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Tiger in the woods
World No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods still isn’t talking about what happened in the wee hours of last Friday morning, when he crashed his Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant and tree in his exclusive private golf community outside Orlando. He’s refused to meet with Florida troopers investigating the crash on three separate occasions. [cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/12/01/tiger.art.gi.jpg caption="Tiger Woods holds his daughter Sam and stands next to his wife, Elin Nordegren, at a game in Palo Alto, California. "]
And now, he’s not golfing either, having announced yesterday he’s pulling out of his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, California, due to start this week without him.
Today, he was supposed to appear at a press conference promoting the tournament, which he hosts every year.
So it seems Woods, 33, has managed to avoid being out in public for the foreseeable future. Arguably the world’s most famous athlete, Woods is known as an extremely private man who goes to great lengths to uphold his image.
As he stays out of the public eye malicious rumors are circulating about what happened that night.
Is Tiger making things worse by not talking?
Does Tiger owe it to his fans to give a full explanation of what happened that night?
Will it hurt his reputation even more to keep silent?
Or can he keep what he himself called an “embarrassing” situation private?
On Twitter
tiger had an accident....and what?? the enquirer type press and tv talking heads in search of gossip jump on it... what does it matter to anyone....the car is damaged tiger is ok...leave it alone
While I appreciate and support Tiger's desire for privacy, his refusal to give an explanation is only feeding the gossip mills and absurd tabloid stories. I am a fan for a number of years and I feel he should come out and say something – he owes it to his fans who have supported him through all these years. He has a 'squeaky clean image' don't tarnish it now.
Andree
I think his unusual act may take a percentage of good impression out of our minds....i mean we are humans,whats the negative point of coming out to describe mistakes,especially from a known character.
They do not owe us an explanation. They need to do what works for them and their family. Whatever makes them content, it's their life.
It is difficult to answer this question from Tigers' viewpoint but it is certain that the news media coverage is making it worse for him.
I don't understand why other people is so much interested in knowing what happend that day
It's a private matter and if he is not open for comments , may be other people should just mind their own businesses
Tiger Woods owes no explanation to ANYONE!!! It's a private matter... leave him alone...
Tiger Woods is not perfect!!! If you need a hero, look at yourself not at a celebrity.
Why are you making him rich? You are making him VERY rich by buying what he is selling than turn around and complain because he is human.
Save your money and put your kid’s through school or buy yourself a new car or take a trip!!
The only ones who are making it worse is the stupid media. He owes no one an expanation other than his wife. And the only reputations it's hurting is ignorant people like you that feel this is so much more important that what is going on around the world and in our own country that you have to drag it out. Is your life that boring where you can't think of anything more important to write about
With all that is going on in the world today, the troubled economy, unrelenting crime, another 30,000 soldiers (most under 30) going to or worst back to war. We find time to be caught up in others "personal" affairs. What does Tiger Woods owe us, fan or no fan. If your next door neighbor crashed into a tree at 2AM do you much less the world demand an explanation on where he/she was going, would it even matter if he/she was a billionaire. So Tiger Woods is famous, when did he or any "celebrity" sign a transparency agreement that the "world" can demand info about their private life. I understand the reasoning for this though, hot gossip sells. Truly sad reporters/writers and some so-called new agencies cannot attract readers without having a juicy entertainment column, at least there are some like Anderson Cooper, Nancy Grace, Christiane Amanpour and a few others that actually care about reporting real news. On a ending note, to all those reporters and writers demanding an answer from Tiger Woods to satisfy their "gossip-crave", remember you too are in some form of lime light, and when an alleged indiscretion comes out about you, I and hopefully the same "world" will be demanding answers of you, so please remember not to be a hypocrite and use a phrase you obviously can't appreciate, "it is a private matter".
