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The fact Tiger Woods has been able to keep the lowest of profiles over the past two months is nothing short of a feat. Headlines around the world have carried every detail of the golfer's lost endorsements, salacious texts to girlfriends and an apparent blowout with his very angry wife.

Now, the world's best golfer is going to break his silence with an apology, intended to start making amends with his fans. Will he be able to win them back - along with his sponsors? Or is it too little, too late?





Globe Life columnist Sarah Hampson and Globe Sports' Jeff Brooke were online earlier to discuss Tiger Woods's apology.

Ms. Hampson has previously written about the athlete's very public private woes, while Mr. Brooke has written extensively on golf for The Globe and has covered major tournaments including the Masters and the Canadian Open.

If you missed our liveblog, log in and share your thoughts using our Comments function. Has the public apology changed your view of Tiger Woods? Do you think he can rehabilitate his family-man image?



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Liveblog transcript: Rasha Mourtada:



Hello everyone. Globe Life columnist Sarah Hampson and Globe Sports' Jeff Brooke will be joining us soon to talk about Tiger Woods's latest move. Submit your comments/questions any time.



[Comment From HossyHossy: ]

Will Tiger be taking any questions or just reading a statement?



[Comment From Andy Andy : ]

I personally hope he doesn't return to the pro circuit as he will be an even bigger distraction than he previously was. Granted his participation has driven up the purses and overall popularity of the game but his conduct on the course is dispicable and if the general public was allowed to see his antics there would be outright condemnation of his attitude.



[Comment From JennyL JennyL : ]

I don't have much sympathy to Tiger - but I'm really interested to see if he will sucker me in to feeling for him.



[Comment From James James : ]

He needs to return to the pro circuit! Golf will not be the same without him..



Sarah Hampson:

Tiger won't be taking any questions from the media during this announcement. So it's all highly orchestrated. Rehabilitation of image effort for sure. But the big question is whether his wife, Elin, will be anywhere present at the announcement. Her presence would be golden, of course - for him, at least. Especially since he is expected to make an apology to his fans not only, but also to his wife and family. So, will she pull a Silda ?- as in Silda Spitzer, who famously stood by her husband, Eliot Spitzer, former Governor of New York, when he admitted to having sexual relations with escorts.



[Comment From Shaun Shaun : ]

Tiger is clearly following strict public relations restrictions to save his brand. This date was most likely set the day after his infidelities came out. It will be fun to see marketing at it's finest.



[Comment From Katherine Katherine : ]

I agree with James, the game needs him and I find it boring to watch without Tiger in the fray.



[Comment From John John : ]

Of course he's going to return to gold... he is the best golfer the world has seen in a long time.



[Comment From Marc Marc : ]

It will be so cool to see him back. Poor guy! The relentless snickering about his sex life is bound to affect his steel trap concentration!



[Comment From Sharon Sharon : ]

Do you think Tiger will ever be able to loosen those "control" strings and come to the conclusion that he is human just like the rest of us?



Sarah Hampson:

I agree with Shaun. This will be a major public relations event. Tiger and his team of handlers have been talking about what he should say - and how - for quite a while. That's what the "insiders" are saying, anyway. And after he badly handled the initial scandal, this is his moment of orchestrated resurrection.



[Comment From Gil Gil : ]

I think Tiger's problems relate to a much bigger issue, i.e. does the public have the right to judge or offer comment on the personal affairs of public figures or celibrities? I personally could care less what Bill Clinton does with his cigars or who Tiger Woods sleeps with. It is none of my business. What I am interested in is his ability to play golf. The sooner he is back the better!



[Comment From Fraser Fraser : ]

Tiger Woods could possibly become the greatest golfer of all time. What he did was morally reprehensible; however, professional sports has always been forgiving to athletes (i.e. Michael Vick, Todd Bertuzzi). Let us keep things in perspective. Tiger Woods is an exceptional golfer with a less than exceptional character. He has lost his wife, his endorsements, and most importantly, he has lost the respect of many of his fans. When he returns to golf, Tiger should be given a clean slate by the media and fans alike.



