More than two weeks after Punxsutawney Phil crawled out his burrow, Eldrick "Tiger" Woods emerged from three months of seclusion to step into the national limelight looking to take his first step on the road to redemption. There won't be an early spring for Mr. Woods. I believe the dark winter of doubt and discontent will last a lot longer.
I admit I did not like this staged media spectacle. Tiger's handlers called it a news conference, but you're not taking any questions and invite only select journalists to sit, listen and keep their mouths shut? The conditions of Tiger Woods making this statement added another layer of sleaziness to this sordid sex scandal. This was Tiger's version of don't ask, don't tell.
At 11:02 a.m., Tiger popped out from behind the blue curtain and stepped up to the microphone to read a carefully crafted statement. I suspect Team Tiger's public relations machine most likely spent weeks massaging each and every word. In this cold, controlled and sterile environment, Tiger stuck to the script. There were very few times I sensed emotion in his voice and facial expressions. He often appeared robotic and subdued. Tiger's mom was among the chosen few in the room to watch and listen, but there was no sign of Elin. His wife would not be there for a Stand By Your Man media moment.
America loves celebrities and sports heroes. Tiger's fall from grace is not the first, and he certainly won't be the last. We are also the land of second, third and fourth chances. The journey back from public scorn and disappointment begins with the public confession. While we got that during Tiger's 14 minute prepared statement, I firmly believe you have to stand there and take the questions. I'm not saying you have to answer them, but reporters certainly have the right to ask about those admitted transgressions and how the scandal impacts his golf career. Like it or not Tiger, you are a public figure that millions of people around the world have paid to watch you play golf and bought the products you endorse. Have a conversation with us. Overall, I thought he did a nice job with his apology, but I believe it could've been so much more by having an actual news conference and taking questions.
I believe he said all the right things during his statement. Tiger admitted everyone has the right to be critical and called his irresponsible behavior selfish and foolish. He knows he has caused a lot of people a lot of pain and let down family, friends and fans. Tiger explained how he is the only person to blame and begged the media to leave his wife and children alone (I say amen to that). The world's best golfer promised to work hard to have people believe in him again. Woods then made it clear that he understands people have questions, but he stressed these matters are between husband and wife. Some people argue that all this is none of our business, and that is simply a private family matter. Others only care about finding out when Tiger is going to tee it up again. The date for that round remains unknown.
In the end, Tiger stepped off the stage, embraced his mother, shook a few hands and disappeared behind the blue curtain. When will we see him again? No one knows for certain.
In the wake of the scandal, Tiger's shadow is long and dark. The questions aren't going away anytime soon. Mr. Woods can slow some of the frenzy of his personal Groundhog Day by taking a few questions. It now appears he is returning to the burrow far away from cameras and reporters.
Eldrick "Tiger" Woods will emerge again one day. When he does, he certainly won't be alone. The media will be there waiting on him. For now, we just wait for the next chapter in what has turned into a scandalous Tiger Tale.
