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Welcome to the Shag Bag, where the GolfChannel.com team and Golf Channel talent will regularly file thoughts and opinions from around the world of golf.

Golf Channel

70Tiger: 'I have let my family down'

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profileIconGolfChannel.com Team   Posted 12/02/2009, 10:20 AM EST

The following is a statement issued by Tiger Woods on his Web site:

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.

Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.

But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.

Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.

I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.

 

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  1. Big F

    Big F'n Lou Said on 12/03/2009, at 12:39 PM EST

    “Tiger's father wrote a book called "Start Something".It's about Character building.I think Tiger needs to read it again!!”

  2. elinbacker

    elinbacker Said on 12/03/2009, at 10:02 AM EST

    “31 months is not a sudden unthinking moment. He was with another woman while Elin was carrying and giving birth to his children. TW is lower than a snail. He's not a role model on or off the court. I hope Elin bleads him dry, she deserves it.”

  3. 4Elin

    4Elin Said on 12/03/2009, at 9:35 AM EST

    “Spineless apology! Using the media that you are so disgusted with to READ your tatement! Come out from under the rocks and face us like a Man!. To add insult to injury a WOMAN Sports Reporter read the prepared maze of nonsense. By the way PRIVACY (in ths case SECRECERY) is not a VIRTUE. The Virtues are Faith, Hope and Charity, Honesty and Fdelity. You have missed the mark Buddy.”

  4. ripstar2heaven

    ripstar2heaven Said on 12/03/2009, at 12:28 AM EST

    “At some point, hopefully sooner than later we need to see Tiger other than on an e-mail...The family needs time to heal and hopefully will pull back together, as they are Beautiful together-not apart...Hopefully Elin and Tiger can repair and move on-for better things....The best to your family...as we are your family too..Maybe Tiger you learned that the public is part of your outer family circle...and need support to....God Bless your family ”

  5. Baron Jack

    Baron Jack Said on 12/02/2009, at 10:08 PM EST

    “_____If there was infidelity in Tiger's marriage I hope and pray that he and Elin can work it out and continue as husband and wife. To date, all I have heard is speculation there was infidelity. In any event whatever the problem, it is certainly none of my business. It is a private affair. I will continue to be a fan of Tiger. And, I will continue to say I wish he was my son. My very best wishes to the entire Woods family. Play well, Jack B. -- Age 69 Ps Some of the comments I have read are not just poorly written but portray the low IQ of the authors. This "Irish American" has no use for racism and those that use Christianity in a way it was never intended to be used. ”

  6. Johnny B Good

    Johnny B Good Said on 12/02/2009, at 8:07 PM EST

    “What a tragedy…Tiger had the world by the tail…now it’s gone. The game of golf, as in life, is built upon honesty and integrity. Tiger has chosen to abandon this moral, ethical code. I am completely disappointed in Tiger’s behavior as a role model, and I will no longer support anything that is associated with Tiger Woods. Nor will I support any manufacturer that sponsors Tiger Woods. Tiger states that this is a private matter and that he will deal with the situation behind closed doors with his family. Tiger wants privacy…really?? Perhaps Tiger forgets that ultimately it’s the public that has provided his lavish life style. The public deserves better…the public deserves the truth. I am fed up with professional athletes like Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams and now Tiger Woods that get placed on a pedestal and think they are holier-than-thou and get away with a slap on the wrist for their wrong doings or, should I say “transgressions”. Message to Elin; take him to the cleaners and dump the bum!! Message to Tiger’s Sponsors; dump the bum!! ”

  7. Schlomos

    Schlomos Said on 12/02/2009, at 7:06 PM EST

    “I will tell you one thing. If Elin leaves TW, I will be dating her asap. ”

  8. harleyrod2007

    harleyrod2007 Said on 12/02/2009, at 7:03 PM EST

    “What's with the preaching?..I don't forgive Tiger. Why? There's nothing for me to forgive, it's none of my business and I don't care. I love to watch him play golf and that won't change one iota. I go to the movies to enjoy a performance not judge the performer.”

  9. duffer2b

    duffer2b Said on 12/02/2009, at 6:34 PM EST

    “great for you--there is a long road ahead but the sun will always rise in the East & set in the West. Go to the Chevron Challenge, hire extra security if necessary and start paying forward--good luck.”

  10. Said on 12/02/2009, at 6:31 PM EST

    “The only thing that is certain is that we are all human.”

  11. scotti02

    scotti02 Said on 12/02/2009, at 6:27 PM EST

    “I have been a fan of Tiger Woods since day one I followed him for the past 10 years but I will never watch him again. I am deeply hurt by his shameful behavior. I as of today will no longer talk about him or want to see anything written about him. 10 years wasted on a bum.”

  12. golflegg

    golflegg Said on 12/02/2009, at 4:47 PM EST

    “Tiger will fall again because he's a sinner. Based on how he carries himself he has not surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, his maker and also his redeemer. Jesus always forgives if you ask. I hope Tiger finds Jesus or draws closer to him. That's his and everyone's only hope. Money, power, and people around you can only bring you so much fulfillment. Without Jesus, life ends up being meaningless! Good luck Tiger...I love watching you play golf and I know you'll be back stronger than ever!”

