Yesterday I was having lunch in a sports bar where the golf channel was on. I don’t normally watch golf is what I’m saying, and I noticed that Tiger Woods had won something, he was number one in the world again, and everyone was talking about him. It turns out that he’d won the Arnold Palmer Invitational yesterday and regained his number one title, snatching it away (temporarily probably) from beloved Irish golfer Rory McIlroy. (My uncle, a big golf fan, was just telling me how awesome and down to earth Rory is compared to Tiger too.)
So what does Tiger do now that he’s on top is and is earning back the support of the press and the fans? He posts a gloating message on Facebook. To be fair, Tiger’s sponsor Nike put this message on Facebook not Tiger specifically, but you can bet that if he didn’t come up with the message himself he at least co-signed it. It’s attributed to him. After all, this dude just posted some glamour shots with his new girlfriend, Lindsey Vonn, right after reconciliation talks failed with his ex wife. Tiger is a gloating gloater and he’ll tell you about his success on and off the green.
It’s been three and a half years since Tiger’s amazing scandal, the scandal to end all scandals. He probably feels as if he’s been through hell and back in order to regain the multi-millions and adoration he once took for granted. My question is, has he earned this moment of gloating or should he and Nike STFU? This just makes me dislike Nike.
Maybe it’s a dude thing, maybe bragging is how they do it, especially in sports, and I don’t get it. To me it just looks arrogant. He could have sat back and enjoyed his success but instead he’s all “SEE?!!” We see Tiger, he hasn’t changed he’s just able to play golf again. The hookers and party girls are waiting in the wings again, rinse and repeat. Winning doesn’t “take care” of some things, it doesn’t bring his reputation back, it just makes the money and access flow again, and he’s going to have to work even harder to resist old patterns.
Oh and Lindsey Vonn tweeted this with 13 exclamation points. Lucky 13?
Number 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) March 25, 2013
Golf candids credit: WENN. Other photos via Facebook
Here’s the thing. No matter what a piece of shit he is, no matter how many people he hurts, it does not negate any talent he has. He’s good at his job. He’s a real piece of work, but he does his job.
At the end of the day, his personal life is a mess, but he still manages to do well on the course.
This is so true. I feel the same way about Kobe Bryant. He and Tiger are the biggest douche nozzles out there but you cannot deny their talent.
I am sure Tiger and/or his people feel like he deserves a little gloat time after sucking for the past 3 years. It might not come off well but it is what it is.
No way do Kobe and Tiger belong in the same breath. http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/17/hey-remember-how-kobe-bryant-is-probably-a-rapist/
Tiger is a cheater and has no hint of ever forcing anyone. Tiger earns his stripes on the golf course, but his personal life is merely gross.
Yeah, Kobe and Tiger don’t belong in the same category! Tiger has never been involved in any rape allegations. His cheating, while terrible, does not rise to the level of Kobe’s “behavior”.
That’s a good link, Sloane…smh at how quickly people rush to defend that guy.
Yep, exactly. Both Kobe and Tiger are Grade A dicks but they are amazing at what they do.
I actually watch golf, and play golf, and yes, love watching Tiger play golf. Whatever he has done off the course aside, he has done a great deal for the game of golf… and any professional golfer out there would agree.
Also, he is actually NOT a big gloater. When he speaks of success, it is when he is asked specifically about it (such as a reporter asking how it feels to hold the #1 position again, etc.), and he is usually very gracious. If he plays well, he will say ‘I played well today’ as will any golfer… but seriously, I never hear him ‘gloating’.
why the hate?
show me someone who is a winner who doesn’t have an air of being a d!ck about them i will show you someone who is not being real.
the guy is a winner, likes to win (or better yet, hates to lose SERENA) and wants to win and has done everything he can to win. i mean, who in their right mind has multiple surgeries, retools their whole game unless they are someone audacious enough to think they can win after that? you know, a WINNER?
like, what is the problem really? because of what they look like? because they win and don’t try to hide their passion? because of what they act like (like they won something)?
in his line of thinking, winning does take care of everything. and i am sure that quote is taken out of context (as in he was talking about all his troubles and how he will recover publicly…. her was not wrong)
but my favorite tiger ad was in brussels, right after the elin-abuse-wife-revenge-nuerous-hoes scandal: accenture: it’s what you do next that counts. (the add has tiger looking at a his shot which landed in a pond)
of course what he did next was cry on tv and apologize in the weirdest press conference ever but we are all moving on.
go TIGER
love,
a fan
No hate for Tiger.
