This just in: DJ is not unfamiliar with cocaine
Color me unsurprised. The “leave of absence” is explained this afternoon as Golf.com reports the PGA has banned Dustin Johnson for 6 months due to a positive test for cocaine.
Here’s the story that was prepared last night and this morning
Thursday July 31, 2014, Dustin Johnson released a statement that effective immediately he was taking a leave of absence from golf. Johnson stated:
“I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced. 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.”
The statement didn’t clarify how long the world’s #16 ranked golfer would be away from the game, but Johnson’s agent notified the PGA that DJ would miss next week’s PGA Championship Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, and the Ryder Cup in September. In his statement, Johnson asked for privacy while on his “mission of self-improvement”.
For the second time in 3 PGA seasons, Dustin Johnson will mysteriously miss a major tournament. In 2012 he missed the Masters due to a back injury suffered lifting a jet ski. The back injury forced him to miss 3 months.
During the 3 months missed in 2012, Johnson’s agent was busy vehemently denying the hiatus had anything to do with illegal drugs, a stint in rehab or a drug-related ban levied by the PGA.
It is a very strange time to leave. Based on rough calculations, Johnson is potentially leaving $15 million on the table.
The biggest blow due to his absence may be felt by the U.S. Ryder Cup team. DJ went 3-0-0 in the last Ryder Cup.
The 2014 U.S. Team Captain, Tom Watson weighed in: “We will certainly miss Dustin Johnson at Gleneagles, and we wish him the best,” Watson said. “As one of the longest hitters in the game with an undefeated record of 3-0 at Medinah in 2012, he has clearly been an asset for the United States team. That said, the United States is a team with an abundance of talent.”
It’s Watson’s job to remain determined and confident, but this hurts an already shaky US team. Strategically, Johnson’s length off the tee would have provided flexibility for Watson. He could pair up long hitters to try to overwhelm the European squad or partnering an accurate, shorter driver with a long hitter means the bomber can let it fly once his partner is safe in the short grass. The US team will also lose experience.
As it stands, Johnson will be replaced by Patrick Reed, who would be making his Ryder Cup debut.
Vague circumstances and mysterious timing lead me to believe DJ’s agent will be busy yet again.
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