“Maybe NOT ‘Just Do It’ Like Nike Says”

If you’re not familiar with the “world’s greatest athlete” Tiger Woods, you have probably been living under a rock for the past 10 years or so.  Actually, you were probably dead under that rock.  Tiger, besides being an incredible, dominating force on the golf course, is highly endorsed by corporate sponsors.  Living the good life, you could say.  (Living the “cultural manliness” life, I would say.)

Recently, Tiger has been in the news everyday, and not just the sports news.  He’s been on every show that has anyone talking on it… TV, online, radio.  Literally, ever single show.  And don’t forget the newspapers, magazines and tabloids.  He’s been in the news because of some very poor decisions he’s made.  Those decisions finally caught up with him and now the “$#!) is hitting the fan”, as they say.  Tiger was “caught” by his wife in an affair, details of which are still speculation and may never become known fact in full.  What is known is some of Tiger’s interaction with a NY cocktail waitress… listen in to Tiger’s voicemail as he attempts to grovel his way out of his mistakes.  Here’s a video about this whole mess, please excuse the celebrity gossip feel and images…

Yesterday at the gym, I watched SportsCenter on ESPN and quite honestly, I was very disappointed in the coverage and even more so on the comments from Tiger’s golf colleagues – except Jesper Parnevik.  Parnevik and his wife set up Tiger and Tiger’s wife, Elin, and now, Parnevik is regretting his match-making.  He said some pretty impressive statements that don’t typically come out in the news.  I like what he had to say.  Check him out in this video clip.

One of the things that every show seems to harp on is whether or not this is any of our business, and they’ve continually reported that Tiger has requested privacy for himself and his family.  Let’s make it clear, you can’t separate the “good life”, the lime-light, the sponsorships and endorsements and then also expect the world to look the other way when you “make transgressions against your family” (quoting Tiger himself).  The whole world knows your business and that’s the way you liked it.  Just because you messed up, it doesn’t mean they’re going to stop following you.  Tiger, you asked for it, and no, the world isn’t going to give you privacy.  When you have the influence you have on  the world, you can’t take that responsibility lightly, as it appears you have.  Simply because you ask for privacy, doesn’t mean that you deserve it.  One golfer, Rocco Mediate (who one time had a 19-hole playoff with Tiger) said that “he simply made a mistake like the rest of the world, we all need to get over it.”  Mr. Mediate – the rest of the world doesn’t cheat on their spouses, only cheaters do.

Men and boys all over the world emulate you, Tiger.  They buy your products, dress like you, play your video games, hit your Nike golf balls.  They drive your Buick, they drink your “G”, they are in love with you.  You blew it and you blew it big time.  You were the world’s greatest athlete, a husband and father and now, you’re just another cheating deadbeat.  I’m with Jesper, I’ve lost all respect for you.  I know the world will probably forget about this in time and you’ll go back to being the world’s favorite (sort of like A-Rod, Kobe and others who have cheated and gone on to be world champions in their sports, with continuing success and more corporate sponsorships.)  I won’t forget Tiger, and a lot of other people won’t either.  You blew it.  You are not a TrueMan.

Man up!