Tiger gets an A- from me … but maybe not from the media

« Will Tiger Woods’ apology be effective? | Home | Even Tiger Woods is only human »

Tiger gets an A- from me … but maybe not from the media

By Lauren | February 20, 2010

Tiger Woods did a lot of things right when he finally delivered his much-anticipated apology. He said a straightforward “I’m sorry” to his family, his fans, the children who idolize him, his PGA peers and his sponsors. He took responsibility for his actions, expressed appreciation to everyone who has supported him in the past, and described what he’ll do in the future to make amends and do better next time.

So, why doesn’t his apology get an A+?

It’s not because of his plea for privacy or his insistence that the details of his past transgressions be kept private between him and his wife. Nor do I fault him for reading from a script or for his occasionally wooden delivery. Tiger Woods is an athlete, not an actor - it’s not fair to expect him to speak in public with the same grace he brings to golf.

What took a little gloss off Woods’ apology, in my view, was the angry swipe he took at the media. He could have made the same requests for privacy without the resentful tone and been just as effective. Many golf writers had already boycotted the carefully-staged event because they objected to Woods’ refusal to open the event to the press or to take questions. Woods may just have added insult to injury for the very people who made him look good in the first place.

Aplogizing for his past actions has to have been very difficult for Woods, who seems to be a proud and intensely private man. It’s not surprising that he responded with a little human anger. I can forgive him for that … but will the media? Only time will tell.

Share and Enjoy: