Dustin Johnson Denies having a Cocaine Addiction, Welcomes First Child

By Cheri Cheng - 21 Jan '15 11:48AM

Dustin Johnson, who announced his leave of absence from the PGA Tour in order to seek professional help, has clarified that his issues are not related to cocaine.

Johnson's statement read, "By committing the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation, I am confident that I will be better equipped to fulfill my potential and become a consistent champion. I respectfully ask my fans, well-wishers and the media for privacy as I embark upon the mission of self-improvement."

At the time of Johnson's announcement back in August, Golf.com had reported that the 30-year-old golfer was suspended for six months after his drug test came back positive for cocaine. It was reportedly the third test Johnson had failed since 2009. The PGA Tour denied suspending Johnson.

Johnson told Sports Illustrated in an exclusive interview in the Jan. 26 issue, "I did not have a problem. It's just something I'm not going to get into. I have issues. But that's not the issue."

He revealed that in order to unwind, he would go out drinking or partying.

"My way of getting rid of it was drinking or partying," Johnson said. "Yeah, that might work for that day or the next week, but eventually everything keeps piling up. I don't miss waking up with a hangover, and I didn't drink very often. It was just when I did, it was a little too much."

Johnson added that he did not enter a rehabilitation center for drug-related problems. Instead, Johnson hired a life coach as well as a team of experts.

Johnson has eight PGA Tour wins under his belt. His return to the game is still unknown. However, Johnson had previously stated that he would not play in a tournament until his fiancée, Paulina Gretzky gave birth to their child. Gretzky, the daughter of famous NHL player Wayne Gretzky, gave birth to a baby boy Monday morning.

"Paulina and I are happy to announce the arrival of our baby boy, who was born in Los Angeles on Monday morning," Johnson said in a statement to E! News. "Both Paulina and the baby are healthy, resting comfortably and in great spirits. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received and plan to release further details in the coming days!"