Today, Tiger Woods finally did what everyone expected him to do: He spoke out on his own behalf. The world waited for months to hear a peep from the man who has decided to do one of the greatest disappearing acts the sports world has ever seen. When there was no Tiger, there was no professional golf.
The press conference was starting on the wrong foot, as there was buzz of a boycott from golf writers, who felt that Tiger was not giving proper respect to the media by refusing to allow them to ask questions. There was also the ire communicated from his fellow golfers, such as Ernie Els, who called Tiger "selfish" for giving his press conference on a Friday, during a tournament sponsored by Accenture.
What Ernie Els failed to remember is that Accenture is the company that dropped Tiger, when he was being embarrassed by the media. There is no reason that Tiger should be the least bit hesitant about stealing the headlines away from their golf tournament. Perhaps had Accenture not decided to abandon Tiger, he might not have abandoned them.
Tiger's mother was there, the PGA Commissioner was there and one of Tiger's roommates from college was in attendance. Who was missing from the press conference? Well, the press. I'm not sure if you can actually call this a press conference when you've chosen to exclude the media. The other glaring absence from the room was Tiger's wife, Elin.
Tiger came on to stage looking like the nerdy golfer that he is, but nerdy works when people are trying to figure out whether you really are a sex addict. Additionally, Tiger seemed to take responsibility for his actions, apologizing to those he let down, letting us know that he is now in the process of rebuilding his life. The best move for Woods at the end of the press conference was a long hug he shared with his mother, who was in the front row. While I am sure the hug was natural, it was likely an advised move to replicate the famous hug Tiger shared with his father, Earl, after winning the 1997 Masters Tournament.
The statement started off contrived, like a mere formality or some kind of political announcement. But such is the life when you are a billion dollar entity and every word has to be carefully constructed. Tiger has a lot of people depending on him, and as the press conference wore on, he became more comfortable in his own skin. I also got the sense that Tiger is not going to quit. He admitted that he is determined to "live a life of integrity" and to make amends with those who love him. The press conference lasted longer than I thought it would, deviating from the typically stoic and terse nature of Tiger Woods' normal statements to the media. Tiger's press conference eventually became more of a lecture on good values, healthy living and intelligent decisions than a vanilla ice cream apology from a guy who is trying to get his money back. Woods even went in to a conversation about the teachings of Buddhism, how the incident has led him to more deeply reflect on his spiritual life and helped him become "more centered."
Tiger did not rule out a return to golf this year. He did mention, however, that he is not certain of when that date will be. If you ask me, Tiger is going to make his return this season. He can't miss a year when all of the major championships are being played on golf courses that have been kind to him in the past.
One thing that Tiger made clear during his press conference is that he is not interested in discussing this issue in the future. He doesn't want to talk about the women, his marriage or the mistakes he might have made. He also made it clear that he has never used performance-enhancing drugs. He came off as a strong family man, standing up for the integrity of his wife and demanding that the media not follow his children to school. Tiger consistently made the point that he is working to become a better human being and will eventually live up to the image that the rest of the world once had of him. Good job, Tiger, by putting this behind you, you can more easily rebuild your reputation.
Even after his press conference, Tiger Woods is going to remain strong, focused and eventually dominate the sport he has come to love. Go get 'em, Tiger. You're still a champion.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (49)
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By: Tiffany on 2/19/2010 12:17PM
Why don't someone tell this fool that he does not have to answer to anyone but his family. So what if the sponsors are upset, believe me when I say others were going to pick up where they left off. Tiger has got to get a backbone. And I do not believe that the eln incident did not occur.
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By: Ms Tonya on 2/22/2010 10:43AM
Tiffany you took the words right out of my mouth!!! I agree with EVERYTHING you said... I would like to also add, why was it such 'Breaking News' on all the stations, what Tiger had to say? I think we have bigger 'fish' to fry in America then Tiger messing around... Let's deal with the problem(s) of people not having jobs, loosing everything, all the many states that are almost/are bankrupt, people not having appropriate health care... Tiger's cheating issues should be between him, and his wife, and for them (2) to come to terms with... P.S. And I still think his wife 'fired him up' that night of the accident!!!
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By: ellice on 2/19/2010 12:26PM
I just want Tiger to be like ALL the perfect people that criticized his apology. I am not a Tiger Wood's fan, but this is the first time I saw a humble and less arrogant human being. This ? is for ALL the perfect and Holy people, "How and when should Tiger apologize?" If you have a suggestion, then I would love to meet you, because I NEVER met a perfect person that NEVER sinned.
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By: Ebony on 2/20/2010 9:24PM
Your singing my song, Ellice.
