Iconic golf superstar Phil Mickelson is speaking out in support of Daniel Penny, amid the ongoing trial over his actions back in May 2023 — where he put a black homeless man who was threatening to murder people on a New York subway into a chokehold.
The drug-addicted homeless man, Jordan Neely, died later after police arrived.
On Friday, the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny was dropped, but jury deliberations will continue on Monday.
Penny could still face up to 4 years in prison, if convicted on a lesser charge.
Replying to a post from Colin Rugg praising Daniel Penny as a “model citizen” who is being unfairly prosecuted, Phil Mickelson thanked Daniel, a veteran, for serving his country and protecting passengers from a “violent and deranged individual.”
Here’s Phil Mickelson’s full response:
Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual. https://t.co/tUI5pe7pFV
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) December 6, 2024
Many golf fans are agreeing with Mickelson, praising him for speaking out in defense of Daniel Penny.
Take a look at these awesome responses:
Thank you for speaking out, Phil!
— captive dreamer (@captivedreamer7) December 6, 2024
This is the way, Phil. Thank you for making your voice heard on this topic.
— Awitty Fellow (@JustTrollinLibs) December 6, 2024
you are a true patriot, phil 🙏🇺🇸
— Logan Hall (@loganclarkhall) December 6, 2024
Thanks for taking a stand on this, Phil! We need our voices heard.
— Sam S. (@GenX_Sam) December 6, 2024
It’s nice to see such unity and common sense after years of cancel culture!
Fox News reported:
The jury in Daniel Penny’s manslaughter case may have been deadlocked, but Phil Mickelson’s opinion is clear.
The 54-year-old golfer shared a post from political commentator Collin Rugg on X that called Penny a “model citizen…that every mayor of every city should want more of,” a “hero” and a “breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.”
ADVERTISEMENTBefore the most serious charge was dismissed, Penny was on trial for second-degree manslaughter for killing Jordan Neely after placing him in a chokehold on a subway.
Neely died later on.
Mickelson agreed with Rugg’s words.
“Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual,” Mickelson wrote.
Daily Mail added:
Golf icon Phil Mickelson has come out in support of Daniel Penny after he took on step closer to freedom on Friday.
Penny, a Marine veteran, was charged with manslaughter for stepping in when Jordan Neely , a mentally ill homeless man, threatened subway passengers on an F train in New York City in May 2023.
The 24-year-old placed Neely, 30, in a chokehold on the train car floor, holding him there until police arrived. The subway performer known for his Michael Jackson impersonations was declared dead in the hospital and Penny was then charged.
ADVERTISEMENTA judge dismissed the top manslaughter charge against Penny on Friday and, while he must still return to court to face lesser charges, Mickelson backed him online.
Quote-tweeting a post from a conservative commentator praising Penny as a ‘model citizen who should be praised by the city of New York.’
‘Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual,’ the six-time major winner responded.
Most golf fans supported Mickelson for his comment with many praising him for taking a stand.
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