Oh That Tiger . . .

"Oh that tiger, don't you let him get away!"

The above line originated from the old Dixieland jazz song, Tiger Rag, from the early 20th century. "Oh that tiger. . .Oh that tiger." I couldn't help but think of that song and those words this past December when the national media exposed Tiger Woods and all his extramarital affairs. "Oh that tiger . . ."
This past Friday, Tiger Woods made his first televised speech since the news of his marital problems and sexual addictions were made public. I wasn't able to see it live so I only saw portions of it on the internet, but I got the gist of it. Of course, his speech received many criticisms: it was too short, he didn't reveal much information about his rehab or marriage, he didn't say when he'd return to competitive golf, it was too scripted and not very heartfelt, he wouldn't take any questions.
We'll of course his speech was going to be scripted. No sense in going off the cuff and looking like more of an ass, perhaps. Despite the "script," Tiger Woods definitely did not appear stoic or robot-like during that speech. We all know he is a private person who dislikes talking about many of his feelings outside of golf. Behind that podium he appeared uncomfortable, shaken, and out of his element - or at least compared to the confident Tiger Woods we're used to seeing. He did not want to be there. And frankly, he made it clear that his wife, Elin, and himself will work out his issues together and alone; as it should be. Tiger may have a responsibility to fans to update his return to golf, but as for his personal life, it's still none of our business.
Now I'll admit I didn't follow this saga too closely after the word of his affairs came out. Though it's the price of celebrity to have your imperfections exposed to the world, I still felt sorry for Woods and his family that their struggles were made so public. I didn't take the bait from the medias frenzied hook. Furthermore, celebrity affairs are nothing new, several marriages involving pubic figures don't last. We only have to look into the recent past at David Letterman, South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, John Edwards who fathered a child out of wedlock, or the most notable cases such as Bill Clinton or Kobe Bryant, among many others. Eventually, I saw quick headlines or heard from friends, that Tiger Woods' affairs may have numbered in the hundreds, which would make his case somewhat unique from the above mentioned cases. Maybe I shouldn't have looked upon Woods' dalliances with the indifferent eye that I did. However, I'm sure many of the women's claims of affairs with Woods are allegations yet to be proven, so we should keep that in mind too before bouncing hard numbers around.
A couple weeks after the Thanksgiving incident, I read one article on Yahoo Sports that basically argued this theme: Tiger Woods will never regain his impeccable image, but if he is to earn back some public adoration he once held, he can do it by returning to golf and winning majors. The journalist cited Kobe Bryant as an example. After he won MVP awards and the NBA Title last year, everyone seems to have forgotten about his last affair which involved sexual abuse charges. Seems everybody loves Kobe again. Maybe they'll love Woods again too.
Now when talking about Woods' situation with others, I've mostly heard sentiments like, "Ah, what a phony he is. I don't care if he wins another golf tournament again or not. I've lost all respect for the guy." I too have lost a lot of respect for Woods. However, when talking about hot or controversial issues, I like to stir the pot sometimes, just to stir it, and play devil's advocate. While not totally supporting Woods, I've brought up the point of the before mentioned article which is that if Woods wants to earn any of his reputation back, if possible, he needs to get back to playing golf soon, and start winning again. Of course, others argue back that golf should be the furthest thing from his mind right now as he tries to keep his family together and keep some amount of dignity. I then counter argue that perhaps he might be happier if he could get back on the tour. If he's doing what he loves, playing golf, maybe that renewed spirit will help him be a happier husband and father too. Then I get reminded that Woods affairs were more numerous than others, symbolizing a larger problem. Some even say I appear to be defending Woods.
Like I said, I like to stir things up a bit, and could say some crazy things, but I never intended to defend Tiger's actions or character. I never condoned his behavior, and I feel for his family. I also can't help but think about the close relationship he had with his father, and what his father might be thinking if he can look down at his son now. On the other hand, it sometimes seems I do feel a little bit for Woods, but I just don't know why. I can only assume it's because he really is paying the consequences for his actions, having to face his wife, entering rehab for sex addiction, and having to give up many endorsement deals, and of course, the game of golf.
After further reflection, I've concluded that no I don't defend his actions, and that he is getting what he deserves with the public scrutiny and the sacrifices he has to make. In addition though, I guess I'm just a little selfish cause I don't want to have to watch or follow a major golf tournament without Tiger in it. Being a competitor myself, I realize that I perform my best while competing against the best in whatever sport or game. Therefore, I feel I'll be missing something when watching golf because arguably the best player ever to play won't be playing. Woods' absence means the other players may not play as well either cause they won't have to compete against Tiger. Also, no one can argue that fewer people will watch golf if Tiger is gone, that's a forgone conclusion. Even Sergio Garcia said he hopes Tiger recovers from his regressions, and that he can return to the tour soon. He knows the game is better served if Tiger is out there competing.
As for now, the game of golf is suffering. No, it's not suffering as much as Woods and his family, but the game isn't what it once was. As someone who loves to watch the top flight competition, I'm gonna miss it. I guess that's why, no matter how insignificant in the grand scheme of life it is, I want him to come back.