something about having some inside info and buying stock in the American team.

Ah, well. There’s still another day of preparation for that one to surface.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow @RyanBallengee

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