A change in Tiger’s stripes?

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Written by Hope Stadulis, Editorials Editor

“I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable and I am the only person to blame.”  This is one of the many self-humiliating statements that pro-golf superstar Tiger Woods made during his televised public apology on Friday, Feb. 19.  As he spoke to a small audience comprised of friends and family, Woods read a scripted apology for numerous affairs on his wife Elin that were exposed in November 2009.  Elin and Woods’ two children were not present at the conference, and Woods denied the media the opportunity to ask any questions.

Throughout his announcement, Woods spoke slowly, taking deep breaths and pausing between sentences.  His shoulders were slightly hunched as he repeatedly looked down at his script, and then raised his eyes to speak directly into the camera.

“Tiger looked upset during his speech, but I could not tell if he was really sorry for his affairs or if he was just embarrassed,” said senior Connor Volk.

Despite the fact that Woods said all the right things, his sincerity was difficult to gauge. Through statements like, “I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in,” Woods openly admitted his faults, and made no excuses for them. But how believable is this apology after only 45 days of therapy for his involvement with over a dozen mistresses?

There is evidence of insincerity when one considers potential motivations. As the winner of 14 major golf championships, Woods has been sponsored by a variety of big-name companies.  After his scandal was revealed, Woods’ loss of public respect contributed to withdrawal of major sponsors such as AT&T, Nike, Gatorade and Gillette.

This makes one wonder if Woods’ speech was a race against time to put the remaining pieces of his career together.  Woods said, “I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be.”  By mentioning his career towards the conclusion of his announcement, Tiger underscored an intention to re-gain loyalty of his fans and followers.  If Woods was truly apologetic, he would have focused strictly upon his piggish affairs and sex addiction.

Behind his teary-eyed appearance, Woods had an unquestionably bitter tone.  As he discussed the effects of the scandal on his family, he blatantly told the media that they should not be bothering his wife and children.  Woods was equally hostile when he announced that questions would not be taken after his public announcement. While these requests would normally be understandable, Woods’ status as a repeated adulterer revokes his right to demand them.  It appears as if Woods is trying to redirect the criticism he is receiving in another direction by drawing in other elements, and this taints the authenticity of his regret.

Woods’ public announcement can be characterized as your basic apology, with a slight twist to appeal to the thousands of fan’s hearts broken by his wrongdoings.  But, how much does the simple phrase, “I am sorry,” mean when spoken in abundance?

In an image-driven world, it is obvious that Woods’ professionalism would never recover without him reestablishing a moral lifestyle. This publicized speech was most likely intended to kick start the revival of golfer’s career, and with much of the public buying into his colossal change, it will not be long until we hear this Tiger roar again.