Tiger wore a black jacket and a look of remorse. It was much different than the green jacket and smile we’re used to seeing on him.
Today, Woods made his much anticipated return to the public sphere. He was refreshingly frank. He was critical of himself using adjectives such as entitled, wrong and foolish.
He has made mistakes and tarred an image that was squeaky clean. But there is always damage control. The windex is in the cabinet and Tiger is set to try to wipe off the debris he has left on his image.
It will take time. But his statement today was a good first step.
Tiger did not pull any punches, expressing sorrow for what he did to his friends, family and fans.
Tiger asked us to “find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.”
We live in a forgiving society. Remember the allegations against Kobe Bryant years ago? Yes, he lost endorsements. His image was tarnished. But now in 2010 we are once again focused on his on court exploits. The allegations of rape will remain in his biography but it is not what we will remember Bryant for. It will not define him.
I have a feeling the same will hold true for Woods. His indiscretion is something that he will live with forever. But he will overcome it and public sentiment toward Woods will improve. Because our society loves to give a second chance to someone who is sorry and willing to make a change.
Today, Woods showed he is indeed sorry and deserving of a second chance. He let his guard down and opened himself up to us.
Soon enough we will see him out on the links again, chasing Jack Nicklaus’ major record. Woods is not only one of the greatest athletes in golf but in all of sports. And I have a feeling he will end up being defined not for this sex scandal but how he acts now in its aftermath.
He’s off to a good start. I’m not even a big golf fan but I think I’ll take up Tiger’s offer: I have room in my heart and today Tiger gave me every reason to believe in him. He just doesn’t look right in that black jacket; I hope we see Tiger with his life back together and in his signature color, green, not too far down the line.
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