Tiger speaks to us all

Tiger finally steps up and speaks for himself.

(OK, maybe written and edited by someone else, but it did sound sincere.)

Stood up like a man and accepted the blame, took full responsibility for his actions, admitted to being selfish, irresponsible, and lacking integrity. He defended his wife and family and asked the press to back off. Apologized to everyone that expected better from him. Admitted he needed help and was not yet ready to return to golf.

The fallen idol is still under re-construction. We still don't know if his family and his career will ever recover.

Meanwhile, let's hope the rest of us can get back to business and golf as usual. 

New skepticism

The "Tiger effect" has not only caused us to wonder about everyone else's apparently happy family life, it has also made us skeptical about any star athlete's public image.

I found myself questioning Roger Federer's very humble, gracious and appealing acceptance speech after winning the Australian Open Tennis Championship on Sunday. Is he really that charming and friendly a family guy? Or has he been well coached and rehearsed by the agents and PR people that are helping him sell that image?

Thanks Tiger, for making us all less gullible and more cynical.

Unfortunately, that's what happens when a representative of our sport, profession or industry falls from favour into public disgrace. We all have to fight the negative impression created.