Sarah Hampson:

His greatest resurrection however will be on the golf course - for onlookers to see whether he is truly able to put this scandal behind him through an ability to focus on the ball, as it were.



[Comment From john vann john vann : ]

Tiger needs his claws cut - meaning: declawed. Do you think he'll come out being humble? His attitude in the past seems NOT to enable him to change.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

how do reporters feel about the orchestrated image protecting type of "news conference" going on here? Only his media "friends" and no questions??? Seems like this is not the right way to do damage control



Sarah Hampson:

I agree that we shouldn't much care about the private lives of sports stars - I mean, we didn't elect the guy. But we did participate as a gullible culture in his image of perfection, and for that reason, I think our interest in his fall from grace is enormously fascinating, if only as a comment on our collective desire to beleive in a fantasy.



[Comment From vlad vlad : ]

Curious to note that so many people are judging Tiger not for his sports accomplishments but on his personal life. I don't respect him for his gross personal failings but his a sportsman and a very good one. We have forgiven others - Kobe, Michael McQuire, Rose etc. what about him?



[Comment From seid seid : ]

Most of us would cheat on our partners but very little of us being caught. Don't you think it his own personal business. Take my word he will break the Jack's record in two years



[Comment From PJ Reece PJ Reece : ]

Yes, well, Tiger IS human just like the rest of us...and it seems to me that critics are ignoring that fact.



Sarah Hampson:

Well, to the question of how the media feels about the "orchestrated" event and these so-called "friends" of Tiger who are allowed to be part of the announcement - the reporters of the world hate that stuff - we like scrums, where we can get someone to say something and ask questions - but in this case, with a silence since the Driveway Incident in November last year, anything he says, no matter how controlled, will be parsed and analysed and eagerly lapped up by the media. Which is why many outlets are streaming the press conference on their websites. Any word is better than no word.



Jeff Brooke:

Good morning all.



[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]

Most of us DO NOT cheat on our partners. Tiger is better than everyone else as a golfer but not as a human being. I don't think he knows how to be honest. His golf skills are untouchable but he doesn't know how to be a real human being. His entire life is a facade. I'm sure the press conference will be a joke.



Sarah Hampson:

Interest in his personal life will wane considerably if Elin stays with him and he gets back to playing brilliant golf. He needs to make this apology - publicly - so he can move on - and so can the media. That's the hope.



[Comment From Mike Mike : ]

I think this press conference is Tiger's opening gambit to smooth things over in time for the Masters. My feeling is he should have taken a year off to really whet the public's appetite for his return.



[Comment From James James : ]

Once a rat always a rat. Going forward recognize him for his golfing ability and do nothing to validate his endorsement power. Make a statement.



[Comment From Pedro Pedro : ]

Can't wait to see him play at the Masters...



Jeff Brooke:

There's a bit of news breaking already. The U.S. golf writers were invited to attend Tiger's presentation but are boycotting.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

To me the important stories that should be focused on are the ones that impact what has propelled the athlete to the spot light in the first place, which for the majority of professional athletes is their superior talent. Do I ask the Doctor who is about to remove my gallbladder if he has ever cheated on his wife or do I focus on how many successful operations he has performed (one has no bearing on the other yet the Media continues to focus on the other) .



Jeff Brooke:

They don't like the restrictions put on the number of media that can attend. And they want to be able to ask questions.



[Comment From Sharon Sharon : ]

This is not curious at all. It has been going on for months now. He created the goody goody image and made a lot of money from it through endorsement. Good for him to be able to parlay his image into cash. But at some point he has to pay the piper. Maybe not today but eventually it will come home to roost. He has made a fool of himself IMHO.



[Comment From Michale Michale : ]

Hopefully some good will come from this experience. We have admired Tiger for his golf and we are saddened that he was unable to carry out professionalism in his private life. Men may not be bothered by these issues unless caught in the act. Addiction takes many forms. I hope for his wife and family that Tiger can turn this around. Good Luck. Men and women in careers that take them into the headlines should also expect the public is going to expect the "Golf Star' or career star to lead a "Super Star" private life. Everyone will remember Tiger with a blemish, and though it may not be our business, the private life of drugs, cocaine, sex with others will always be just that, a blemish on a fine reputation. Reputation is very important.



Sarah Hampson:

For a guy who is said to be extremely controlling and private, you have to think that even having this "orchestrated" press conference is cringe-worthy - for him. That he is being forced to acknowledge his mistakes like this is not a happy thing for a control freak. He's trying to make it as painless as possible by keeping it brief, not taking questions, etc. He wants us to to forget and concentrate on him as an athlete. For golf fans, I don't think that'll be too hard, based on some of the comments above. You want your hero back.



Jeff Brooke:

You're right Sarah. It is a bit bizarre. Can you think of anyone else in similar circumstances who's had a press conference that's not really a press conference? I wonder why he didn't just post another message on his website if he wanted to remain distant.



Sarah Hampson:

I find it fascinating that so much of his image rehabilitation potentially rests with his wife. By all accounts, she is a class act, from a good family, not interested in being a groupie - that kind of thing. And yet, there she was, flaunting her wedding-ring-less hand as she filled up her SUV shortly after the scandal broke. I read that as, hey, this girl wants us to know how she feels.



[Comment From Matt Bennett Matt Bennett : ]

It all just seems too phony and rehearsed. Is Tiger likely to get heckled by the gallery at future gold events? How will he handle that since he is notoriously thin-skinned?



[Comment From Al Al : ]

Actually statistics say that MOST people cheat....and they statistically say that more than half of all men and WOMEN cheat.....lets get the facts straight.....odds are your partner is or has.....sorry



[Comment From Gil Gil : ]

Our culture seems to have a preoccupation with the personal lives of celebs; to the point where disrespecting their privacy harms not only them but also their families and friends. It seems the media no longer draws a line as to what they will report as long is it sells.



[Comment From JennyL JennyL : ]

Interesting Jeff - I feel like Tiger (and his team) are trying to puppeteer the public - nice to know not everyone is getting suckered in.



Sarah Hampson:

Frankly, one of things I will be focusing on at this press conference is his face. Will we see scars from stitches? One person I know said he heard that the golf-club swing - from lovely wife, Elin - the night the infidelity allegations tore up their marriage knocked out some of his teeth. I have also read that one of the reasons he has been hiding for almost three months is that he had to heal - physically. What will his face look like? Am I the only person interested in that?



[Comment From PJ Reece PJ Reece : ]

How is it that people claim to know so much about Tiger's 'character'? Unless you're seeing something I don't see on the tube. This righteousness coming from his critics is predictable and ugly.



Jeff Brooke:

I've heard a few players say this week that they just want to see his face and hear his voice. Just so they know he really still is out there, somewhere. I guess that's part of the reason for the on-camera statement.



[Comment From Sharon Sharon : ]

He is dreaming in technicolour if he thinks he can continue to control this situation. The paps along are not going to let this go. It sells too many newspapers and magazines. Until he his once again know for golf as opposed to his sexual escapades, the circus will continue with Tiger as the lead clown.



[Comment From larmaj larmaj : ]

Woods has nothing to apologize for. His infidelity is a private matter between him and his wife.



[Comment From Brodie Fenlon Brodie Fenlon : ]

We'll also post audio as soon as possible and our main story will be updated throughout the presser.



Sarah Hampson:

Listen, who knows anything about someone else's character? But with people who make their living based on a projection of their character - the way Tiger did, to the tune of millions - well, I think that as consumers of that image, we have a right to question the character he sold us. But that doesn't mean we will ever truly know it. I just feel it's a Faustian deal Tiger (and other celebes) make when they agree to be celebrities, to sell an image - means they have to live up to it in a way, no? Otherwise, it means nothing.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

he is still a lucky man.....all that money.....all those women...we all want it!!!!



[Comment From Warren Warren : ]

Out of curiosity: what's wrong with sleeping around that we in the media have to lambaste him like this? His wife hit him in the face with a golf club. Imagine how this would play if she was the cheater and he clubbed her in the face.



