Tiger Woods: Finally Faces the Public

Tiger Woods walked up to a podium early Friday and addressed a national audience to once again apologize for his infidelities. He apologized to fans, his business partners, and his sponsors. The richest golfer in the world talked about continuing his charitable efforts and also talked about his stay in sex therapy for cheating on his wife. He spoke about understanding why the press wants to know details of his life but made it clear those issues would be solely between he and his wife.

He spoke at great length about wanting to protect his family and criticized the paparazzi for following his family including his children and mother everywhere they went. He made a plea to the media to leave his family alone.

Woods defended his wife, Elin Nordegren, saying she never attacked him or touched him during the Thanksgiving incident when he ran into the tree with his SUV.

Then he began talking about Buddhism which was the religion he was taught as a child. He talked about drifting away from his religion and wanting to go back to his early teachings. Then he went into detail about what he learned in sex therapy which included relying on his religion and friends.

Woods answered what his golf fans wanted to hear which is that he plans to return to golf but he didn't give a exact time but said it may be in 2010. He apologized to his fellow golfers for holding the press conference during the same weeked the Accenture tournament will take place. He then asked the audience and viewers if they could one day believe in him again. After he finished speaking he hugged his mother.

Obviously what he said was well scripted and was devised to suit his wide purpose which was a plea for forgiveness from everyone. Clearly he wants to restore his image and I think he's well on his way. He appeared to come across as genuine despite the fact he was obviously rehearsed. But he was subdued and humble even when he was asking the media to leave his family alone. I believe the plea for his family resonated with a lot of people because he was very sincere. He was smart in that he didn't attack the media but rather respectfully revealed how his actions allowed his family to be negatively impacted by the mainstream press.

I think he did a great job although it was obviously staged and orchestrated. But I'm positive he didn't garner too much sympathy because at the end of the day, Tiger Woods has earned 100 million dollars from golf earning plus more from endorsements. I'm sure some of the companies may return to backing him; that's obvious. He has some work to do with rebuilding his family but I'm sure he won't have a problem with that. People won't forget about his infidelities but I don't think it'll matter. A year from now I suspect this will be a non-story and Woods will categorically return to form on and off the course and will always be considered the best golfer that has ever lived.