All these folks who are pointing a finger at Tiger forget about the three pointing back at them.
http://www.ebonyinspired.com/?p=17445
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By: Gee on 2/19/2010 12:48PM
How is Tiger any different from MJ (Micheal Jordan)? The difference is that Tiger did his mess in the world of Twitter,Facebook, 24/7 news channels, and the internet! Jordan did the same dirt back in the late 80's and early 90's with a wife and kids! It was known and he was forgiven (after going on to win 3 more championships) He did not have to answer questions from the media and I'm sure "The Public" wasn't at home saying "The Global Icon" owes me an apology! MJ went back to what he did best and took care of his personal matters in private and that what Tiger will do!
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By: Tris' Mom on 2/20/2010 3:31PM
@ Gee:
I wonder if the difference between Michael Jordon and Tiger Woods is that MJ did it to his African American wife and Tiger did it to his European (e.g. white) wife? The same way I wonder how the OJ Simpson ordeal would have played out in the media had the travesty happened between him and first African American wife?
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By: Valarie on 2/19/2010 2:06PM
Tiger Woods just has to answer to his family. He is a golfer, not a monk. I believe he is truly sorry. He will make ammends He is not only concerned about his loss of money but for his employees. I don't think that he is an addict. I think that the 12 step program is over the top, but I think family counseling is in order.
Tiger Woods' superior talent ofers tremendous pay-offs for many. He is just responsible for doing his best and for trying to be the best person that he can be. The people who are benefitting from his greatness, should be grateful for the opportunity and also be aware that Tiger has a right to his own humanity. Tiger Woods is not responsible for them.
It is nice that he covered for his wife and said that she did not attack him. If it were not for the car accident and his wife wielding a golf club, I don't think that we would have know about his infidelity.
I am glad that his mother was there to support him. I think his wife and children should have been at the press conference. I was surprised that he had no African American people as friends at his press conference.
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By: Valarie on 2/19/2010 2:07PM
Tiger Woods just has to answer to his family. He is a golfer, not a monk. I believe he is truly sorry. He will make ammends He is not only concerned about his loss of money but for his employees. I don't think that he is an addict. I think that the 12 step program is over the top, but I think family counseling is in order.
Tiger Woods' superior talent ofers tremendous pay-offs for many. He is just responsible for doing his best and for trying to be the best person that he can be. The people who are benefitting from his greatness, should be grateful for the opportunity and also be aware that Tiger has a right to his own humanity. Tiger Woods is not responsible for them.
It is nice that he covered for his wife and said that she did not attack him. If it were not for the car accident and his wife wielding a golf club, I don't think that we would have know about his infidelity.
I am glad that his mother was there to support him. I think his wife and children should have been at the press conference. I was surprised that he had no African American people as friends at his press conference.
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By: blackbear72 on 2/19/2010 2:56PM
This Boyce Jacka$$ is at it again, talking about something he knows nothing about. No professional golf with out Tiger? I didn't know they canceled the PGA tour season. There are over 10 high level professional golf tours around the world, Tiger was part of only one of them and non have cancels their schedules. There was golf before Tiger and there will be golf well after him. Golf is a sport the most people play or watch because they love the sport. Boyce only watched because its best player was black. He was so proud of this fact and now is proud of the fact that he thinks golf has stopped because it now doesn't have any black players. He says that the media embarrassed Tiger, the media made him cheat on his wife 14 TIMES? Tiger should have done this press conference on a Monday not a Friday. Tiger shouldn't be hesitant about stealing headlines form his fellow tour players? Tiger looked like the nerdy golf that he is? Maybe dreadlocks, tattoos, gold teeth, a big gold chain and a bright red suit would have made him less look nerdy? He thinks Tiger had to be advised to hug his Mother? She was the only one in the room who he really needed to apologize to and after saying what he did, who wouldn't want to hug their Mother? The majors are being played on courses that have been kind to Tiger? These are courses that are made for him, he doesn't need them to be kind to him. Last but not least the worst statement of all, a guy who is trying to get his money back. He is tiring to get his Family and life back, he will never need money again. Boyce has to be the dumbest PHD ever and an embarrassment to all other PHD's. The only thing he is expert in is race baiting and being proud of anyone who is black, regardless of what they do.
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By: Leo on 2/19/2010 3:28PM
F the naysayers Tiger I accept your apology. I'm sorry you got caught and for the infidelity. But you could have made better choices. A mixture of old and ugly women. You could have done better with your money man. Damn... Had you been white and them gals had been black it would not had been that big of deal to the media. It's time for you to get back to golf. YOU know SOMEWHERE SOMEBODY is grooming someone to try and beat you at your game. Get back to golf. And make a fool out of them all show them you are and always will be the greatest golfer.
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