[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]

Elin was used as a pawn by Tiger's people to create the image of a wholesome family man so he could get more endorsements. Elin is part of the facade as much as Tiger is.



Rasha Mourtada:

Statement due momentarily at 11 a.m. - watch it here https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/watch-tiger-woodss-statement-11-am-et/article1474164/



Sarah Hampson:

Oh come on. I think Elin loved the guy. And yes her lily-whiteness helps his all-Amercian image, but let's be gentle (and generrous) for a moment and consider that they may have really loved each other - and may even now want to fix it.



[Comment From Kashif Kashif : ]

We (including myself) put a lot of expectations on sports figures. At the end of the day the are human and make mistakes, some over and over again. Let God judge the man, the rest of us should just enjoy his golf game.



[Comment From Michale Michale : ]

Yep there are men and women who cheat, do we give them admiration for deviant behavior. Tiger did not have to marry. Tiger had it all, money, reputation, women, fame; so why get married? If you make vows, are we not to expect you to hold to them? Do not make vows if you are unable to keep them. Elin was used by Tiger, and just because men and women cheat, does not make it right.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

To you blame the salesman (Accenture, nike, tag) of the image or the man himself ?



[Comment From Luc Luc : ]

I feel for his wife.



Jeff Brooke:

It's worth remembering that none of us really knows what's going on inside the four walls of his house. We'll never know. So there's not much point in speculating on that.





Sarah Hampson:

I find it very interesting that it's being made clear that Tiger is returning to sex addiction therapy after this conference. So maybe this announcement is part of his cure??



[Comment From David Zenger David Zenger : ]

Tiger EARNED all that money and deserves every cent



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

What I'd like to know is how many people on here and in the media chastising Tiger for his behaviour have cheated themselves. My guess is a significant number.



[Comment From frank frank : ]

I am fascinated that so many seem to think they know so much. Only someone inside a relationship knows what is really happening. I also think he owes Elin a public apology since his behaviour became a public issue.



[Comment From John John : ]

He is a piblic figure, so h'ell have to face the music.



[Comment From jane jane : ]

its not a private matter when tiger only married elin for his career.



[Comment From Chris Chris : ]

He has tarnished his reputation, family, honour and himself as a "brand". That's a tall mountain to climb back from in today's society. His carefully crafted narcissism to this point gave him comfort, now his private indiscretions are public knowledge. That must be tough.



[Comment From Larry Larry : ]

He might be able to fire a 61, but I don't cheat on my spouse.



Rasha Mourtada:

"I knew my actions were wrong but I convinced myself normal rules didn't apply," Tigers just said in his statement.



Rasha Mourtada:

"I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me," Tiger Woods said.



Rasha Mourtada:

"I was wrong, I was foolish. I don't get to play by different rules."



Rasha Mourtada:

"I've had a lot of time to think about what I've done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before."



Rasha Mourtada:

"It's now up to me to make amends."



Jeff Brooke:

That might be as close as we'll get to understanding why he did it.



Rasha Mourtada:

"Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Parents used to point to me as a role model to their kids. I owe all those parents an apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry."



Rasha Mourtada:

"It's hard to admit that I need help but I do. For 45 days from end of December to early February I was in in-patient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I've been facing."



Rasha Mourtada:

"I understand people have questions."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Despite the damage I have done I still believe it is right to shield my family from public spotlight."



Rasha Mourtada:

"They did not do these things, I did."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Whatever my wrong doings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone."



Rasha Mourtada:

"I recognize I have brought this on myself and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person."



Rasha Mourtada:

"I have a lot of work to do and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Buddhism teaches that a craving for thing outside of ourselves creates an unhappy and pointless search for security."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Obviously I lost track of what I was taught."



Rasha Mourtada:

"As I move forward I will continue to receive help because I've learned that's how people change."



Rasha Mourtada:

"Starting tomorrow I will leave for more treatment and more therapy."



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

It takes a big man to admit his faults,,,,,,



[Comment From Frank Frank : ]

Announcing he is a Buhhdist is more damaging than cheating, all his middle american Christian fans just left him



Rasha Mourtada:

"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."