He is arrogant and always has been, so this isn’t anything new for him.
I can’t get past his teeth! They are huge.
I agree 100% .. he’s a douche, but he’s good at his job. Sad but true.
His ex-wife was good with a golf club too.
He’s an arrogant slut of a douche and no one should ever forget that scandal.
I hate his fist pumping too while we’re talking about him. It’s just so over the top.
Ok Tiger we know you made the shot because we just saw it. You dont have to pump you’re fist like you’re jacking off.
Though he is a jack off.
Yes, you are number one at hitting a bit of plastic and rubber around some grass with a metal stick. Well done. Knob-end.
Hahahahaha. Excellent.
Very cute (and I agree) but I think all of Scotland hates you now for defaming THEIR game. 🙂
Gloating at this point, is not too bright of a move.
I hope Karma does not come and visit Tiger again. Last time it happen, he got chased down his drive way with a 9 iron.
Bite it. No matter what kind of POS he is off the course, he’s the best damn golfer in the world.
Not true at all. There are many extremely good players better than he. He finally pulled it together after playing a LOT of shitty golf. Years of it. As far as raw talent, Rory stands heads above him. And heads above him for class as well. Yeah he walked of the course in a huff. ONCE. Tiger regularly throws his clubs and cusses a blue streak. But the media loves him, so they rarely show it.
You aren’t serious?? Have you followed Tiger’s career, at all? It is silly to even compare Rory to Tiger at this point, as he is far too young and has nowhere near the record Tiger does. Tiger has broken and is breaking or chasing every record out there… records that most thought would never be broken until Tiger came along.
You can hate Tiger if you want, but his record speaks for itself, and it is ridiculous to suggest otherwise. Tiger’s ‘shitty’ golf (after a swing change, which is usually followed by a struggle… and then for Tiger, many wins) is better than most pro golfers dream of.
Wow! Just say, “NO.” Lulu.T.O. Tiger, the man slut, may be the greatest golfer of all time. You can count Rory’s accomplishments on one hand.
Yeah, he’s won a lot of tournaments. But he definitely is NOT the most talented golfer out there right now (as I said before).
Reading skills people.
@Lulu.T.O., who wrote: “Yeah, he’s won a lot of tournaments. But he definitely is NOT the most talented golfer out there right now (as I said before).”
‘Right now,’ unless the talented golfer has won consistently, has won 77 PGA tournaments, and has won 14 Majors they are ‘not’ better than Tiger Woods. Why? Because no one playing today is ‘more’ talented than Tiger Woods, and you can count on one hand the number of players ‘as’ talented as Tiger Woods. That’s a fact.
@Emma: Splitting hairs.
Our opinions differ. Let’s agree on that, and now you don’t have to follow my posts around with lame rebuttals, like he’s not a media darling. Of course he is.
Cheers.
@ Lulu.T.O.
‘Yeah, he’s won a lot of tournaments. But he definitely is NOT the most talented golfer out there right now (as I said before).’
Even if you completely disregard Tiger’s record over the years (which you seem to do), the #1 ranking reflects exactly who is the best RIGHT NOW. It’s not a matter of opinion. What do you think, they pull names out of a hat to rank players?
@Belle, who wrote: “Even if you completely disregard Tiger’s record over the years (which you seem to do), the #1 ranking reflects exactly who is the best RIGHT NOW. It’s not a matter of opinion. What do you think, they pull names out of a hat to rank players?”
Well said. 🙂
I see it the other way around… It doesn’t matter if he’s the best damn golfer in the world, he’s still a POS.
His personal life is not the Game. I found his behavior offensive. But he was not my husband and he didn’t do anything to me personally. It is the strangest thing that people don’t get this worked up over killers and drug sellers.
He is a great golfer. I don’t follow the sport. My boyfriend is all over it and admires Tiger’s game on the course. He didn’t murder anyone or hurt children. If you don’t like him then don’t watch him play or buy what he sales. I don’t get why people take this so personally. I don’t hate him. As I said he didn’t do anything to me personally.
