Phil Mickelson says he won't play in Detroit again after ongoing Rocket Mortgage Classic because of a report that a local bookie stiffed him on $500,000 in gambling winnings more than 20 years ago

Reigning PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson said he will not return to the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Michigan after this week's tournament because he's upset over a Detroit News article that claimed he was stiffed on $500,000 in gambling winnings by a local bookie with reported mob ties more than 20 years earlier.  

The revelation was made on Twitter after a local business journal editor asked if Mickelson was 'done rage-tweeting at Detroit News reporter Robert for doing his job. 

Mickelson, 51, responded by indicating he 'won't be back' to Detroit.

Reigning PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson said he will not return to the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Michigan after this week's tournament because he's upset over a Detroit News article that claimed he was stiffed on a $500,000 bet by a local bookie with reported mob ties more than 20 years earlier

The Detroit News' Robert Snell reported about Mickelson's relationship with a now-deceased bookie named 'Dandy' Don DeSeranno , who had ties to organized crime in Detroit. Mickelson was not accused of anything illegal, but the report highlighted that DeSeranno once was unable to pay Mickelson gambling winnings worth $500,000.

The revelation was made on Twitter after a local business journal editor asked if Mickelson was 'done rage-tweeting at Detroit News reporter Robert for doing his job

'I haven't tweeted anything yet. I've only responded to other's tweets,' Mickelson replied. 'You and Rob do what you need to do (report something from over 20 years ago) and I'll do what I need to (let everyone know why I won't be back).'

Later, a reporter from a rival newspaper said Mickelson confirmed to him he was serious about not returning to the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

The News ran a story about Mickelson's relationship with a now-deceased bookie named 'Dandy' Don DeSeranno, who had ties to organized crime in Detroit. Mickelson was not accused of anything illegal, but the report highlighted that DeSeranno once was unable to pay Mickelson gambling winnings worth $500,000. 

According to a court transcript obtained by the Detroit News, DeSeranno confessed to owing Mickelson $500,000 in the 2007 racketeering trial of alleged mobster Jack Giacalone. 

'I wouldn't say I cheated him,' DeSeranno testified. 'I couldn't pay him.'

'You booked his action, correct?' Giacalone's lawyer, Neil Fink, asked.

'Yes,' DeSeranno said. 

Mickelson's camp took issue with the newsworthiness of the report and the decision to peg it to his arrival in town to play a Tour event. His attorney told ESPN before the start of the tournament that the story was only designed to 'embarrass' the six-time major champion.

'He didn't say anything (in the story) that wasn't true; I'm not complaining about that,' attorney Glenn Cohen said. 'But why? Why are you going to embarrass Phil Mickelson when he's there to support your tournament and the charities it supports and the Tour?'

Mickelson continued discussion of it on social media, including replying to many supporters

Mickelson hits his approach shot on the second hole during the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf tournament on Thursday. He shot a 69 and began Friday at -3

Cohen also said Mickelson had 'no earthly reason whatsoever' to comment any further, though that remark did not prove prescient. The golfer continued discussion of it on social media Thursday, including replying to many supporters.

'The community here needs the support,' he wrote to one fan. 'Please help here. I'll have my foundation continue to look into the best ways to help here too.'

He also responded to critics, including longtime New York-area sports columnist Mike Lupica. 

'So Phil Mickelson says he won't return to the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit because he didn't like a story about him in the newspaper,' wrote Lupica, a best-selling author. 'That ought to show 'em.'

'Not exactly,' Mickelson replied. 'It was 23 year old material they got transcripts on 3 years ago and ran it this week. More a smear attempt and they (and fellow media) don't like being held accountable for their opportunistic and irresponsible behavior. Kinda funny actually.' 

Mickelson opened the tournament Thursday with a 3-under 69.

Mickelson also responded to critics, including famed New York sports columnist Mike Lupica