OT - Tiger Tiger Woods Ya'll...
So, I'm assuming many of you watched the press conference...?
I've been in the "I don't care whether he apologizes to the masses" camp truthfully, so my interest was limited to curiosity. As long as he is taking care of things with his family, I'm generally apathetic.
Anyway, it seemed like he said all the right things in the worst way possible. His speaking was terrible and he basically read off a prepared script. I realize it's got to be tough to say these things, but at least try to come off as sincere.
Thoughts?
February 19th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^
Call me when he's in the tee box.
February 19th, 2010 at 1:21 PM ^
what?
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
Last one ever.
February 19th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
right up there with Richard Nixon's resignation announcement. I would say this:
Sometimes we think we have it bad because UM has struggled. After seeing Tiger stroll to the podium, our lives are GREAT.
Tiger doesn't owe US an apology, he owes his family one.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
I agree!
I don't care either.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
Is our society really at a point where there is such a thing as "sex addiction"....come on!? I understand there are temptations for superstars, but seriously!
I'm an addict too...I guess I have a problem...
February 19th, 2010 at 12:23 PM ^
It's my personal feeling that any action or substance that causes a flood of euphoria inducing chemicals to the brain can become addicting. They may be natural (food,adrenaline), or unnatural (drugs, alcohol). The feeling can become addictive to a person who may then engage in risky behaviors to feed that craving (cheating, prostitution, etc.).
Tiger on the other hand might just be a cheater. There is a difference.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:27 PM ^
But to those in the field of addiction, it's VERY rare. Though it may be the most claimed addiction. Because it makes you sound "cool". And who could say someone "afflicted" with that is all that bad..?
February 19th, 2010 at 12:35 PM ^
I agree. Is it really that rare or just misdiagnosed? I know some people just like to pass of infidelity as a sex addiction, which kind of dilutes the seriousness for those with a real problem.
I personally think Tiger is just a cheater.
February 19th, 2010 at 3:12 PM ^
I meant that true sex addiction, not where you're just making bad choices, but truly doing things detrimental to your life, is rare. Cheating on your wife is bad for your life, yes. But if he was truly "addicted", he'd be skipping out on the Masters for handjobs from tranny hookers. Not that with some of the women he was with they couldn't be tranny hookers. He just never left the 18th green for any of them. (And yes, I am eggaerating for effect).
To answer your question, what's the difference? Money. If you're a poor addict it's the throw in addiction of choice, but actually rare. If you're rich, you get someone to misdiagnose you for money.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:11 PM ^
like any addiction, is a serious problem and should not be treated lightly (I'm talking about you directly, thedayiscoming), there's no doubt in my mind (disclaimer: based 100% off the information that has been made available to me) that Tiger is no addict. Mind you I've never been truly addicted to anything, but APD does run rampant throughout my family.
I've seen everything from alcohol to pot to extremely serious drugs, and none of it is pretty. Addicts end up not just putting their relationships in danger, but also their physical selves (or even that of their families). They will quite literally watch the world fall apart around them - it doesn't matter as long as they get their fix.
Perhaps Tiger did a better job than, oh, every addict ever, at keeping his shit together. And YES, some things did become completely unraveled (that will happen when you're under the public eye like he's been), but not to the extent I'm trying to emphasize here. Like you mention, he'd be missing tee-off times to get a handjob from a tranny hooker or forgetting a photoshoot for his biggest endorser while fulfilling his thumb fetish with a harem of nail polish models.
February 20th, 2010 at 12:35 AM ^
A thumb fetish with harems of nail polish models isn't an addiction...it's just good taste...
February 19th, 2010 at 12:41 PM ^
the manifestation of something deeper and bigger. The kind of escapades he was involved in sound like they were at their core, control issues. What can he control? who can he control? how can he control them? Perhaps severe OCD or generalized anxiety. Tiger can hit a great gold shot and be pissed because it wasn't the shot the he WANTED. The same characteristics that make him great at golf are likely at work, this is just the flip-side.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:49 PM ^
That's true...kind of how rape is not a sex crime because it is more associated with taking power over someone rather then the act itself.
February 19th, 2010 at 1:11 PM ^
Rape isn't a sex crime? Huh?
February 19th, 2010 at 1:39 PM ^
While rape certainly involves sex, I think the point he was trying to make is that the motivation for rape is rarely, if ever, just sexual attraction, but rather a desire to over power, harm or humiliate the victim
February 19th, 2010 at 1:41 PM ^
Absolutely my point...thanks for the further explanation DB.
