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Tiger Woods Apologizes, Do You Accept?
Tiger Woods Apologizes, Do You Accept?
When is it appropriate to frequently use the pronoun “I?”
It’s not appropriate when you’re the President of the United States and you’re giving a speech. It is appropriate when you’re the world’s most recognizable athlete and you’re apologizing for your irresponsible behavior.
“I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did was not acceptable… I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior.”
Tiger Woods addresses the media for the first time since his transgressions were made public.
Those words emanated from the mouth of golfer Tiger Woods Friday, during his first public appearance since news of his infidelities went public.
Woods spoke for 13 and half minutes at the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass. Forty of his friends and colleagues, including his mother, were in attendance, his wife was not.
Speaking of Woods’ mother, after his scripted speech, he received a hug from her.
“I said ‘I’m so proud of you. Never think you stand alone. Mom will always be there for you and I love you,’” Kultida Woods said.
It’s understandable that Woods’ mom would say such a thing, that’s what mother’s do. However, no one else should take that position. Woods’ public apology isn’t an accomplishment.
His apology, and his attempt to show public remorse, begins his journey back to the world of professional golf. What he says in these events has little effect on the average person but they do grant political cover to the PGA, and its sponsors.
As for the average person on the street, their opinion has already been formed and is unlikely to ever change. It certainly won’t be altered by controlled and emotionless apologies like the one Woods gave on February 19th, 2010.
Before this ordeal, Woods was a transcendent figure and a symbol of excellence, focus, and hard work. Now, especially after the hubris displayed in his public apology, Woods is a reminder that those with fame, money, and power believe they’re entitled to operate under their own set of rules.
As for returning to the game he revolutionized…
“I do plan to return to golf one day. I just don’t know when that day will be. I don’t rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game.”
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