I think recently married Stevie wants to “retire” and start a family
Tiger Woods values loyalty, and Steve is fiercely loyal to Tiger. Tiger won’t fire anyone UNLESS that person shows less than total devotion to Tiger.
Besides, whether it’s justified or not, it’s well known that 98% of the pros on the Tour regard Mickelson as a phony (Johnny Miller is just one of the people on the record as saying so). They probably AGREE with Steve Williams.
Mickelson is VERY popular with fans, but not at all popular among his colleagues.
Are you sure about that? According to the article above: “Since scoring a job as Woods’ bagman, he has been careful not to create any controversy, partly because Woods sacked his predecessor for his outspokeness.”
Well, he *does *have nice tits.
On reflection, I see you were talking about showing less than total devotion to Tiger… but still; he sure showed his ass.
The article says that Williams didn’t intend for the “prick” comment to be on the record. He doesn’t seem to be too concerned about Tiger’s reaction. I wouldn’t think Tiger would like it, but Williams knows Tiger better than I do.
It’s still not really a secret that FIGJAM is disliked by other players on the tour, or that he and Tiger are not the best of friends. I suppose it makes for good media fodder, though, and the “feud” will probably be played up when Tiger returns.
Incidentally, regarding the “tits” story, I’m kind of surprised that Mickelson would fall apart like that from getting heckled during a round. Isn’t that something players hear all the time? I would expect that they don’t even hear it most of the time. If he’s that sensitive to smack talk from fans, it’s a good thing he doesn’t play baseball.
One of my favorite all time jokes:
How can you tell the difference between Phil and Amy Mickelson?
Amy has fake tits and a real smile.
Why would anyone give a fuck what Steve Williams says about anything?
Talk about the luckiest man in the world, profiting beyond his wildest dreams, simply by sucking the dick of a supremely talented individual.
Yeah, you tell Phil, Stevie.
Tits or no, sincere personality or no, unlike you he’s accomplished something on his own ability.
And Lefty responds.
I’m a tad curious as to the source and continuation of the “Phil is a jerk” meme.
A little googling turned up nothing other than that BS GQ list.
But as far as I can see, the Mickelsons are extremely active in charities - at least as active as the usual PGA pro. And it seems odd to criticize him for being pleasant towards fans. In a world of robot prima donnas I’m not sure his connection with the fans is insignificant or a bad thing.
My sole gripe with the Mick is he let me down too many times. As successful as he has been, he should have won even more - and been more competition for Tiger.
I have never met Tiger, Phil, or any other noteworthy professional golfer. So, when I wrote that Phil is widely despised on the PGA tour, it’s not because I’ve ever seen or heard him do anything bad.
Like most casual fans, all I know of Phil is what I observe of his behavior in public. On the plus side, he’s one of the only pro golders who’ll spend a lot of time talking to fans and signing autographs. That has helped make him very, very popular among the public at large.
It’s in the clubhouse that he’s widely disliked. When sportswriters note how well-liked Mickelson is among the fans, fellow tour pros invariably scoff, "That’s because they don’t know him the way we do.
Is that right or fair? I have no idea. I merely pass along what’s already widely known in golf circles.
It’s interesting, though, that many players who blow off fans and autograph seekers, and show ZERO personality to the public, are regarded as great guys by their colleagues. To use one example, Vijay Singh comes across as cold and arrogant in public, but is widely regarded as a prince of a guy by other touring pros.
Again, is this right or fair? I dunno.
If I ever met Vijay, however, I’d probably tell him, “Look, fans don’t know the ‘real’ you. They only know the face you show them. If you WANT them to like you, then act the way Phil does. Smile occasionally, and sign some autographs. Do that, and fans will adore you the way they do Phil. If you can’t be bothered doing that, well, that’s your choice. But then don’t whine about how unfair it is for the fans to love that ‘phony’ Mickelson.”
Yeah, I’ve heard this, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything I considered reliable proof of it. What is the basis for your previous statement that “it’s well known that 98% of the pros on the Tour regard Mickelson as a phony (Johnny Miller is just one of the people on the record as saying so)”?
Tho I have to grant you, if anyone would know about being a dick, it would be Johnny Miller! 
These are the best I could come up with (following a determined effort to avoid work!)
This one quotes Veej and some guy named Paul Gow.
This one discusses it some more, but criticizes his play more than his personality.
It seems like folk are saying it is better for someone to be a dick to fellow pros and fans alike - like Veej, or a loner rockstar like Tiger, than to actually give a shit about the fans - even if it is an act. Not sure I understand it.
That was my first thought.
Even leaving aside the issue of talent, the idea of Williams referring to anyone else as a prick is laughable. Williams himself is a major fucking douchebag.
ESPN said Tiger was not happy when he heard about it.