MTE. His personal business is his business. Also I’m glad he’s back, golf is more exciting when he’s winning.
Really? I find it annoying that for the past few years, no matter how badly he was playing, they had to keep cutting back to him. There are so many other players I would like to watch.
Oh well, it’s always fun to root for the other players. 🙂
Well, apparently, networks care more about the majority of viewers than your opinion Lulu… they are after RATINGS, which increase dramatically when Tiger is on.
You can hate him all you want, but you can’t rewrite history or create your your own facts about Tiger’s record and what he has meant to the game of golf.
+1
Can’t deny his talent. Just don’t date him, don’t marry him.
@lisa2 OMG!!! ITA…Am I on the right website? Well done!!
+1000
@Lisa2, who wrote: “He is a great golfer. I don’t follow the sport. My boyfriend is all over it and admires Tiger’s game on the course. He didn’t murder anyone or hurt children.”
Whoa, great minds, etc. I didn’t see this earlier when I answered @Daahling, but these are my sentiments exactly.
Kudos! 🙂
“I found his behavior offensive. But he was not my husband and he didn’t do anything to me personally. It is the strangest thing that people don’t get this worked up over killers and drug sellers.”
Yeah I agree with you, Lisa2, but here’s the thing-people on celeb gossip sites get outraged at celebs ALL The time for how they conduct their personal lives. Whether it’s Jen Aniston, Ben Affleck or Kristen Stewart, whomever so I guess it’s all fair that Tiger isn’t immune to the criticism as well.
+1
Wonder if his kids think winning takes care of everything…
^This.
I understand that he’s a great golfer, good for him. I understand that Nike wants to flog their brand, good for them. My problem is the message. “Winning takes care of everything”? Nothing subtle about that and they couldn’t be more wrong, imo.
Yeah because children of divorced parents never amounted to anything. They are probably living under a highway overpass with their mom and the billionaire she’s dating. Poor kids.
His kids only care about what kind of father he is and how much he loves them and vice versa.Way to go Tiger naysayers wrote you off.Im watching golf again.I cant wait to the Masters.
Well, as soon as his kids get an Internet connection they’ll realise how little he thought of their mother and that he’s cursed them to a lifetime of “the eighteenth hole is on the sixth blonde hooker” jokes.
At this point an extra major probably won’t make any difference!
Golf is not the same without Tiger being in the hunt for Majors so this is very exciting if you are a golf fan. That tag line is used often in sports – if there is locker room issues, star player issues, etc so it makes sense to be used in this context.
Agree about the tagline… used all of the time in sports, and each time it is used, it is in the context of winning in sports… not life in general.
I’m more pissed at Nike for promoting a message like “winning takes care of everything.” What garbage. Yes, as long as you WIN, how you live your life doesn’t matter. And everything is ok as long as YOU’RE WINNING. No wonder the Charlie Sheens and the Chris Browns of the world keep getting paid.
Tell me about it. I have two middle school kids who play various sports and the relentless focus on winning makes me insane. I couldn’t even go to the last few of one of my son’s basketball playoff games, because of the intensity of the coach and most of the parents.
And really, while there are a few naturally driven kids, it seems like most of them just want to have fun. I know mine do. But then they get caught up in the mentality of the coaches and awful parents and turn into monsters who are devastated when they lose and arrogant about winning.
You’re right, Nike should be ashamed of themselves. The kids hang on every word.
I agree. I wish they’d done something like “Hard Work Pays Off”, rather than making it all about winning.
Now THAT slogan..I can agree with..but this piece of dirt has the balls…literally..to act so smug after HE screwed up..and we’re supposed to think he’s God’s gift to mankind and golf again. The new arm-piece obviously is sucked in by the fame and money…cause she couldn’t possibly think this dirtbag is going to change. Knowing he was trying to reconcile with the ex just prior to your cozy photo shoot..would be writing on the wall for any woman with a backbone and brain.
@Lucy2, who wrote: “I wish they’d done something like “Hard Work Pays Off”, rather than making it all about winning.”
And, they could have still used that caption with Tiger Woods. He works hard at his sport, and it ‘has’ paid off.
I was thinking the same thing. We have some really messed up priorities in our culture right now. The way we hold up athletes as demi-gods while neglecting education and ignoring virtue is truly disturbing.
