Phil: “Well, not only are we able to play together, we also don't litigate against each other"

As we await the Fleet Street feasting, some American takes on Phil Mickelson livening up the Ryder Cup proceedings Wednesday with a jab at the Rory McIlroy lawsuit that has dragged old buddy Graeme McDowell into the mix.

Bob Harig with the quote and context:

"Well, not only are we able to play together, we also don't litigate against each other, and that's a real plus, I feel, heading into this week," Mickelson quipped.

Mickelson said it with a smile and was clearly joking, but the comment hits home.

Ryan Herrington of GolfDigest.com with this:

Mickelson's quip drew laughter and a few wry smiles from the press in attendance. Moderator Michael Gibbons even offered a playful "ouch" in response.

"I might get roasted but I couldn't resist," Mickelson told GolfDigest.com. "I can handle it. We all need to laugh at ourselves. I think it's funny."

Jason Sobel at GolfChannel.com:

What’s the agenda here? Maybe he wanted to pump some life into festivities that were clearly lacking. Maybe he wanted to take the heat off his teammates who have been continuously – and tiresomely – answering questions about being overmatched this week.

Or maybe this was a public dig at McIlroy, who hasn’t held back from opining about Mickelson lately.