Rasha Mourtada:

"When I return I need to make my behaviour more respectful of the game."



[Comment From dave dave : ]

this guy is so phony



[Comment From Robert Robert : ]

I think he gets it. I'm sure this isn't easy for Tiger.



Rasha Mourtada:

"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 heart to one day believe in me again. Thank you."



Sarah Hampson:

Wow, sappy ot what?



[Comment From Larry Larry : ]

Sorry tiger, you don't get a free pass. You're a public figure. So go live on an island if you want to be out of the spotlight. Otherwise, paparazzi are your reality.



[Comment From Serene Serene : ]

The apology is way over the top. He didn't owe it to anybody except his family



[Comment From Gary Gary : ]

He really is a phony really sappy



[Comment From claudia casper claudia casper : ]

but he just got a bunch of new fans to golf, hence his marketing heft. He adds interest and excitement to the game. But we all learned something here. Image is too hard to see behind in the media environment, let alone at home.



[Comment From frank frank : ]

how do so many "know" that he's phony? what would it take for people to believe...



[Comment From Brent Brent : ]

how is sappy phony? Have you been through this before to know how he feels?



[Comment From Randy Randy : ]

having been on the end where my soon to be ex wife cheated on me, I will never have any further respect for Woods - there are NO EXCUSES whatsoever for his behavior!



Sarah Hampson:

It was kinda sappy - that bit about asking people to "find room in your heart to one day beleive in me again" felt like a saying in a Hallmark card.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

he sorry he got caught not for what he did



[Comment From Sam Sam : ]

I love the judgement being doled out.



[Comment From Brian Brian : ]

How long would this have gone on? He got caught that's all that stopped it.



[Comment From Tom Tom : ]

He thinks the world revolves around him



[Comment From Pookie Pookie : ]

Leave him alone. So he messed around. Who cares? That's his problem not anyone else's. LEAVE TIGER ALONE!!!!!



Jeff Brooke:

Every PGA Tour player and every core golf fan really only wanted to know when he'll be back. We still don't know.



Poll:

Were you impressed with Tiger Woods's apology?

Yes

( 27% )

No

( 30% )

Who cares?

( 43% )



[Comment From Serene Serene : ]

Sarah Hampson is spot on



[Comment From Puffin Puffin : ]

Pure, undiluted arrogance.



Sarah Hampson:

Am I being too hard? I found myself wondering how heartfelt it was. He even seemed to tear up a bit at the beginning. But I don't know - for someone so controlled, doesn't he pride himself on hiding his emotions? So why was he showing them on his sleeve? Because some handler told him too?



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Once a cheater always a cheater. He's sorry he got caught and embarrassed,



[Comment From Michale Michale : ]

Which men and women can and will admit they have caused much harm and pain by cheating? Some men and women are just plain sneakers and can't get off unless they sneak around daily.



[Comment From Andrew Andrew : ]

Personally I think he was an idiot for getting married. If he had never gotten married he could have slept with anyone he wanted and no one would have cared.



Rasha Mourtada:

Sarah - from that statement, do you think he's left the door to reconciliation with Elin open?



[Comment From rajib rajib : ]

tiger concentrate on ur games & not on the media



Sarah Hampson:

The Buddhist bit was interesting, and I have to say that his mother's presence was important. Their hug at the end was touching. You have to imagine that she was enormously disappointed in him.



Sarah Hampson:

Oh, I think reconciliation with Elin is very possible, based on what he said.



[Comment From RS RS : ]

It takes a LOT of balls to do what he's just done. He's accepted responsibility for his actions, he's made a seemingly heartfelt public appology and he's now actively seeking help for his problems. He's trying to change, obviously so cut the guy some slack.



[Comment From Sam Sam : ]

This entire thing is a perfect microcosm of how ridiculous our society is. He hurt his family irreversibly. He owes absolutely nothing to anyone else, yet he is forced by media pressure to stand up in front of tens of millions of people and apologize to them, as if he had wronged them.



