Despite my shameless ignorance of the elitist sport, I still love Tiger Woods, not golf.
There's something about the man. Maybe it's his semblance of quiet, yeah, I like silent, brooding men. Maybe it's his color, a rich perfect brown that reminds me so much of our backyard clay soil I used to mold into crooked vases when I was little. Or maybe it's his intrigue-free life even amidst the fame and, yes, fortune. When he married the pretty blond Scandinavian, I was more happy than jealous because he went into a serious relationship with a girl who wasn't even famous. I was pleased. Tiger defied the 'tradition' which usually plays out like this:
Rich athlete wins in his ball game, collects trophies, money and endorsements and money, begets a gorgeous socialite/Hollywood star. Dates, dates, dates. Separates, philanders and finds another girl. It's a vicious cycle.
Well, Tiger challenged that cycle. Until the shady incident where he mysteriously hit his car against a hydrant. No biggie but apparently, there was more to it than an injured number one golfer and a wrecked car.
Speculations have been made, claims have been declared by the 'other' women and chaos ruled. Amidst the chaos, here's what Tiger has to say:
I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.
Tiger, I like you. But I cannot accept this plea of forgiveness when you didn't even specify what transgressions you may have done. And please if you apologize, don't try to justify yourself by saying that you're not perfect. We know you aren't. So cut this bullshit and just apologize. You want to deal with it alone? Fine. We the public will give that to you. Good luck.
Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.
We understand that you are dismayed by the sensationalism but darling you should have thought about that before you did anything that ignites scrutiny. You are a fish in bowl who stands out and you should have known better.
But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.
Indeed. Privacy is a luxury for you. Next time be careful. Walk on eggs. Make that Faberge to give you more caution.
Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.
Of course, your family is hit the hardest, maybe like a whip from a titanium-made golf club. Reflection? Yes. A lot? I don't think so. Take your time. Reflect some more. I think you need it.
I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.
Yes. Family should get the best out of you. No. I don't think the internet is the best medium for an apology.
