Hold your stones!

Unfortunately the biggest story of the day was the Tiger Woods' public statement. Since this debacle unfolded Tiger has been rightfully bashed. His peers and the media have taken this opportunity to air their feelings about Tiger for all of us to see. While many golfers have avoided commenting on his personal life, they have attacked his on course antics. The media and tabloids (definitely two separate entities) have been all over Tiger and his family with the topics ranging from infidelity to steroid accusations. Today in his statement he addressed all of this very eloquently. And of course I have a response.

What I saw from Tiger today was very enlightening. He was lacking the arrogant stand-offishness that has become an accepted part of his persona. Although he took no questions he answered adequately for his actions. He was contrite, embarrassed, and straight-forward. I stop short of addressing his sincerity, because we don't know this man's true state of mind. There were three points that stuck out to me. First, Woods didn't blame his current situation on the apparent addiction that he struggles with. (Sex addiction affects 6% percent of the American population often having devastating affects on their family.) Instead Tiger stood up and accepted full responsibility for his actions. Saying he felt "entitled" to more than others, and that he believed he "played by a different set of rules". Secondly Tiger asked, more like demanded, the media and tabloids to leave his family alone. This is a reasonable request. His sins have affected his family enough. Tiger deserves all of the criticism he gets. But his family should be left alone to heal and live their lives. Thirdly he said that he will continue rehab and put his profession on hold. Although I would love to see Tiger back on the course, this is the absolute right move. If he is as diligent at repairing himself and his family as he is at dominating golf, he will undoubtedly have success in some form. I think returning to golf immediately would not show sincerity or commitment to his process. The fact that he has decided to step away from the game indefinitely and return to his healing, shows that he is making an effort. (Or it could be a brilliant P.R. move, but like I said only time will tell.)

Unfortunately for us the Tiger non-sense is not over. While his statement today should be adequate for us, it unfortunately will not be. America needs the drama, we could care less about apologies we want juicy details. Tiger has always been a private guy, and we shouldn't expect a tell all interview. Although we all want him to come completely clean with the details, he doesn't owe us that. He only owes that to his family and friends. He asked for compassion and privacy and unfortunately he will get none. Fans, America, media, listen to me. Drop it! I do not condone any of Tiger's actions, but I also realize that it is none of our business. He owed us nothing, and he gave is plenty. You wouldn't want your private life on display, and you shouldn't feel the need to pass judgement on Tiger simply because he is a public figure.

I don't want you to think that I am protecting Tiger or victimizing him. I am simply telling you that we are not the ones to throw stones. So let it go, leave him to heal and attempt to fix his family. Hell find a hobby. This is the last you will hear from me on this issue. Live like no one is watching and throw your stone, I dare you.