[Comment From don don : ]

On his own for so many years, then gets married and suddenly elin finds out, ya right. She knew before, and during, and then decided to change her mind.



Rasha Mourtada:

What do you make of the fact Elin wasn't there?



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

This is just damage control. The sex therapy, the apology, all of it.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

yes he deserves some slack and grace but the buddhism has got to go



[Comment From Moosehead Moosehead : ]

Being from Quebec, I was disappointed with the lack of French in his apology. (hehe)



[Comment From TheTruth TheTruth : ]

"that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It hurts me that people would fabricate a story like that" End the speculation and tell what happened.



[Comment From dave dave : ]

a tiger can't change his stripes. Once a cheater always a cheater. Run Elin Run.......................



[Comment From Troy Troy : ]

I was surprised his wife wasn't there... that was a big statement! If she was going to work on it, I think she would have been there for this!



[Comment From George George : ]

I think for the average guy on the street what happens in his personal life is between him and his wife. However when you are a billionaire because of the public he needs to be accountable



Sarah Hampson:

Also interesting about how he denied any domestic violence. I think that was important to set straight, because that was certainly a big point of speculation. I also thought that his mention of how Elin told him that it wouldn't be his words that mattered but his actions - well, yes, Tiger, that's what all women know. Don't judge a guy by what he says, but by what he does. Words are so, so easy.



[Comment From TheTruth TheTruth : ]

lame. if he is taking accountibility...then allow questions to be asked and answer them honestly



[Comment From larmaj larmaj : ]

Maybe now the "ladies" he cheated with can issue their own apologizes as well. But I guess it was all Tiger's fault, not theirs.



[Comment From Brian Brian : ]

I'm sorry but he used to go on and on about what his father taught him. To say you thought "normal rules did not apply" is a pile of crap.



[Comment From tom tom : ]

He's no ordinary Joe. He had to do this to control the damage to his already tarnished image. Image = $$$



Rasha Mourtada:

We'll be posting full text of the apology soon.



[Comment From Sam Sam : ]

Spend 2 minutes googling "Buddhism" before you judge it. Would wearing a wooden cross make all this go away?



[Comment From Lizabeth Lizabeth : ]

Elin made her statement clear by her absence



Jeff Brooke:

I'll give him some marks for suggesting why he did it -- that he thought he lived by different rules. that's a bit of insight. but really, nothing about golf? does anyone else care that he didn't mention when he might return?



[Comment From Puffin Puffin : ]

Sam: he built an image and in the process made in the excess of one billion dollars. If he wants that, then he knows he has to do htis.



[Comment From steveglobe steveglobe : ]

well he appeeraed somewhat sincere but yes it was heavily scripted and not rally concise enough



[Comment From Pat Pat : ]

A complex man, a complex lifestyle, living in a fishbowl as long as he has. These are shoes that a very small number of people can imagine.



[Comment From mitchell mitchell : ]

he committed adultery. and there are millions of children, teens and adults alike; that will think it's okay. As a public figure. making millions off of the public. He should not only have respect for there family (which is a given) but also their fans.



[Comment From Randy Randy : ]

Sorry - no slack. He had a choice to make - screwed up - and now has to live with whatever consequences.



[Comment From danielle danielle : ]

well said, dave!



Sarah Hampson:

He did show he was contrite, no? Wasn't that the point? But how much can we really believe this stupid sex addiction stuff. Come on. Baloney! He just knew he could screw whomever he wanted. His "issue" wasn't sex addiction, it was fame.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Does Tiger hope his son grows up to be a cheater? Does he hope his daughter marries a cheater?



[Comment From Michale Michale : ]

Tiger says these issues are between him and Elin, but Tiger openly shared his affairs with the public while they were happening, I can understand why he wants the public out of his personal life. But, do not let the public catch Tiger again, should he fail.



[Comment From Different Perspective Different Perspective : ]

Elvis says it best. "You ain't nothin' but a Hound Dog".



[Comment From frank frank : ]

I think Elin not being there was good. If she forgives too quickly he won't change. And, yes, I believe people can change.