Maybe it’s time to find some new role models…or perhaps have no role models to begin with…?
Well he is an exceptional golfer ma’am, no matter how much of a crap human being he is in private.
So yeah to quote Nelly’s song :
“I.. am.. number one – no matter if you like it
Here take it sit down and write it
I.. am.. number one
Hey hey hey hey hey hey….”
“Maybe it’s a dude thing, maybe bragging is how they do it, especially in sports, and I don’t get it.”
This is a good point. Is there any top athlete who is humble and/or self-deprecating? Like “I know, it’s crazy, I get paid millions to throw (or whack or dribble) a ball.” I can’t think of one.
Agree that he should sit back and enjoy his a success, seems like it would make a more powerful statement.
Hockey players – it’s more rare to hear from one who *isn’t* humble. Of course those are the ones that make the news, but oh well.
I have to agree with you, most professional hockey players (Sean Avery not included) seem to be pretty humble. For instance, Ryan Smyth, one of my favourite hockey players is incredibly humble and gives back to his community a lot. Gretzky of course was humble. Alexander Ovechkin is just one of the few players who seems pretty arrogant – I’ve heard that when he goes back to Russia in the off season he’s a big “superstar”, will have crazy parties and spend the night with several women (heard one story where he left with 5 models).
“This is a good point. Is there any top athlete who is humble and/or self-deprecating? Like “I know, it’s crazy, I get paid millions to throw (or whack or dribble) a ball.” I can’t think of one.”
I know everyone here hates him but Tom Brady IS that athlete. Living in Boston, I get to see all his post-game interviews and all the pre-game stuff. He NEVER takes credit for anything, always lifts his teammates up and showers them with accolades or puts the credit on stellar coaching. He is as modest and as humble of an athlete as I’ve ever seen. I know I’m gonna have a lot of haters come out and slam me for this one but those of us who live in New England know what a humble guy he is. Sure, he’s competitive and wants to win but he’s a team player.
I would also say Derek Jeter is one of the more admirable, classier athletes. Again, his personal life aside, the way he behaves on the field and the way he conducts himself in interviews, he always manages to stay out of the fray and when other athletes try to consistently bait him, he seems to rise above it. He’s extremely talented but I have never heard him brag about it. He keeps his head down and works hard.
(and this is coming from a hardcore Red Sox fan)
Good examples, thanks. Interestingly Brady and Jeter are two of my kids’ favorite sports heroes.(and we’re in Chicago.)
I’m always telling them to be careful about who they elevate to “hero” status (for example my one son has an Ochocinco jersey that he saved up for and I told him to put it away for a while after his latest scandal, last fall, I think) but sounds like these guys are OK. 🙂
Your kids have good taste, Esmom! 🙂
“I’m always telling them to be careful about who they elevate to “hero” status”
Man, I wish more parents took this approach. That’s kind of where the debate about off-the-field antics and good moral character come into play right? It’s not as irrelevant as some make it to be in the sense that kids DO look up to these athletes as heros. Beyond their athletic talent, it would be nice for kids to want to emulate someone who has good team spirit, exudes positivity, has a strong sense of right/wrong, gives back to the community, and handles both winning AND defeat with humility and grace.
I’m going to quote Archie Manning–“It takes something of an ego” to be an athlete. He was referring to quarterbacks directly (and how his youngest son Eli doesn’t have much of one but still has one vs. his overtly hyper competitive middle son) but it’s true of all sports players.
Hockey players are great when they get to the mic and are like, “Well, it was a team effort,” because it was (read: Martin St. Louis during the Lightning Stanley Cup Run in ’04). But there has to be an “I’m awesome” switch even if it’s just in your brain and you don’t say it to the cameras. And this is coming for a gal that plays semi-pro women’s football–if I don’t think I’m good at my job, who will?
That’s not saying you walk around like T.O. or Ryan Leaf either. I’m just saying there’s going to be *some* ego involved.
Agree completely. I feel like ego comes with being REALLY competitive. You have to believe in yourself and your abilities to be the best. Also, showing humility is often seen by the opposition as a weakness to exploit.
