Tiger Woods' Apology - Lame

The spectacle of Tiger Woods' apology this morning was nauseating.

First, the pre-apology hype was ridiculous.

Second, I think it's crazy that Woods delivered this bizarre address at all.

Who wrote this one act play? How many times did he rehearse his performance? Did he work with an acting coach? A voice coach? If he did, he needs a lot more work.

Woods' apology was obviously a major production and a collaborative effort.

That's what makes apologies like these so, so lame.

It's not that I doubt his sincerity in terms of the substance of his remarks. I just think these public apology ceremonies are so weird.

I'm uncomfortable with the choreographed flagellation.

And then, of course, after Woods beats himself up, he whips out the victim card.

Woods' 1,542-word recitation easily could have been condensed to 6 words:

"I'm sorry. Feel sorry for me."

Woods' performance ended with a long hug from his mother.

At least Woods' wife wasn't standing next to him. That was a smart move. It drives me nuts when wives are dragged out as props during public apology ceremonies like this one.

The public forgives and forgets. In the final analysis, other than family and those directly involved in the Tiger Woods drama, does anyone really care? Has Woods' behavior dramatically impacted or destroyed anyone's life? I hope not.

Sure he's a role model for many; but if some golfer has more influence than the people -- role models -- individuals encounter in their own lives and personally interact with, there's a problem.

I do think Woods intends to return to golf much sooner than later.

This apology event, this media ritual, marks the beginning of his comeback.

TIGER WOODS: The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable. And I am the only person to blame. I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in.

I knew my actions were wrong. But I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have far -- didn't have to go far to find them.

I was wrong. I was foolish. I don't get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.

I've had a lot of time to think about what I have done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before. It is now up to me to make amends. And that starts by never repeating the mistakes I have made. It is up to me to start living a life of integrity.

I once heard -- and I believe it is true -- it's not what you achieve in life that matters, it is what you overcome. Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count. Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all of those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.

It is hard to admit that I need help. But I do.

...I do plan to return to golf one day. I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game.

...Finally, there are many people in this room and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today, I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your hearts to one day believe in me again. Thank you.

No, Tiger. Thank you.

Lame.

Here's the video of Tiger Woods' full apology.



Here's the full transcript.