[Comment From RS RS : ]

I think Elin wasn't there because this isn't about her. This is about Tiger and what he's done.



[Comment From speaker-1 speaker-1 : ]

What a bunch of sanctimonious crap. And predictable too -- I told somebody earlier today exactly what he would say, and he said it almost to the word.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Does anyone really believe that this ONE BILLION DOLLAR man's apology was not orchestrated by the world's top PR folk??



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

For the people saying it takes a big man to apologize. Don't forget this guy didn't take questions from the media and he's hid in his room for the last three months.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

May each and every one of you be under public scrutiny the next time you have a crisis.



[Comment From brittany brittany : ]

its also the ladies fault...they cant act like they didnt know who he was or that he had a family and children. it takes two to tango



[Comment From Pat Pat : ]

The negative comments about religion indicate a narrow mindedness and a desire to be blissfully ignorant. His mother is from a predominantly Buddhist nation. Given that aspect of his home environment, it should have been 2+2=4 but his mention of it gets him criticized? Get over yourselves people. The fact that you couldn't figure that out in the first place and can't tolerate it now just underlines your ignorance.



[Comment From Kate Kate : ]

Actually, his personal life is not the business of the public. We are not obligated to tell our co-workers, friends, etc. of any marital issues that we may have.



[Comment From Bob Bob : ]

In response to Sam who says he hurt nobody else, I would have to disagree. Tiger Woods was looked on a role model by a lot of people, and they were also hurt in this. The order of magnitude between the hurt he cause his family and others is immense, but if he is to continue to be a public figure both in golf and his foundation then that needs to be addressed.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

He needs an acting coach. Statement incredibly staged. Shaking head at scripted moments. Rehearsed sighs. Looked like a real bad soap actor



[Comment From dave dave : ]

just because Tigers says "there was no domestic violence" does not mean it didn't happen. Remember this guy is pretty good at lying. That we know for sure



[Comment From Puffin Puffin : ]

It's all about control and the challenge of pulling this off.



[Comment From sue sue : ]

he did nothing any different than any other high powered athletes....they all cheat. the people who surround them condone it. tiger was taken down for reasons that dont make sense. what about the hockey, baseball, football and basketball players that are still just that.



[Comment From Nancy Nancy : ]

Tom at 11:17 was dead right - he thinks the world is waiting on the edge of their seats breathlessly waiting for word from Tiger.



[Comment From Kat Kat : ]

He is just another man that was in the media, let it go to his head with all the females throwing themselves at him, did his man thing and the only reason he is apologizing is "HE GOT CAUGHT" . And yes it is a public matter because he of all his "public' endorsements!! If you want to be a super star and make money from the public then be prepared to answer to the public!!!



[Comment From Jackie Jackie : ]

The whole thing was totally staged and rehearsed. Nice touch to put the three women in the front row so they would be seen the whole time. Seemed to me all men in the rest of the room. Wonder how much he paid his PR people for that?



Sarah Hampson:

I agree, Jeff. He admitted to what all men in power and with money admit - that they feel unconstrained by the rules that apply to others. Hey, Conrad Black, arguably suffered from the same thing. My only issue is that it's now so commonplace for guys to admit such "entitlement" that it's become cliche. Oh, yah, that old chestnut, I thought upon hearing it.



[Comment From Jen Jen : ]

I guess none of you really get why he did the press conference. Because the media wanted it. The media decides everything. He didn't have to do this so why are you all bashing him yeah he did a stupid act but haven't we all done things in our lives we regret.



Rasha Mourtada:

Sarah and Jeff, thanks for joining us. Our hour's just about up. Any final thoughts on the apology to share with readers?



Sarah Hampson:

I don't agree,Jen. Yes, in part he had to feed the (media) beast, but I think this is all part of his so-called rehab - admit your mistakes, publicly, accept the shame, yadda yadda yadda.



[Comment From Andrew Andrew : ]

Yea, Mitchell. You are exactly right, since Tiger cheated I think I am going to go out and cheat now because I think everything he does is alright. Give me a break...