February 19th, 2010 at 1:26 PM ^
How in the world did he think this would be kept under raps w/o major repercussions? How much cash has he put out for hush money? To me, these are signs of a guy just a tad out of control. It's only a matter of time before he catches something, many of the girls stated he didn't use a condom. How long until the lovechild or children come along? This is a MAJOR crossroad for him; if he doesn't contain himself this has the potential to ruin his life.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:40 AM ^
We must have been watching a different press conference.
Yeah he was reading from a script, but you could tell that at least he was the one writing it and he spent a lot of time practicing it. I'd like to see you get out there and try to sound better.
That being said - I don't really care about anything other than him coming back to golf. And when he mentioned that he might return "possibly this year" it was frustrating. I think the prices of scalped Masters tickets are freefalling as we speak.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
I think the odds of him playing in the Masters are like 95% if not higher. He is not going to miss out on majors and has almost 2 months to get ready.
I think it makes sense he didn't announce his return given he has to go back to therapy. That could be seen as a further "distraction"
February 19th, 2010 at 11:48 AM ^
Masters, US Open at Pebble Beach, British Open at St. Andrews..
3 courses that Tiger is always the prohibitive favorite at.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:00 PM ^
what was he thinkin'?
February 19th, 2010 at 11:48 AM ^
95%? I will take those odds.
Tiger would look like a total asshole if he came back for the Masters after implying in today's press conference that he'd be out a while longer.
Also, he's going to be rusty and he can't practice in rehab. Who knows how long he'll be there. The fact that the Masters is 6 weeks away doesn't help either.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
Did anyone else think the end was very weird, when he hugged the 6 people and walked out? I thought it was bizarre and awkward. I guess that fits in with the Tiger being awkward thing though.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
Thank you for the standard "I'd like to see you get out there and sound better" comment.
How did what he said not come off as a canned apology? Let's break it down...
1) acknowledge hurt he has caused family
2) apologize to the kids
3) cite religion as saving grace
4) protect family from paparazzi
5) thank Accenture (sponsors in general) and PGA for understanding (his meal tickets)
Like I said, those are ALL the right things to say to appease the masses, but it's like he was reading off a list of people that he thinks he offended and just covering his bases.
Again, I'm not one that called for this type of thing (generally I disagree w/ his need to do it), but if you're gonna do it at least put yourself out there. Wasted opportunity for a guy who is stiff and inhuman to most to really appeal to the public and get the real forgiveness. In the long-run it won't matter though. Once he wins it will all go away...
February 19th, 2010 at 12:25 PM ^
He's a bad actor.
When the word Buddhist came out, I cringed.
When he started hugging people, I cringed some more.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:42 AM ^
however, I did happen to see some of it, as it took over just about every station. I thought the same things you (the OP) did as well. It seemed way too scripted and perfect. He should have just spoken off the cuff. Who cares though, it's just a ploy to get his sponsors back so he can wet his already saturated beak even more.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:57 AM ^
I'm in the couldn't care less club. As in, I couldn't care less about his apology. :)
Tiger does not owe anyone outside of his family anything. It's only news to me if/when he gets back on the course. When, most likely...
EDIT: Of course...I am reading this thread. I guess I do care, a little. *facepalm*
February 19th, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
I think he risked losing a lot of fans with the Buddhism piece, so I'm leaning towards more of the genuine side than the pure PR side.
That being said I only read the transcript.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:47 AM ^
It is truly amazing what they can do with animatronics these days.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:48 AM ^
in the worst way possible.
My thoughts exactly.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^
do you still consider yourself a fan of Tiger Woods? Having this conversation in front of girls is a BAD IDEA! I've made that mistake a few times. But personally, I do. Obviously he has some character flaws that none of us knew about, but when I think of the reasons why I initially liked him, they had nothing to do with his character off the golf course. I love watching the dominant athletes of our generation; it's fun to see guys like Federer and Woods do what they're doing. Regardless of his infidelities, I can't wait to see his opponents wilt under him again...(unless it's Y.E. Yang...)
February 19th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
I understand why people do become emotionally invested in the character or non-athletic side of famous athletes, but I just never have.
I LOVE watching dominant athletes do things that no one else can. I flat-out enjoy watching people with ubelievable gifts do things better than everyone else. Yeah it's disappointing sometimes when those people turn out to be jack-asses but whatever, sports is entertainment and they are fun to watch.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
I think its too tough to separate him golf from his failed attempt to script the perfect image for himself. I'd have a lot more respect for him if he hadn't tried to pull the quick one on the public.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:20 PM ^
I have had this conversation with many girls. All the times I have convinced them to see things my way.
