Tiger Woods at Sawgrass Golf Club today
Today, Tiger Woods issued a public statement to millions of viewers. This is the first time he has spoken publicly since allegations of affairs with at LEAST 12 women emerged.
It has been described by several media outlets, sports pundits and others as an "extraordinary" apology..and so it should!
Tiger talking to the world..finally!
The biggest sports-star in the world begged for forgiveness, announcing he will start a new life of "integrity". He admitted he had bitterly disappointed his family, friends and fans.
He leapt to his wife, Elin's defence, insisting she had never attacked him, like it had been reported by the media. Instead, he said that she should be praised for her "grace and poise" rather than be blamed. He said:-
I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I am embarrassed I have put you in this position. For all I have done, I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for."
In his statement, he said "sorry" several times acknowledging his behaviour as "selfish" and "foolish". He said:-
"I have let you down. I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behaviour has been a personal disappointment. For those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally."
Although his wife was not present, his mother was seated in the front row who he embraced after the 13 minute and a half public apology.
Elin shown yesterday in Florida..apparently her wearing "Nike" is showing her husband support (one of his sponsers)
Personally, I think this was the best thing for Tiger to do. I have listened to media reports, journalists, PR gurus etc etc expressing their own opinions on the matter. Many have stated that Tiger should have had a Question & Answer press release or perhaps a Sit down interview with Oprah.
Are you outta your mind?! The man looked like he was struggling reading from his piece of paper - never mind being hounded by journalists. Letting him answer questions would be feeding him to a pack of wolves - the man could not ever handle that kind of intergration, even if it was from someone as sensitive or kind as Oprah.
Tiger embracing his mother after his speech
This was the best move for Tiger - though in my opinion it was a little late. This should have been done at least one month ago. Although, would Tiger have agreed to this? Strangely the man still seems to believe that the press should leave he and his family alone. He was careful in his wording but he stressed that now he and his wife should be left alone to sort out their marriage problems.
What planet do you live on Tiger??!?? You are a sports-star living in the public eye - there is NO SUCH THING AS PRIVACY!!! If a celebrity, sport-star, politician or any other human being living in the public eye can not learn from Tiger Wood's situation, then they need a big REALITY CHECK.
Tiger Woods doing what he knows best
No amount of beauty, popularity, money, class or common sense will stop the media reporting scandals. The sooner these celebrities learn to deal with this - the better they will be at dealing with scandals.
