Tiger's Apology: Proof of Priorities

By George Burnette
Reactions to Tiger’s private press conference have run the gamut from deeming him arrogant to bewilderment at the thought of him apologizing to anyone other than immediate family to suspicion that the silence-breaking statement was sterile, contrived and made-for-TV.
But much was unearthed while Tiger emoted for thirteen minutes:
We learned that his wife, Elin, (above left) is demanding that Tiger walk the walk rather than talk the talk.
We also learned that although he is one of the world’s most recognizable and, as a result, wealthy people, he maintains the unrealistic expectation that his private life should and will be kept private. His blood pressure reached camera smashing levels when he mentioned the paparazzi’s overzealous pursuit of Sam.
His first grouping of mass apologies was directed to his friends (some of whom, undoubtedly, admire and envy their buddy’s sexual conquests), his employees (whatever hit-in-the-pocket they took was negligible), his business partners (see: his employees), his foundation (those donations of time and money will soon rebound) and his Learning Academy students (this was sorely needed).
He admitted that he was both embarrassed and needed help. These self-admitted shortcomings go a long way in reeling in Joe Six-Pack.
He took as much pressure as possible off Elin.
He gave no timetable as to when his return to competitive golf may occur. Although he did use the words, if, return, this and year in the same paragraph.
His second wave of direct apologies was to his wife, his kids, his Mama, his (fist-pumping) friends, his foundation and to all the kids in and inspired by the “I am Tiger Woods” ads.
He managed to get in some housekeeping along the way. He dispelled rumors of Elin’s pugilistic exploits and of his alleged steroids use, but left us to wonder if prescription drug abuse is part of the puzzle. And there are Buddhists all over the world, especially in Asia, who are now getting around to doing something they’ve always wanted to do: take up golf.
He made mention of “core values” he was taught by his parents to believe in. There is a difference, however, in being “taught” to believe in something and coming to that conclusion on your own. Herein may lay the problem. When is Tiger going to stop taking instruction and do some soul-searching of his own? It’s high time that Butch, Stevie, Barkley, Jordan, Tida, Fluff, Hank, O’Meara, Cook, the image builders over at IMG and Nike and others get out of his ear so he can think for himself.
The world will find room in their hearts to forgive Tiger, but first Tiger needs to find room to sort out his life and his priorities.








Collage: NYDailyNews.com