Tiger is a person first, famous athelete second. Why would he owe anyone an explaination? Why is it so important for us to worry about reputations and what everyone else is doing, or thinking? People are rumor crazy. Why do we need gossip to keep our lives interesting? There isn't enough going on in the world? see my music on itunes artist Melekai. Thank you
People have minor car crashes and domestic upsets all the time. But it is only natural that public interest be so strong in this instance. Tiger is the most emblematic sportsman in the world. We have all followed his fabulous career in every detail. It is practicaly against human nature not to be interested in this! And hope that his beautiful wife and family do not suffer from the "fallout". Get on your bike, Tiger. Spill the beans!.
Why dont you people in the media leave that man alone and let him have his privacy
None of your business! People will have forgotten about it in no time either. So drop it and focus on more important things. The bit that annoys the media the most is that he won't talk to them and let them fill column space.It's an indication into the mindset of journalists that they've no information and nothing else to say other than a crash happened – and yet they're still churning out miles of newsprint and headlines about the inicident.
Has anyone stopped to think that may be he's protecting his wife, if it was an altercation, she could be arrested, so get off you high horse and let them work this out without the rest of the world looking in....if you need to do something, go adopt an angel for Christmas.
Get it straight. Tiger Woods is no longer an individual that deserves privacy. He has marketed himself and all those that bought into his image from baseball capd to Tiger Woods merchandise have a right to know if their money spent wen towards a valuable product.
The name Tiger Woods no lnger belongs to an individual. It is a brand and he chose it that way. If you owned stock in a company, you would want to know what is happening with its executives. Tiger DOES owe it to his investors (a.k.a. fans) an expalantion.
I am a huge Tiger fan. I love the way he plays golf.that's it!
He's said in his statement that it's a private matter, so, ppl, let it be!
I will respect his privacy and hope that he will come out of this experience a stronger and better man.
Keep your head up Tiger, I'm always rooting for you, on or off the golf course!!!!
It's the making and breaking of appointments with the Police that leads to suspicion. If it is no big deal why not talk to the cops, or lacking that, just make a statement on Day one and leave it that.
It is just a minor accident after all. And unless it involved seizures or a temporary passing out, it's a private affair. But we might never know. Unless the next time it happens it's on the freeway at 70 MPH.
It was just a minor car crash, why is this headline news? Leave the man alone and he'll resume golfing soon enough. He is allowed to take a few days off.
Tiger Woods became the world's top golfer through his own endeavours – without assistantce from any journalist. Tomorrow, next week, next year, Tiger Woods will still be the world's top golfer with or without journalists. They should now go and find a story worthy of reporting and work for a living. There are plenty of more important stories out there!!
interesting to point the finger at the "media" for all the reporting on this incident – when it is really you and me – and all the people like us – that are reading these articles, and even taking the time to comment on them. The media won't write what the people won't read...
He owes no one anything... just because he is a "celebrity" doesn't mean he's obliged to open up his private life to the public. If I wrapped my car around a tree, no one would care. It's not natural for the public to be overly interested in this, it's sad and stupid. Get a life people. Seriously.
There is nothing more pleasing for the media than to take a hero and tear it apart and this is sad. Whether Tiger committed a mistake or not is inconsequential here. He was not driving under the influence, did not hurt anyone and certainly can pay for the damage caused, what more do we need? It bothers me when I hear someone say, "we the fans supported him through all those years, the least he can do is to tell us his version". First of all Tiger did not need any support, his golf game speak for itself, if you feel like buying a Tiger Wood baseball hat, you certainly won't do it to support Tiger. Leave Tiger alone, if this incident end-up hurting his game because of all the hype created by the media, who will gain from it? Certainly not Tiger, Nike or the fans Lets face it, the media need Tiger to play golf, just compared the ratings when he is playing with the ratings when he is not playing. Someone somewhere should have the sense to say enough is enough and lets drop it.
I am keenly anticipating Tigers completion of 19+ majors, and I have personally witnessed 2 of his 14. We are all human and I wish ONLY good this for Tiger Woods and his family.
My reality is that Corporate America pays Tiger Woods $110 million a year to play golf and uphold a superstar all American image. The golfing world pays Corporate America to keep Tiger Woods employed.
Tiger Woods accepts payment as a tacit acknowledgement that he is owned by Corporate America and works for the golfing world.