I don’t think of myself as an arrogant person at all but when I’m running a race, I freak myself out with how competitive I get. If you guys heard the inner dialogue that I have with competing runners, you would all think I’m a terrible person. The truth is that shit-talking (even private shit-talking) is an aspect of the mental component of athleticism. Talking yourself up and talking others down helps give you that push and also helps to silence the little voice that is saying “your competitor is better” or for me, “they’re going to pass you, idiot!”. 😉
“Also, showing humility is often seen by the opposition as a weakness to exploit.”
THIS.
Entire in-laws are from Albany, NY and for *years* it was, “Our QB doesn’t care enough, that aw-shucks-ing ain’t doing jack!”. Some people on some weird level want their favorite athletes to walk the line of, “I’m the bomb-diggity” and “I’m a nice guy/girl”. It’s so easy via media to swing one way or another. Fall to the former and you’re a jack-arse. Fall to the latter and you’re “soft”.
Side note 1: Runner? Holy crap there’s no way I could even–mad respect because once the ball leaves the pocket I’m like, “Whew, my work here is done because I’m a fat ass /whistles.”
Side note 2: The Boston thing–I think it’s because outside of up there the only time anyone else sees Brady is when he’s out with his wife or they’re talking about some super mansion they’ve built, and so on. And press conferences it’s Grumbles McDarth Hoodie which barely get any play either. So New England becomes this Mordor-like fortress akin to Evil-Empire-New-York-Yankee tower. As a Dolphins fan, it’s made my life hell but I’d be a bitter fool and not just bitter to write of either Brady or Coach B’s abilities.
You’re right. Even at the amateur level, the kids who really stand out on the court or field seem to be the ones with the biggest egos. For the most part. Must be part of the makeup of those who are equipped to make it to the elite levels.
As I type this, I realized I’m thinking of the really high-profile sports like basketball and football. I knew a pro cyclist who was about the most humble guy you could meet. Such a hard worker and gentle soul.
Some people on some weird level want their favorite athletes to walk the line of, “I’m the bomb-diggity” and “I’m a nice guy/girl”.
Exactly and how incredibly unfair is that? They’re supposed to be ferocious and agressive opponents but also maintain a level of approachability. I mean that would be challenging for anyone, I would think.
Ha ha..I like Bellicheck but I completely get why everyone outside of New England thinks he’s an asshole, believe me. There are some athletes that I have a soft spot for, despite their antics, and I don’t defend or make apologies for them-Pedro Martinez comes to mind. I’ll always love him but I understand why he’s so hated. As far as Brady goes, I feel like the hate is about a private matter between he and Bridget. Seeing him in interviews, he just seems like such a good dude.
I feel the same way about Peyton. We’re trained to hate him in New England but everyone I know will concede that he seems like a stand-up kind of guy.
Oh I hear ya 100%–Bostons sports fans can be pretty insufferable. It’s too bad that the assholes ruin the reputation of the good fans that try to keep it positive. Hell, I remember back in ’03 when they used to sell “Jeter Swallows” t-shirts in the park. No class..
And so much props to you for getting into a game that like football. Everything about that sport seems like it would go against our bodies’ natural intuitions-reflex instincts etc. Hell, the body mechanics alone-that shit can’t be easy! 😉
I’ve always contended with the “sports hate” mentality–people “hate” other teams and their players because it’s an outlet. We know deep down they have like feelings and stuff but we just see them as a number, a helmet, a nemesis. It’s “acceptable” to not like them because they’re “over there” and not your co-worker.
Going to a college with about 20% of the population from the Northeast–*that* was hell lol. Got my Marino jersey stolen and replaced with a Brady one and all of that. And I’m not a sh-t talker, too much effort especially when it comes to a team as bad as the Dolphins! So I just have to remind myself there are cockwallet fans from every team.
Peyton trips me out. He was *so* close to being a Moon or a Marino or a Kelly; good enough but just not “great” enough. I’m glad he finally got a ring. probably the most famous clip of Peyton is him chewing out Jeff Saturday, the Colts’ old center. Immediate a-hole. And 5 minutes later? Hug and “I love you man”s between the two of them. But I understand that “competitive edge” moment–just now it’s broadcast live and analyzed 9 different ways to next Sunday.
