Rather Ordinary
link Tiger Woods speaks: Praises fans, apologizes to fellow pros – USATODAY.com.
Well the golf event of the year has just happened. Not quite the Masters, because that actually doesn’t begin until Thursday. I’m talking of course about the much anticipated Tiger Mea culpa. The questions were pretty controlled and the world didn’t learn anything new. The only issue was to assess his demeanor five months after the circus began. There really isn’t much to tell anymore, other than for the tabloids which will dig for more lurid and shocking details from Tiger’s encounters. From the golf world’s perspective, the only question is, can he still play like Tiger of old?
As if not already known in the world of celebrities big and small, the kind of ‘action’ Tiger indulged in is not unusual and almost rather ordinary. When you have the combination of today’s cultural fascination with fame and outsized wealth, interesting things will happen. Athletes and celebrities have always been able to do things on a level not available to the average schmo. When you are the meal ticket for a phalanx of lawyers, handlers, admen, promoters and other hangers-onners, you will be constantly reassured of your greatness, of your charm and omnipotence. For those accustomed to driving Hondas, when you get a chance to drive a Porsche Turbo, speed limits are for the regular folk.
Let’s get real here, the whole sordid Tiger mess has made an entire upcoming generation of sports wannabes take notes. The lesson for them is that if they achieve a level of success and stardom like Tiger, they can live like it was the latter days of Rome: The only detail is, don’t get married first to avoid the tsk tsking. Throughout the history of the culture of man, the heroes and leaders have always lived outside of the rules and standards adhered to by the masses. Those in a position to, will always get away with whatever they can. Poor Tiger is just one among the many. It’s no wonder that in most societies, traits like honor and integrity hold such respect….you seldom see it. Finally, stop with the whining about what a failed role model that Tiger has turned out to be. He’s a golfer. If you don’t think golfers are fallible, just look at the adventures of John Daly.