The golfing world, via the mass media will not go away until the whole truth and nothing but the truth is told.
The sooner Tiger and Elin come clean the better. Then and only then will we all be able to move on. I pray for a sooner rather than later outcome.
Tiger shall remain Tiger, an extremely private man as always.
The media shall remain the media, busy-body as ever.
The world is a stage, everyone sticks to her/his role, following the law of her/his nature. As long as we connect the world, so be it.
The fact that he is lying about the accident bothers me I do not believe he cheated on his wife but he should tell the truth about the accident. . There is no way a 100 pound women pulled him out of that huge vecicle.
The best question is who was the first person to care about stars bad times, pray that his life is not falling apart, let him do what he wants...the main reason people love this man is because he is ridiculous at golf...leave it at that. Don't go prying into his personal life at some small attempt to find people who have it worse off than you.
BY KEEPING QUIET HE MAKES THINGS WORSE. HE COULD LIE, SAY ANYTHING AND THIS MATTER WOULD STOP. IT IS NOT NATURAL TO BACK YOUR CAR AGAINST A TREE AT 2.30 A.M/ HE MAKES THINGS WORSE BY NOT SAYING ANYTHING. TIGER SAY SOMETHING. ANYTHING AND SHUT PEOPLE UP. IF YOU DON'T PEOPLE IMAGINE ALL KINDS OF THINGS. GOOD LUCK
I do believe that silence about whatever event triggers people's suspicion about the persons involved. And in the case of trigger, his worldwide fame might be negatively impacted if he continues to hide the truth from his fans.
the military policy of " dont ask, dont tell" comes to mind.
private property?
Woods crashed a hydrant. thats government property. Of course, the police want to know with that in mind.
I believe most agree that the media and their hype (TV, Magazine, Newspaper) are the guilty parties here. Without a "story" about this incident, they have NOTHING to talk about. As it is, there is nothing more to discuss other than what has already been made public and that's not even enough. Most readers agree that this is a private matter and should be left alone for the family to deal with without interference from the media or anyone else. But the media looks at these things as one person's problems becomes everyone's business if reported on. Our media continues to sink to new lows. Look what they did to Britney Spears. I'm glad Tiger is doing what he's doing. It takes a lot of courage to do what he's doing and he's doing it with dignity and grace. Shame on our country's media for trying to pry into someone's business they have no right to venture into.
The big problems with this super heroes is that they think that they can do anything they want, even above the law.
There's no doubt that Mr Woods is maybe the best golfer ever, but there is a big difference if he thinks that is God, he is just human that has to confront his responsibilities like any other citizen.
The major problem with the world today is the media.
I agree with most of you people, this is a private matter, he is human, would you want everyone prying into your business, whether you are a celebrity or not, he should be left alone.
Property and vehicle damaged, Tiger okay. I know all I need to know about this case.
It is because of the media he probably does not want to speak. They are into peoples business too much these days. Never can you believe what is said by them anyhow. It is personal, and he has always been very private. Go after the ones who are doing things to get in the spot light and leave the ones who don't want to be alone.
Has any body thought that maybe there was a malfunction of the SUV? Is he protecting General Motors? I think this is an overblown over insident. Perhaps one of the children needed something to settle down an upset stomach. This happened to me on vacation years ago. The children come first at all times.
His wife was amazingly fast on the scene, which means she was already awake and dressed. Most likely they had an argument, he stormed out, raced down the street, didn't get far, she ran out after she heard the argument. Now if this is the case, who really cares? Just drop it and leave the guy alone, his business isn't any of your business.
The American media is too shallow.Tigers personal and family problem should not be headline news. there are other more serious news that should be dealt with.leave the man's private life alone.It is you guys in the media that make them out to be superhuman. They average person dont care.
A vast majority of people couldn't care less about what happened that night and would prefer the matter dealt with privately after which Tiger goes back to doing what he does best – play scintillating golf and continue to rewrite history. It is this prospect that excites fans and non fans. The hype and frenzy is only been watered by the press. We have all had our own misadventures and learned from it – Tiger is no different!
