Tiger Woods has probably had the most regrettable week in his life. For fans, it was the fall of what many thought was one of the true great ones…both inside and outside of the ropes.
Woods had a car accident in the early morning hours on the Friday after Thanksgiving outside his home in Florida. That accident has spun into a firestorm that has seen Woods’ entire off-course life thrown onto the covers of tabloids, newspapers and blogs as well as coverage on television news. Woods’ “indiscretions,” as he put it, not only cost him the privacy he held so dear but the respect of many fans.
In the age-old debate that athletes are not role models, and they are not to some, I agree with FOXSports.com writer Robert Lusetich said in that for many though, Woods is what they admired and strove to be. A confident, successful person (who happens to be an athlete) who is the best at what they do while at the same time is a great friend and person. That reputation is now, and forever, tarnished.
I did not have a problem with Woods’ actions after the crash. He had an accident and that was it. He did not owe the media or fans an explanation as to why he was driving his SUV at 2-something in the morning…sober. The media was wrong in attacking him for not commenting on camera earlier than he did. But, that is what tabloids do…they want a juicy story that makes you pick up the magazine at the supermarket checkout line. Jason Whitlock was right in calling out the sports reporters that acted like tabloid journalists for one reason or another. Woods’ actions fueled the media and now his “indiscretions” are coming back to haunt him one at a time for their 15-minutes of fame.
Does this spell trouble for the PGA TOUR? No way. Woods gets determined and focused when people doubt or question him. The course will provide him with an escape, making the world’s greatest golfer extremely dangerous. Would you be surprised if he ran the table in majors this year – tying Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18? I wouldn’t at all. He finished sixth and second in the last two Masters and the 2010 U. S. Open is at Pebble Beach with the British Open at St. Andrews. Sky’s the limit. The only question mark would be the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, where Woods finished tied for 24th place at the 2004. But, if you add the fuel of last year’s loss to Y. E. Yang to the fire, Woods could complete the Grand Slam of golf.
Woods’ season should open at the end of January at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines. Woods has won that event six times and Torrey Pines is the site for his most memorable major championships – the 2008 U. S. Open. That will be the start of something special for golf fans. 
Image credit: Keith Allison
Brian Bresnan is the writer and publisher of TeeOff Post, a golf news and information web site. He has a background in public relations and sales and, recently, started designing web sites for [dot]blueprint.
As sad as the whole Tiger Woods situation is, perhaps it might prompt us to re-evaluate the institution of marriage, and whether it is still a viable institution. Assuming, for purposes of argument, that there is no biological component associated with cheating, then simply examining the conduct of golfer Woods, Albert Einstein, Gov. Mark Sanford, Sen. John Edwards, Sen. John Ensign, inventor Henry Ford, Presidents Wilson, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton, would strongly suggest that many do not respect the institution as presently constituted or evolved.
The frequency with which infidelity occurs suggests a systemic problem. Society might consider starting a discussion about a modified or different institution to serve the functions previously served by marriage.
Reggie,
I do agree with you that there is a problem with how people are handling their intimate commitments in our world today. This is evident with high divorce rates and a trail of other problems which are born out of broken homes; however I do not think that we should question the entire institution of marriage because of the poor choices people make.
Perhaps society should consider a discussion about the issues causing men and women to make poor choices, rather than looking to change the definition/culture in terms of our intimate commitments to each other.
Karl
Whoa there, back up a second.
You don’t have a problem with Tiger’s actions after the crash?? He refused to answer questions from the police. Repeatedly. And how can you say he was sober? The man was SNORING while laying prone on the ground after the accident, and he had a tendency to take Ambien. I’m not saying he was definitely on something, but at the very least it’s enough probable cause for police to investigate. So while Tiger is under no obligation to speak to the fans, he certainly should’ve been forced to cooperate with the authorities. Yet because of his fame and fortune, he was given a pass that you or I would not have received.
I’m so sick of people blaming the media (of which I’m a part of, for full disclosure). Tiger Woods IS the media. He’s everywhere. No one is forcing him to pitch everything from razors to cars, he chooses to. And he chose to build up his image as a role model and otherwise perfect citizen THROUGH THE MEDIA! He has no problems with billboards and magazine covers informing us of his greatness, but as soon as things go south he wants his privacy and he berates the “evil media” for not giving it to him?
Screw that. You can’t have your cake and eat it too Tiger.
Yet even though he’s clearly in the wrong, he’s got all these apologists making excuses for him and blaming everyone but him for what happened.
Give me a break.
Wow, some heated and very interesting opinons here. I’m not sure how debating the institution of marriage itself in response to this piece is relevant, it sounds like Reggie might be trying to stir up reaction.
It is an age old debate about role models and seperating their career/talent from their personal lives. Personally I could care less about their personal lives as it relates to their career. The only beef I have is when they do try to be a role model and they do not have the moral fiber to be one. I think Daddy files has an interesting opinion/point: “He has no problems with billboards and magazine covers informing us of his greatness, but as soon as things go south he wants his privacy and he berates the “evil media” for not giving it to him?” You’re right, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. When you put yourself out there, you make a decision and no matter how you behave, good or bad, it will be public. That is the price of being famous or great.
Why is that a surprise to everyone? Of course I do miss the class and prestige held to famous stars pre-Marilyn Monroe. There was a respectful distance and we could appreciate them just for their craft.
WTH happened to my comment? Man. testing 1, 2, 3
Thanks for the comments and sorry for my delay in my response. I agree with RugbyMom as the marriage debate is best left for another topic. As the Tiger Woods saga unfolded and the number of women grew, it became evident why Woods cherished his privacy. He was hiding something. In terms of marketing, he did sell himself to the world as one of the good guys. Being the best at what you do gives you access to financial gains. It is no wonder that he went into hiding.
To respond to Daddy Files, it was Tiger’s choice, and right, to not speak to police in what was a single car accident on his property. I would have acted differently had i been in that situation but, I try not to get myself into situations that would require me to hide from the police. I didn’t have a problem with his actions as that was Tiger’s choice and he has to live with the consequences – and losing some sponsors and respect in the wake.