This is my take on things:
I am still a fan of Tiger Woods as a golf player. It is true that he has tarnished this view I had about him as a person, but doesn't change how I view him as a professional golfer. I also think what he did to his family is awful and kids should never have to be subject to what they are going through.
Usually by the time you mention how you feel about the wife and kids, girls tend to calm down.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:51 AM ^
I thought the most sincere part was when he said (paraphrasing) "leave my family alone." Good to know he's not going to become a complete p___y.
The buddhism thing was kind of off-putting.
I just want him to get back on the course. I don't regularly watch 9 innings of baseball, so golf is what gets me through the post-NHL/NBA pre-CFB time period. It's just not the same without TW out there.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:20 PM ^
Attacking the media is an indication that Woods has a way to go in learning to take responsibility for his conduct.
Of course, the media behaves ruthlessly and without regard to the well-being of innocent victims like Woods' wife and children.
But Woods got his family into this mess with his own conduct. He put them in a situation where they could be exploited by the media. Until he changes his attitude and behavior, he's a bigger threat to his family than the reporters crowding his front lawn.
I hope he figures all of this out.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:57 AM ^
think he will play in the Masters. The Masters is like, soon, and all signs point to Tiger not having played or practiced for a while. If he hits a few balls and then tees it up, the results will not be pretty.
Then again, "going back to rehab" may mean going straight to the range and getting ready to massacre the field in a couple of months, in which case, I believe the field to be in trouble.
Tiger may just be dotting the eyes on his shit list, and something tells me Ernie Els may be at the top of it.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:12 PM ^
I think you're right. It didn't sound like he was planning on a return in 6 weeks. That is what would really surprise me - I thought he would be at The Masters for sure.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:23 PM ^
He usually plays two tournaments before the Masters, which I don't see happening this year.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:59 AM ^
The OP said Tiger's "speaking was terrible and he basically read off a prepared script. I realize it's got to be tough to say these things, but at least try to come off as sincere." I was thinking he sounds better than our President and he doesn't have a teleprompter. Neither speaker sounds sincere, but I thought Tiger's delivery was better...
February 19th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
That's really awesome, man.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
Some threads are harder to inject politics into than others, but you're up to the challenge.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:59 PM ^
"Not Political"
February 19th, 2010 at 12:17 PM ^
Politics aside Obama is a helluva speaker (speech reader?).
Anyway, what's the difference between a teleprompter and a piece of paper with your ENTIRE speech written on it?
At least with a teleprompter you don't have to turn the page before you can continue...
February 19th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
Elin was there, but she wasn't and I think that says a lot. Just start playing golf again and deal with your personal issues at home and not in the media.
Oh yeah ... and stop banging random women and everything will probably be all right.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:10 PM ^
Did anybody else who watched think it actually looked like part of a therapy process. For the most part, I have kind of believed the "therapy" aspect to be bullshit, but that actually looked as though it had a purpose aside from PR, like somewhat of a self-cleansing exercise. Maybe the guy really is pretty jacked up in the head. Perhaps after this ordeal, those that dare to take pictures after he addresses the ball will still leave the tournament with all limbs attached.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:16 PM ^
See my post above listing his "points to address" in the apology. It's like he made sure to cover everyone he could've possibly hurt.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:34 PM ^
I've known a couple of people who behaved like Woods. One had a "sex addiction," regularly seeing prostitutes and engaging in all kinds of risky sexual behavior for many, many years, throughout his marriage and even when he was engaged. The other carried on an "affair" with one person (who was also married) for twenty years, a period that included her engagement and marriage to another man. They were both profoundly delusional, among other things. You can't engage in that kind of behavior over a long period of time without fooling yourself about the nature of your conduct and the consequences of it. One of them went into therapy and really tried to change and has, as far as I know, succeeded. The other admits no real wrongdoing and is only really sorry about being caught.
If Woods is seriously and earnestly trying to change himself, it's going to be a very, very difficult process that will be terribly emotionally draining and will make it difficult for him to compete at a high level on the golf course for quite a while. I would not be surprised if he took the whole year off.
If this is all bs, however, he could be back on the course relatively soon, continuing with the same mental illness that permitted him to golf well while behaving in a way that harmed himself and his family.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
Tiger looked like he belonged in iRobot opposite Will Smith.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:13 PM ^
Tiger Woods plays golf?!