Any other "regular" person who sent the highway patrol troopers packing, refusing to answer basic questions, would be held in contempt! And any other person, driving over a hydrant (city property) would be charged! HE IS GETTING PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT!!!
What is wrong with you (perhaps us). Small accident, not required to report to police, but everyone wants something salacious. Leave the guy alone and just enjoy his drive, skill, and talent.
Tiger not speaking to State Troopers has shown his scant regard to Law enforcement. I quest he's saying he is too rich and powerful to provide statements about an accident to the Police. I'm sure if it was an ordinary person, he would be charged for refusing to co-operate with the police. His silence is making matters worse....
Anyone with a single functioning braincell could not care less. Leave the guy and his family alone. Obviously the media asume and unfortunately you may be right. that many of us are idiots.
I hope Tiger is strong enough to keep his dignity and tell them nothing.
This is the "prize" of being a celebrity; people talk all the time about you and want to know your every moment. Accept it or quit and be a hermit, I'm afraid there is simply no other alternative. Poor Tiger, being hunted like one.
As a middle class black man I would have been dragged out of the house and taken down town, and put in a cell. Not talk to the police in my part of town see how far you get! Why do we treat the rich like they are above the LAW?
if Tiger Woods is the best golfplayer, so, good for him.have a good day
I my self stop my job to see him to play I feel good to see him play golf.
If 1 day he comes to Algarve to play golf, I will go and pay to see him to
doing that he does best
raoul from Algarve.
All famous people get preferential treatment...so whats new? They have a license to get away with "things"... really our own fault for giving them too much attention. He and we will survive... people, get over it and attend to what's really important... life!
i used to be fan of Tiger but he is definetly making matter worth now. he sure does owe us explanation since he made his money from the public and the sponsors. if he was man enough he could have met with police to set records straight. it is unfortunate that i am not his fan anymore. he is just being selfish snow rich a$$.
BY THE WAY, HE IS NOT THE RICHEST ATHLETE IN WORLD. MAYBE ONLY IN THE US BUT SADDENLY THE AMERICAN MEDIA MAKE THEIR OWN ASSUMPTION. IF HE IS THE RICHEST IN THE US MEANS IN THE WORLD AND THATS VERY WRONG. I LOOKED UP OTHER ATHLETES AROUND THE WORLD AND HE IS NOWHERE NEAR SOCCER PLAYERS AND OTHER SPORTS SUCH AS FORMULA ONE.
U ALL HAVE A GOOD DAY 🙂
I don't think any of us would like our private life discussed all over the world. Leave him alone.
Media and all the gossips' lovers leave Tiger Wood and his family alone, for the sake of his children. He doesn't owe the public, fans or no fans any apology. Rumors has circulated that he cheated on his wife. You media, you aren't his wife, and you fans or who ever you are demanding a clarification or an apology, you're not his wife either. So mind your own business and let him sort his problems out, if there are any with his wife.
Keep your head up Tiger, and hit the golf course soon.
I think it is sad to know that all people are interested in is the destruction of another person.
Tiger had an accident so What !!!
You find low lifed reporters going out spending tax payers money in investigating news that make contribution to my way of live, or others, they should get a life.
I am also surprised at Iconic Larry King also geting ivolved in these frenze he should know better
I do not see why does he need to give a public explanation of what happened. His sole responsibility is to his family and to cooperate with the police, if the need arise. He plays golf, he does not rule a country or has a responsibility to the public.
But then, I find the media-hungry public should stop demanding this from high-profile figures. They are well-known, but that does not make them "public property".
THE BEST WAY TO KILL A RUMOUR IS SILENT.
Tiger does not "owe it to his fans" to divulge any information other than letting us he's alright. Any inquiry for further information is merely a hunger for gossip. Its really sad how being a celebrity in today's society now means one has no right to enjoy privacy. And the media has only fueled this rude behaviour from the public by constantly prying into the lives of celebrities under the guise of seeking the truth. Scores of people die every day in traffic accidents & the media cant be bothered to highlight this information to the public so they think about safe driving habits, there was a time when the media gave out information that moved society forward & bettered lives, not feeding people's appetite for other people's business.
