Phil Mickelson and his astronomical fortune have once again made headlines for the wrong reasons, but that doesn’t mean the five-time major champion is guilty of committing a crime.
The latest alleged scandal involves an illegal gambling operation and $2.75 million of Mickelson’s money. Gregory Silveira, a 56-year-old former sports gambling handicapper, pleaded guilty last week to laundering $2.75 million in funds from an unnamed “gambling client” between February 2010 and February 2013. ESPN’s Outside the Lines is reporting that the client is Mickelson, and Silveira allegedly received a wire transfer of $2.75 million -- presumably from Mickelson -- in March 2010. So “Lefty” is in trouble, right?
Probably not.
Silveira admitted in California court that he knew the money he accepted and distributed into his accounts was related to “illegal sports gambling.” Believe it or not, that could be a good thing for Mickelson.
As David Malinkski of the gambling website Pregame.com notes, it’s likely that Mickelson’s name was not mentioned in any court documents because he has not committed a crime. A Fortune Magazine story that was written several years ago explains how it is the taking of wagers that is illegal in most states, not the placing of wagers. For example, California -- where Silveira pleaded guilty -- does not prosecute those who place bets. Unless Mickelson was somehow involved in the taking of wagers or was profiting from the gambling operation, he was probably just making wagers through Silveira or someone connected to Silveira.
When you consider how much money Mickelson made last year, it seems unlikely that he would be involved in the business end of an illegal gambling ring. It’s no secret that Mickelson likes to bet (and bet big) on sports. My guess is he was just betting through Silveira, which would technically not be illegal for Mickelson but illegal for Silveira in the state of California.
Much like last year when Mickelson’s name was tied to alleged insider trading, it’s unlikely that the 45-year-old will face any legal consequences.
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