share: Tiger Woods Apology - What Did You Think?
As the whole world now knows, golfer Tiger Woods made a carefully controlled public appearance on Feb.19 to issue a public apology for his infidelity. The event was held to start the process of rebuilding his brand and business empire.
He said he was sorry for "irresponsible and selfish behavior" in a 13 minute statement before a small group that did not include his wife Elin. "I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated," Woods said. "What I did was not acceptable."
He referred to the women that he was involved with as "temptations" and offered no apologies to them. He spoke in a monotone most of the time, raising his voice only when he denied that his wife had ever hit him and asked the paparazzi to leave his family alone. His next steps will be a return to therapy and treatment for sex addiction.
Did you watch this presentation or discuss it with others? What were your thoughts about it? Is this a private matter between a husband and wife that's been blown way out of proportion? Is this a public figure who influences millions of young people and needs to make public amends? If this had been your husband, what would you have done?
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I think this is a private matter where the media have got their pound of flesh from another celeb. We don't know what went on behind closed doors and therefore shouldn't judge. He is a brilliant sports person who many look up to. His extra marital affairs will not affect kids on how they view him as a golfer only as a married man.
February 20, 2010 - 2:06amI don't think he needed to make a public apology, he did nothing wrong to anyone except himself and his family. I hope the media leave him in peace.
This Comment
Hey Pat
It's hard to say what I'd do because I have not had this kind of experience. I think we all 'know' what we'd do until it actually happens. And no matter what anyone thinks, having children with someone DOES change EVERYTHING. However, I think it's safe to say that if my husband lied to be constantly and had affairs with more than 14 women we would most likely separate.
I think the reason much of this is public is due to his advertising and sponsorship concerns. Tiger has won a boatload of money for playing golf as well as he does but most of his money comes from sponsors. Most have various kinds of "moral clauses" that state the athlete will lose all endorsements if he breaks them. Endorsements are generally publicly known (as well as the massive amounts of money) so when these major clauses are reneged on, the fallout is public. Woods should not get to stand in front of cameras and bask in applause with Major Advertisers A, B and C, but then cry for privacy when he breaks just about every moral clauses in his contracts. He cannot have it both ways. But like many celebrities, they love to glory in all their success, courting the media, members of the opposite sex and employing dozens of staff who hang on his every word. As soon as they mess up (big time) they expect everyone to back away and leave them alone "during this very difficult time" and other cliches. It comes down to arrogance and self-centeredness
In no way do I feel he needs to apologize to his mistresses - they all knew who he was and that he was married. Several are now making "careers" out of their affairs with him (fashion 'consultants' and gossip TV 'special correspondents' and no doubt playmate covers and several have made the covers of national weekly magazines and headlined such shows as ET and The Insider- seriously, how laughable is that?) so they don't need apologies. If anything, THEY need to say sorry to Elin - for driving salt into her wounds and parading around in sexy bikini for magazines, yapping about "my secret trysts with Tiger". They are exploiting their fame very nicely and making money out of it. Their 15 minutes is almost up so they need to hire a ghost writer and get those "tell-all books" on the shelves soon!
He does need to apologies to his sponsors. He broke all his contracts and promises to them. Obviously, and most importantly, he needs to make amends with his family.
He doesn't need to apologize to me, I don't follow golf and don't care either way. The fact that his speech yesterday was the lead story in the national NBS, CBS and ABC floored me.
February 20, 2010 - 7:28amBut his 'big speech' took lots of coverage away from the Olympics so a small "I'm sorry" might hold him in good stead for doing that!
Hi Pat,
I have no sympathy for Tiger Woods and I have lost a lot of respect for him. Yes, this is a private matter but as soon as you become a celebrity, you chose this sort of lifestyle. I hope he finds help or just remains living that lifestyle without bringing another marriage and kids into it. The kids are the ones that end up suffering in the end as well as thinking that this sort of behavior is acceptable.
Win large and live large. Tiger Woods has lost what matters most, family.
February 20, 2010 - 11:03amIt's an interesting question.
What I saw in his statement was reflective of someone who is working a twelve-step program. He has to admit what he's done to those he's affected, he has to atone for his mistakes and he has to change the way he's living. I have no doubt that it was sincere - he's been in rehab for 45 days and was returning the day after that. But the ultimate result won't have anything to do with this statement. The ultimate result will have to do with how he mends the relationships with his family, friends, business associates and the kids who are part of his educational programs. The ultimate result will come over time, not in a press conference.
And I too was astonished that it got so much play. It's a big story, but the lead story on a national broadcast? Come on.
February 22, 2010 - 10:36am