Can someone assist me with US Federal/Florida State law on this please? I don't understand why Tiger Woods appears to be allowed to refuse to meet the State Troopers'. As the incident/accident has been reported to the authorities, is he not obliged to speak to them, as part of their investigation?
Frankly, it's none of our business! Thats his life and I really don't need to know the details. As for the busy bodies...they need to get a life of their own. Just admire the dude from afar.
I'm glad he is keeping quiet...it will die down soon.
Seriously; people need to get a grip because it's no one's business. Who cares about what happened? Except his family and friends.
There are better issues to concentrate on; not some athlete who is in no way making the world a better place through his accident.
According to Webster's dictionary an accident is " An unforseen and unplanned event or circumstance". Let's leave it at that. The media should leave the man alone!
It is absurd how much coverage this has gotten, we need some sort of technological advancement that eliminates the paparazi trade....
I think Tiger wanted to experience what having affairs is like. Experiencing flaws, he was well protected and his talent was so supported to bloom like now by his beloveds, his life is so perfect.
I'm a bit curious if Elin refused to have sex and tried to control him certain ways and pushed him to seek for some space to breathe the freedom he had before the marriage. This is the couple that I want to see staying together till death do something. Really. Every pic they are together I can tell Elin's body language tells she loves him.... Tiger is pretty ignorant about gold diggers, I wonder how much Rachel is asking for shutting her mouth up with her lawyer pressuring him. Who knows what's going on in their life though, A good lesson Tiger?
Who really cares?
How does his incident impact my life?
Why don't we focus on bettering our own lives instead of sifting through other people's garbage?
Let Tiger straighten out his own mess. He doesn't need our opinions.
Tiger have not done somany bad in the past so we should not judge him soo much now
"Does Tiger owe it to his fans to give a full explanation of what happened that night?"
No, I don't need to know. He didn't rape no one, didn't kill no one. I don't need to know everything happening in his life, i'm getting on with mine as everyone should.
Hey, wait a minute; even Reverend Fathers, the guardians of our morals, sometimes falter. Leave the poor wee bairn alone.
Let them cast the first stone; ( famous and not so famous journalists included ) who is without sin. Dokita
Let this story die, so his family can heal. None of us are perfect and we all make bad decisions. It is up to his wife to forgive him not his fans or the media.
If our neighbor smashed his car into a tree and fire hydrant and his wife came rescuing him by smashing in a window, rest assured all of these commenters would not only WANT to know what happened, but gossip would quickly spread through the neighborhood and the truth would likely trickle out over time.
As a celebrity, Tiger Woods IS our neighbor, as much as he wishes it were not the case. For anyone of us who gets in trouble and wishes it would just "go away," it does not go away.
Being a celebrity sports figure is a blessing but also a choice. Tiger could have chosen to forego the millions and sponsorships, etc. to led a quiet life where people would forget him. But he chose the path of fame and money and the inherent public exposure. He chose to become everybody's neighbor.
There are ways that Tiger could have addressed the story that would have preserved his integrity and satisfied the natural and understandable public curiousities that one has over his "neighbor." David Letterman's blunt, candid and honest handling of a very embarrassing personal situation was probably the perfect example of how a public figure accomplishes that and Dave plugs away with barely a scratch whereas Tiger has forever marred his reputation.
Tiger, the decision you made does not warrant you sticking your head in the sand and hoping everything will go away. We have a Savior who died on the Cross for our sins, therefore ask Him to forgive you, and it doesn't matter what man can say or do, your sins are forgiven, so move on and see all the blessing God has in store for you. Elin, stop listening to what other say you shoud do, and do what your heart tells you to do. The very ones that are helping you leave your husband have at some times slipped themselves, either by drinking to much, lying or something else. Sin is sin, no little, no big, sin is sin, therefore we all have fallen short of the Glory of God. You both should hold on tight to each other and keep your head up and live the life you are meant to live. Tiger go back to the course, its waiting on you, and so are we.