Wayne Gretzky backs Dustin Johnson: ‘Have to stick together’

Troubled golfer Dustin Johnson has The Great One in his corner.

Johnson, who was reportedly suspended by the PGA Tour for cocaine use, received support from NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, his future father-in-law.

“Obviously life isn’t perfect and he went through a tough time and, as he said to me, ‘It’s going to make me a better person and a more responsible person, and through that it’s going to make me a better athlete and better golfer,'” Gretzky told SPortnet 590 The Fan on Wednesday. “In life, unfortunately, sometimes we forget that even athletes are human and there’s bumps in the road, and most importantly he’s a wonderful person with a good heart and we care about him.”

Johnson proposed to Gretzky’s daughter Paulina last August and the two were set to tie the knot this fall. It’s unclear if those plans have been postponed.

“He’s our future son-in-law and we love him dearly,” Gretzky said. “It’s been a tough time … When you go through tough times as a family, that’s when you have to stick together the most.”

Johnson announced his leave of absence July 31, citing “personal challenges.” Golf.com reported the next day that he had actually been suspended by the PGA Tour after testing positive for cocaine. The tour, however, denied the report and said his leave was voluntary.