So today was the day.
Tiger Woods spoke publicly this morning for the first time since his world came crashing down (pun intended) last November.
I don’t know what you thought of the little PR stunt, but I was not at all impressed. There does seem to be a fairly large consensus that Tiger was a little less than sincere, however. Personally, I didn’t see a single shred of real remorse – or even true embarrassment, for that matter – in his tense face the whole 13 minutes.
The only time I actually believed him was when he defended his wife and said she didn’t hit him “that night or any other night.” It sort of bummed me out, actually, because I was hoping that if Elin is truly staying with Tiger, she’d at least get a few good swings in first.
In summary, Tiger Woods claims he’s sorry and he’s got a lot to work on, and he doesn’t know when he’ll be returning to professional golf.
TMZ breaks down Tiger’s speech into bite size pieces:
— Tiger described his behavior as “irresponsible and selfish.”
— “I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated.”
— “I have bitterly disappointed all of you … I am so sorry.”
— “I thought I could get away with anything I wanted to … I thought I was entitled … I don’t get to play by different rules.”
— “As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words; it will come from my behavior over time.”
— “I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.”
— “I do plan to return to golf one day, but I don’t know when that will be.”
— “Starting tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy.”
— “Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology.”
— Tiger Woods says he wants to get back to his Buddhist roots.
— “I have bitterly disappointed all of you … I am so sorry.”
— About the paparazzi: “Leave my wife and kids alone.”
— Tiger said he has never used performance enhancing drugs.
— “Elin didn’t hit me that night or any other night … Elin deserves praise, not blame.”
— Tiger apologized to the people who work for him and his foundation.
— Tiger Woods hugged his mom and went down the line hugging each person in attendance.
— Among the people in attendance: Tiger Woods’ mom, longtime friend Bryon Bell, and PGA Tour commish Tim Finchem.
More on Tiger Woods and his apology:
PGA Tour Comissioner: Tiger’s Speech Was Heartfelt – Hollyscoop
Nike accepts Tiger Woods’ apology – The Blemish
Tiger Woods’ Mom Says She’s ‘So Proud’ of Him – The Insider
Joslyn James had a press conference, too – The Superficial
Tiger Woods’ Speech: What His Body Language Reveals – UsMagazine
Watch Tiger Woods give his apology speech. What do you think of his sincerity?
Hmmm…I’d only seen snippets of Tiger’s first public media outing until tonight. Thanks for providing the video, Hilary.
I can be a cynic, so I hope I’m not being too harsh when I say I don’t completely believe all he said was out of remorse or shame. I found it interesting he named his sponsors (or former ones) and gave the disclaimer that though he didn’t know if he’d go back to golf this year, he wouldn’t rule it out. Fair that he mentioned them, but my cynicism lies in the fact he can benefit from those statements. His whole demeanor seemed so scripted, to me.
Tiger, a practicing Buddhist, I thought shouldn’t have used the word “never” (about Elin never hitting him and he never practicing the irresponsible behavior again.) How can he see what he may or may not do 20 years down the line? He should have stated he would strive not to ever do it again.
As for Elin not hitting him that night… I never really paid close attention to Tiger before he crashed his SUV, but it seems to me there was a break on the hairline on his right upper eyebrow. Maybe he always had it? Or I’m seeing something that’s not there? Either way, if she didn’t [hit him that night], she has way more constraint than many women I know. And why is it he paused when saying Elin had grace {pause and look down to read his script] and poise? If it came from the heart, it should just roll off his tongue, imo.
He seemed angry his family is being hounded by the paps. I suppose I’d be angry too, but I hope he realizes how his actions affect others. He not only brought all this attention on and to himself but his family also.
He said he had a long way to go and asked for help. I wish him the best of luck in his journey. The road can be bumpy and have detours.