  13. LD Supreme

    LD Supreme Said on 12/02/2009, at 4:46 PM EST

    “Well, it had to happen. Some idiots had to use this forum as a platform for racism. There is no more racism, only reverse discrimnation exist today so get it over it and stick to the subject..Tiger is a liar, a cheater,a complete fraud. Hey Tiger lovers, you have used this blog tirelessly to make him into some sort of Greek God. Guess what, you got you pathetic worlds rocked today by having news delivered to you that you can't handle. Too bad, put all of the accolades on him you want to but it doesn't change that fact the he is what he is...even less of a man than even I thought the was. Please Elin, take him the cleaners. Go back to 1996, and to quote Tiger.. "Hello World"..fast forward to 2009..quote the World.."Hello Tiger". You just have to love this. ”

  14. Said on 12/02/2009, at 3:28 PM EST

    “TIGER YOU ONLY HAVE TO GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE APOLOGY. I JUST WISH PEOPLE WOULD LEAVE AND YOUR FAMIL ALONE. IT IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS WHAT HAPPEN JUST THAT YOU ARE OK. JOHN HELMS ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111”

  15. Said on 12/02/2009, at 3:28 PM EST

    “TIGER YOU ONLY HAVE TO GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE APOLOGY. I JUST WISH PEOPLE WOULD LEAVE AND YOUR FAMIL ALONE. IT IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS WHAT HAPPEN JUST THAT YOU ARE OK. JOHN HELMS ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111”

  16. philisequalorbetterthantw

    philisequalorbetterthantw Said on 12/02/2009, at 3:22 PM EST

    “ Who cares wether tiger is the cheater that he is. He is still the greastest golfer of his time. I will continue to watch him play. But I have no respect for him or anyone else that would CHEAT !on their spouse and kids what a parent. ”

  17. alimobo

    alimobo Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:55 PM EST

    “Letterman has a television show and therefore he had to address his issue. Tiger is very private person. I can and have forgiven him for having affairs. In fact, I will live by my word and stop discussing his actions with you all because some will find forgiveness and others cannot. Just remember your opinions of Tiger when you find yourself in a situation where you did not put forth your best judgment. ”

  18. Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:53 PM EST

    “moosewing, that watered down approach to life is why you spend most of your time watching Springer or Survivor. ”

  19. alimobo

    alimobo Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:47 PM EST

    “thereason, he (Tiger) made himself into a great golfer, you placed these other accolades on him and you hated the attention he got for it and now you are attempting to torment him for being human. Others have done far more harm to people in large masses. Tiger has affected his family only. You need to raise your own kids and not rely on Tiger to do it for you.”

  20. Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:47 PM EST

    “It is not WAR, or Religion that will bring a man down...it is SEX...and Tiger Woods is just another example...The truth is the only way he can get back up and that is what he is doing...only because he got CAUGHT !!! BOB”

  21. G J W

    G J W Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:47 PM EST

    “Alimobo - no problemma! I too like Tiger, I too hope he goes on and wins. I still want to look at Tiger as the All American Super Hero but to be that he needs to be honest with himself, his family, and the public. I don't particularly like Letterman but I do respect him for what he had the balls to come out and say and do regardless of what he did. Having gone through the throws of divorce myself I don't wish that on anyone (although mine was not because of Letterman or alleged Tiger trilogies). I see him, his 2 kids, his wife and I hope they can work this out. If the allegations are true I think he should admit that he made this mistake, but that he does love his family and his fans and will do all that he can to win back their respect and loyalty should we all choose to return it. I think Earl (if he was still alive)would have been the one standing behind him with a lob wedge poised if he didn't!”

  22. alimobo

    alimobo Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:43 PM EST

    “thereason, you do not make sense!”

  23. alimobo

    alimobo Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:42 PM EST

    “I'm sure that Tiger will figure out a way to make good on his transgressions. Its in his nature to do so and I don't believe we should be bashing him into some humiliated state of mind that blocks him from helping others. His wife WILL forgive him. His fans will forgive him. Most of his colleagues will forgive him but it's more important that he forgive himself.”

  24. Schlomos

    Schlomos Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:37 PM EST

    “GJW - Fuzzy made a rascist comment, TW slept with another woman. Huge difference. What if TW and his wife had an open marriage, would that change your mind. Rascism in this country is a massive deal, sleeping with another woman is not a huge deal. Pretty much every pro sports athlete does it and does it constantly. Shoot, Kobe pretty much raped a girl and he still has a lot of good endorsements”

  25. thereason

    thereason Said on 12/02/2009, at 2:37 PM EST

    “I along with everyone else have been watching Tiger in amazement for his entire career praising his athletic ability and professionalism on and off the golf course. Now to find out that he is a phony low life and his only asset is that he can put the ball in the hole better than anyone else is pure disappointment. He obviously never embraced the values his mother and father raised him with and to think that he is going to resurrect himself somehow is pure BS. Maybe when Sam grows up she will be as fortunate as her mother and marry a guy as well rounded as her father. Sorry to be so harsh, but any man who screws around on his pregnant wife multiple time is a “scumbag” athlete or not. Keep him on the golf course, but put the Tiger back in the cage the second he walks off the 18th. ”

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