I’m pretty sure our inner dialog is close to the same. “Who does this mother f*cker think they are? Stupid ass–I got you. I see you and I’m going to get you.” LOL
There are many pro-athletes that are or were top athletes that are humble. A couple that come to mind are Jackie Robinson and Stan the Man Musial. Tiger has not been #1 for how many years and now wins a couple tourneys and is declared #1 – don’t get it. He may be all that, but no one in infallible and remember the old saying “The bigger they are, the harder they fall”.
Let’s try to keep our examples to athletes of this century and who are, you know, alive. As for the No. 1, he’s not declared: in golf and tennis there is a stats based formula the sport uses to determine its rankings.
swack is right though–those athletes were relatively humble in public. The only difference is in “this century” there’s twitter and 24hr sports channels and the internet so everything can be chopped, screwed, and put out there ten different ways. So *of course* today’s athletes are going to be seen as “less humble” because every shade, real or imagined, is going to be out there.
Two more great ballplayers who were relatively humble were Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron.
@ Monica Q : 24 hour sports channels, paps and the internet make it much harder for an athlete to “manage” their public persona – i.e. hide the bad stuff IMO. Everybody’s got a cellphone camera in clubs, bars, homes where a party might be. And everyone (athlete or non-athlete) is on social media (twitter), so news gets out fast. So athletes of the past may not have been cleaner – the bad boys of that era just found it easier to hide stuff.
One other example most of you americans probably won’t remember but the french olympic swimmer Yannick Agnel is really humble and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He was the one that won one of the races against Lochte and he was often miles in front of everyone in the races… I’ve heard many interviews (we frenchies were very proud of him) and follow him on facebook, and he’s just really mellow and hardworking and not arrogant at all.
But I agree, the reason why I find this so refreshing is because most athletes do tend to have an ego problem… It really annoys me, that’s one side of stereotypical masculinity that I can’t stand. It means I’d much rather watch the women competing 🙂 Not that they aren’t competitive but barring a few exceptions there seems to be less ego involved.
Yuk! I cannot stand him! Jessie James and him are two peas in a pod! They both suck!
I’m a big time golf fan, too. Did your uncle happen to mention that “awesome and down to earth” Rory literally quit in the middle of a golf tournament earlier this month because he was losing? Just stopped playing and walked off the green.
Tiger’s an ass, if you’re married to him. He may well be the most talented golfer that ever lived, if you’re a golf fan. I think you should bite it big time.
I also was going to mention Rory up and quitting. That was ridiculous and I’ve never seen any pro do something like that.
Tiger is a POS, but let’s not pretend that Rory’s record in any way compares to Tiger. Let’s do that comparison in 10 years.
i guess in todays world this is norm ,if ur talented or famous or rich its alright to giveup morality ,ppl forget that talent ,wealth and good life go hand in hand with morality ,i believe a man is a failure despite his sucesses or wealth if he cant uphold his virtue or personal responsibilities ,even if u err ,its just vile to ignore what u have done ,to move on is good but with more wisdom and humility and thats what all these celb miss
Giving up morality if your talented, rich, or famous isn’t just something that happens or is ok in today’s world. This kind of thing has been going on since the beginning of time. Why else would there be so much written about it; so many people urging others to be wary of what power, wealth, and fame can do to a person? Seven deadly sins anyone?
This is not new, nor is it something that is particular to celebrities. We can just see it more with them because they’re in the public eye.
I am actually a golf fan and read all of the post-Bay Hill Invitational Tournament articles. Trust me when I say that Tiger Woods would have been reamed a new one by everyone with a ‘sports’ voice if he had in anyway gloated about either his historical 8th win at Bay Hill (he has now tied Sam Snead for the most wins at a single PGA tournament) or the fact that he has regained Golf’s number one world ranking. He was gracious and honest about his status in post tournament interviews.
The ‘message’ was probably Nike’s way of thumbing their nose at all those sponsors who dropped Tiger after the scandal … but Nike stuck with him. I doubt if Tiger had anything at all to do with it.
None of the Sports Writers have mentioned the Facebook message, they’ve talked about the Bay Hill and Tiger’s return to number one in the world.
I posted something similar above, before I read your post. I follow golf as well, and while I don’t condone what Tiger did in his personal life, it is none of my business. For golf fans, having Tiger playing well again is exciting… and I have never seen him ‘gloat’ over a win or anything else. That message was all Nike.
