John Daly at the Bob Hope Desert Classic in January.ASSOCIATED PRESS

Daly dropped by Wilson Golf

Web posted April 29, 1997

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - John Daly, who signed a $10 million endorsement deal with Wilson after winning the PGA Championship in 1991, was dropped by the equipment company on Monday, his 31st birthday and a month after a drunken spree at the Players Championship.

``Through all of his trials and tribulations, Wilson has always stood behind John,'' said Jeff Harmet, director of marketing for Wilson Golf. ``This was by no means an easy decision. But after reassessing our relationship, we have decided to bring our relationship to a close.''

Daly entered alcohol rehabilitation in 1993 and proudly proclaimed when he won the 1995 British Open he never would have been able to do it if he were still drinking.

But Daly admitted last October he had gone back to drinking and it was clear he was out of control when he had a lenghty session at a bar on March 27 at the Players Championship. That episode ended with Daly damaging his hotel room, scaring his wife and withdrawing from the tournament.

Two days later, Daly entered the Betty Ford center for treatment for alcohol abuse. Paulette Daly filed for divorce less than two weeks later.

Papers filed April 8 in the Circuit Court of Shelby County in Memphis, Tenn., alleged Daly was guilty of ``inappropriate marital conduct'' and said that to continue living together would be ``unsafe and improper.''

The couple married on Jan. 28, 1995. The complaint for divorce gave the date of final separation as March 27, the night of the drinking spree in Jacksonville, Fla.

John Mascatello, Daly's agent, was not available for comment and a spokesperson in his office said no one there had seen the brief release by the Chicago-based company.

``All of us at Wilson are pulling for John and we wish him nothing but the very best as he pursues his recovery program and his future in profesional golf,'' Harmet said.

Mascatello said earlier that Daly hoped to play in the Kemper Open on June 5-8 and then the U.S. Open the next week.