Was it a leave or absence or was it a suspension? PGA player, Dustin Johnson has a troubled history which has dubbed him the bad boy of the sport. Reportedly, per Golf, Johnson was suspended following three previously failed drug tests. Under the PGA policies, that would result in said suspension, instead Johnson denied ever being suspended, and said he would be taking a leave of absence to “seek professional help for personal challenges.” When the PGA Tour was questioned for comment on Johnson’s abrupt leave, they denied comment.
Johnson and his public relations team have assured media outlets he was never suspended, and just felt it was time for him to take a hiatus from the game.
Although, Johnson had previously failed drug tests, and the connection was cocaine, the player also denied that charge. He said he previously had a drinking problem, but he still “didn’t drink very often,” but when he did “it was a little too much.” The player had sat down with Sports Illustrated to talk briefly about his leave of absence, but when it came to the cocaine and suspension allegation, he quickly denied both. He also stated he was not getting into the discussion of the cocaine link.
What did Johnson do during his sudden leave? He also denies entering rehab. Rather, he said he hired a team of experts to help him manage his talents, and become a more prolific player.
The eight-time PGA Tour winner did admit when stress became too much, he would drink or party the woes away, but he has been clean for months. He shared he entered a bet with his fiancee’s father, Wayne Gretzky, and several other members from the Sherwood Country Club to see how long they could go without a drink.
Johnson reflected the last several months has been a growing up period for him, because he wants to “become the person I want my kids to look up to.”
On Tuesday evening, Johnson’s agent announced Paulina Gretzky and Johnson welcomed their first son into the world on Monday morning. Mom and baby are doing just fine.
While Johnson did deny he needed rehab, and any connection to drugs or suspension, he was willing to admit his stress levels and vodka as his previous vice. Here’s hoping Johnson continues down his path of staying clean and becoming that role model for his son. Congratulations to the couple.