The statement is more lengthy than I would have expected. At the same time it is extremely vague.
Tiger never actually states what we are talking about here–but seems to be admitting to what can be assumed to be an affair or affairs. He used the lingo “[I] let my family down” multiple times. Tiger reiterates that Elin did not do anything wrong on Thanksgiving and that there was no “physical violence” involved in the crash.
The statement goes on to read, “Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions.” Tiger closes with an apology to all of his supporters aka those who have made him nearly a billion dollars over the years. And there is where my interest in this whole thing comes from. Tiger has made around $100 million from actually winning PGA events. The other $900 million in career earnings has come from endorsements. Endorsements are a product of the demand that the public has for you.
Right or wrong–when you sign on that dotted Nike swoosh, you are giving up a large portion of your privacy. Until now, Tiger had done a great job keeping the media and general public out of his hair. Even Tiger can’t stop this perfect storm.
Click on-ward for the full statement.
I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.
Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.
But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don’t share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one’s own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions.
Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it’s difficult.
I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.
Tiger comments on current events [Tigerwoods.com]