[Comment From brittany brittany : ]

the women who were "big and bad" to step forward and say they were with him should also make an apology. It takes two to tango and they cant say they didnt know who he was, or that he was married and had children



Jeff Brooke:

I thought the apology was sincere enough. Of course it was staged but it was still direct. He didn't use weasel words and even shed a bit a light on his mindset. But as a golf writer and fan, I'm left unsatisfied. I wanted to hear when he'll play next.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Elin is Swedish, and that is why she was not there. She has never given an interview and she will never speak about their marriage.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

anyone here perfect?



[Comment From RS RS : ]

The guy's personal life is obviously going to take priority here. He has a lot on his plate, he's in therapy and he's probably going to want to devote his time to making things right with his family. Why would he mention golf? None of this has nothing to do with golf. He said he'll come back to the sport, leave it at that.



[Comment From Robert Robert : ]

With regard to the question about when he'll return to golf - I think it will be a huge statement that he's serious about rehabilitating himself if he's not back for the Masters.



[Comment From clint clint : ]

Leave him and his family alone. It is none of our business. He needs to get back on the golf course



Jeff Brooke:

Nick Faldo is on Golf Channel saying the same thing. Get on a plane Tiger and come play golf, Nick says.



[Comment From Mark Alexander Mark Alexander : ]

Who cares. He's STILL going to GOLF, STILL going to make MILLIONS. Public apology or not, he's fixin his own issues... Everyone else should fix their own issues as well and stop butting into other peoples business...



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Bringing Buddhism (or any other religion) into this is such a cop out. Again, another form of damage control, trying to appear "spirtual."



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Hes not out of the woods yet..



[Comment From Disha Disha : ]

An apology can do nothing to bring back his image and character..... A person can make a mistake once..... but commiting it over and over again goes very well beyond just cheating. A very weak character.



[Comment From Puffin Puffin : ]

His emotions ramped up, and he only seemed genuine, when talking about privacy.



[Comment From Cory Cory : ]

Tiger Woods is a professional golfer, family and relationships have nothing to do with birdies and major championships. Looking forward to seeing Tiger back on the course. No apologies needed!



[Comment From Different Perspective Different Perspective : ]

Really. What was everyone expecting?



Jeff Brooke:

Thanks all for joining in. The story will continue ... and continue ... and continue



[Comment From brittany brittany : ]

it doesnt take a big man to apologize....he is forced by his future to apologize...he has not other choice



[Comment From Lizabeth Lizabeth : ]

Yes Brittany but they are not the one making millions of dollars on a false image of a clean cut family man



[Comment From Puffin Puffin : ]

For a billion dollars, I'll take the scrutiny.



Sarah Hampson:

Thanks, Rasha. Well, I think he has put much to rest. The speculaltion about domestic violence is over. He's put that to rest. And he showed some real contrition. Another side, for sure. But time will tell. I think more positive than negative came out of this press conference for him. As I said earlier, having his mother there was very effective. Even better than if Elin had been present.

Thansk for including me in the dicussion.



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

Ahh...golf. Just think the course where the Masters is held didn't used to accept women or blacks and now will open their arms to a black womanizer..what a great day for all!!! Tiger is a cheating husband. Does he ever cheat at golf?



[Comment From Lynn Lynn : ]

People make mistakes, people with huge money and fame can obviously make bigger ones. He made massive ones, but for God's sakes, he didn't kill anyone here. It's what people do after their big mistakes that matter. Why are people so against hoping he turns his life around, for his sake and his family? We'd all be better off if people could be more forgiving and not hold grudges forever. All those other athletes and celebrities out there we'll switch to admiring - for all we know they've done way worse. He has not had a normal life, he has serious issues, he's now forced to deal with them, he's trying to. Why can't we be human and let him try it?



[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

only time will tell whether or not his 'speach' is truthful



Rasha Mourtada:

Thanks everyone for joining in today. Watch our site for full text of the apology as well as more analysis and coverage, starting https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/golf/tiger-woods-sorry-admits-all-i-had-affairs-i-cheated/article1474208/.

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