What better to bring me out of my hiatus than Tiger Woods returning to the forefront of the the sporting world?
For nearly three months, the world's greatest golfer has somehow managed to live in absolute darkness without even a single paparazzi photo being snapped. It's been simply amazing.
Woods' press conference, check that... statement (press conference implies we can ask questions) brought his marital issues back into the national spotlight as he finally apologized for his wrongdoings.
But after much examination and reflection over the issue, it has to be asked, who does Tiger really owe apologies too? In reality, the list is short.
As it stands, Tiger has done nothing breaking the rules of golf. As a matter of fact, in his home state (Florida), he didn't even break the law.
While I will never condone adultery, Tiger doesn't need to apologize to me. It's not for me to act as the executioner in a matter such as this. The only people Tiger needs to deal with is his family and his endorsers
Here's why:
1. At the root of it all, this is a family issue. Tiger's biggest apology should (and will) go to his wife, Elin. Tiger let down his family and he should have to pay for it, but not by us. Countless amounts of Americans commit adultery. Do we make every one of them stand in front of a camera and apologize to the nation? Tiger said it himself in his statement, he lives by the same rules as everyone else. The fact he can hit a golf ball 300 yards shouldn't change that.
2. Over the years, Tiger's endorsers have poured billions of dollars into supporting him. Tiger makes a ton of money winning golf tournaments, but let's face it, his real paycheck comes from the sponsorship deals. Like he has with his family, Tiger has let down his sponsors who have counted so much on his image. A big, big apology is necessary for these companies that put so much on a "role model" who, in all honesty, was never really much of one...
So who doesn't Tiger need to apologize to?
Us.
I keep hearing about how Tiger should make special mention of the parents and kids who considered him a role model. In the end, he made the smart move by issuing a special apology to this demographic. But really, it's unnecessary.
In my opinion, parents allowed their children to idolize Tiger Woods at their own peril. The facts are there. Tiger has always been a brat on the golf course. The club throwing, the cursing, the crowd scolding. I've seen him play in person. Quite frankly, he's a jerk. He's everything that golf isn't supposed to be. But that's what makes him so good. And he's friggin' good.
We have been blinded by how good Tiger has been over the last 15 years to realize that he's no role model. His talent has been so, for lack of better words, awesome, that we have overlooked the fact that he's an unpredictable toddler. So I have no remorse for those who feel they've been let down by Tiger's shortcomings.
At the end of the day, this is exactly the type of situation that will make Tiger stronger on the golf course. The guy responds to adversity by winning. His legacy might be ruined, but I doubt it. We are guilty of being an extremely forgiving culture if you can produce results. And believe me, Tiger Woods will produce results.
For now, let's let Tiger handle this the way he should (and the way he is), behind closed doors with his family.
Don't apologize to me, Tiger. Save it for the people who really deserve it. Meanwhile, get back to doing what you do best... making our jaws drop on Sundays... for the right reasons.
