Is Mickelson worth gamble?

The Spokane Country Club story sparked me to write. Why would a club, in a city struggling to recover from the NAACP controversy and Airway Heights Mayor Rushing, consider Phil Mickelson and M Club Holdings?

Mickelson, known as a prolific gambler, is embroiled in a controversy of illegal gambling and money laundering totaling, ironically, $2.75 million. This is almost the exact amount he and his group are offering the club ($2.8 million).

Why not make the sale to a local group, the Kalispel Tribe? Which interestingly is offering more for the purchase ($3 million).

This could be a win-win for all. The region wins because it can be seen as moving beyond the stories and behaviors that have marred our image. The club wins as a sale to a minority group (Native Americans) would be seen as a sign of inclusion and growth as opposed to the behavior alleged in the lawsuit against the club by some of its female members.

Mr. Mickelson wins because as a gambler, he can come to our fine city, gamble at the Kalispel Casino and take in a round of golf at their newly acquired course.

Is Mickelson worth the gamble and more controversy?

Phillip Tyler

Spokane