Tiger Talks, Took Long Enough

He came across very robotic. His prepared statement was the anchor for his thirteen minute speech, a speech he should have delivered more from the heart than from a predetermined PR scheme. His eyes were red before he said a word, he looked nervous and slurred a few words. Unfortunately, these were the majority of the genuinely real emotions Tiger Woods displayed Friday morning. I think he meant every word. I think he is sorry to Elin, their children and the kids his foundation supports. However, I wish he had delivered his words in a more humble manner. I wish he didn't discuss PEDs or the media's aggressive behavior towards stalking his two kids. The media has just been reporting the insanity of Woods' life since Thanksgiving. Their stories, angles and harsh headlines are only a reflection of his poor decisions. He addressed a small group of reporters and members of the media, he did so without taking a single question, he did it all on his terms. It took him 83 days to speak out and what he said we expected.

"I thought I could get away with anything I wanted to. I thought I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find it."

I appreciated that he used the word, "entitled". Although he quickly follows it with the excuse of money and fame, when listening live to his press conference this word stuck out. He thought he was above the rest of us, Woods has always felt this way. He does think he is better than those around him, but recognizing this and stating it was necessary.

"Today, I want to ask for help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again."

Well, some people will and some people won't. Some people already have embraced him publicly and many people (especially women) will struggle to look at Woods the way they once did. He says thousands of people have written letters reaching out and showing support. That's fine. A pile of letters isn't going to patch this up. If it is fuel Woods can use to progress through his therapy, then good for him. However, he has also probably received thousands of letters expressing tremendous disappointment and shame. The American public has an amazing ability to grant second chances to public figures that have screwed up. I expect this to happen gradually for Woods. But he can't wait for it. He needs to make changes, prove some things to Elin and not focus on golf. Although getting back on the course may redirect the media's attention to his game and chase for 19 majors, his personal life must remain the priority.

"I do plan to return to golf someday. I just don't know when that will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game."

Do I expect Woods to be playing at Augusta this April, No. He might not be back for Pebble Beach either, the site of this year's U.S. Open. His above quote implies he really isn't thinking about a return date, but even if he was, this press conference wasn't the place to mention it. He needed to speak on matters off the golf course. But, for those who love the game, the locations of the 2010 majors are all courses Woods loves and dominates. Don't forget the British Open is being held at St. Andrews. He will play again, I think he will play this year. When he does return he will be forced to answer or at least face all the questions he has tactically avoided so far. Playing golf again will provide an escape. I expect him to have a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove he is the best ever. However, he will be exposed to a media starving for answers to questions he doesn't feel he needs to address publicly. He has a long way to go.

For a man who once stood so high above the world of sports, at a level only a handful of people ever taste, Woods is now trying to simply find his way back. He did write his speech, he did look like a guy trying to put his life back together, unfortunately for Woods the puzzle he is trying to complete might be missing a few pieces.