Tiger Woods Column

I know this is a topic that was a few weeks old, but I wrote this the day it happened. I just now decided to post it up here. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.

WOODS STATEMENT COMES AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR HIM

Tiger Woods walked solemnly to the podium, set a stack of papers on the podium and held the attention of the world for 13 1/2 minutes.

Woods did not wear his Sundayred polo. He didn’t smile. He told the world exactly how he felt in a prepared statement. Woods seemed vulnerable for the first time, yet he was so in control.

There was sadness, anger and a small glimpse of pain in Woods’ teary eyes.

His words sounded robotic, but he quickly reverted to anger when his wife’s name escaped his lips.

“Elin never hit me that night or any other night,” Woods said as his voice rose in anger and the Tiger stare burned through television sets across the world. “There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout the ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame.”

Woods did exactly what he needed to do Friday morning. He placed the blame on himself, multiple times. He apologized to the groups of people that matter the most — his family, peers, fans and those that looked at him as a role model.

Woods sounded like a man still holding on to his private lifestyle, yet understanding why his family now has been the center of a media frenzy that might not stop.

Again, he took the blame.

The public still does not know exactly what happened Thanksgiving night, nor will they.

Woods emphasized his right to keep that matter between he and his wife. His protective shell, so close to being broken, now might be stronger than ever.

So, what did Woods prove through a statement that merely told the world he was sorry for his actions?

Nothing at all.

Woods said he is sorry, and he put the blame entirely on himself.

His statement seemed sincere. When someone speaks in front of millions of people, it’s best to have a prepared statement. Woods shouldn’t face criticism for that decision.

His greatest decision of all came at the end of his statement.

The golf world waited on each word for a hint of his return, but Woods kept the public dangling on a string.

Woods saved his comments on the sport he changed forever for last. The mention of golf was brief, and it showed that Woods understands how unimportant his profession is to his life at this very moment. He has a marriage to save, a life to reinvent, and children he must love.

Time heals all wounds, and Woods needs time. He will return to therapy today, and everyone can continue to speculate on the details of this unforgettable event.

The world might be ready for Woods to return to golf, but until he is ready, outsiders can continue to wait.

Woods, after what arguably might be the hardest three months of his life, has control of his world. Again.