I don’t think there’s ever really been a dispute about Tigers golfing abilities, but that doesn’t discount the fact that he’s a world class sleezebag. It’s possible to acknowledge one without ignoring the other.
i’d agree if it were not for this:
he is adored by millions of fans, many of who are young men who look to him as a role model.
his moral compass – or lack of – is not a characteristic a sports icon should have and he has not been called out for it.
his sponsors stuck by him.
why?
because fans continue to admire him in spite of his disgusting personal life.
lance armstrong did not receive the same protection and coddling, did he?
is there any difference between these two?
one could make the argument that lance cheated during his sport…
it hasn’t come out yet that tiger has or does.
shouldn’t the moral character for all “icons” who score millions in endorsements be held to the same standard across the board?
The difference between Lance and Tiger is Lance cheated to win and then lied about it. His entire record is fraudulent. People don’t forgive that easily.
Tiger may be a jerk, but nobody has ever accused him of cheating to win at golf.
He’s arrogant and a good golfer, probably best there ever was . . . so far.
Yeah, Rory is no Golden Boy – he pulled a total douche-baby move when he quit in the middle of a round because he was playing poorly. He blamed it on a toothache or whatever, but still – what a fetus.
As for Tiger – he’s the perfect example of why top-tier athletes should never get married. There is no way that the facade of being married is worth the fall-out from his skanky escapades. Do you think people throw shade at Derek Jeter for constantly dating around? He just didn’t get married. Tiger, A-Rod, Kobe, etc., could have avoided a lot of bad press if they just didn’t get married.
And where was Rory this past weekend? It’s possible he withdrew from Bay Hill because everyone and their mother knew Tiger would regain the number one ranking from Rory if he won the tournament. I imagine Rory didn’t want to be there in person when/if he lost his number one ranking.
The difference between Tiger and Rory–as well as a true champion and someone attempting to step in his footprints–is that Tiger would have played at Bay Hill in Rory’s place (out of respect for Arnold Palmer, who owns the event) and faced the loss of rank.
Jeter does get some shade thrown his way. A quick google search of “Derek Jeter gift basket” will give you enough shade to get you through summer.
I hate to say this, but he’s actually gotten more attractive (physically, that is). He’s filled out a bit with age and looks more masculine. Just saying. Obviously I wouldn’t touch it and would severely mock any woman I knew who did.
does she have to carry around a 24/7 STD kit?
let’s take golf out of the picture, what irks me is Nike’s undying commitment to Tiger. For Tigger, that’s an extra Billion at the end of the day…
when corporations can’t locate their ethics i refuse to buy anything from them, ever. Nike. not that my fat ass is too upset over that….but…
in summary for me, (minus his profession) he is an IDIOT. my God, next time take Cheating 101, its the prerequisite for Cheating 233, Big Boobs
NIKE didn’t drop him because they knew if they did another company would have picked him up in a nanosecond. Fact. No way does NIKE let the number 1 golfer of all time out of their fold. No Way!
It’s just golf. He’s not curing cancer, saving babies, or anything honorable. He’s an athlete. So he won A SINGLE tournament. As a golf fan, I still feel defrauded by Woods’ character assassination of 2009. He faked his image. He ran with my Army unit once, and was AWESOME! But all I see is a person with serious moral issues. Sorry, but millions of people like me who once adored Tiger Woods are indifferent to him. It could be worse–At least he’s not Lance Armstrong.
@Daahling, who wrote: “So he won A SINGLE tournament. As a golf fan, I still feel defrauded by Woods’ character assassination of 2009.”
I thought all golf fans knew that Tiger’s win at Bay Hill was much more than a win at “a single tournament.” The ‘golf world’ has been buzzing about the possibility of Tiger winning at Bay Hill since his last tournament win two weeks ago. Why?
With his win at Bay Hill Tiger regained his number one world ranking, took over the number one ranking on the Fedex Points list, and he tied Sam Snead for the most wins (8) at an individual PGA tournament. With his win at Bay Hill Tiger has now won 77 career PGA tournaments, second only to Sam Snead with 82 career wins (Jack Nicklaus is 3rd on the list with 73 career wins, Ben Hogan is 4th on the list with 64 career wins, and Arnold Palmer is 5th on the list with 62 career wins).
It took Jack Nicklaus 30 years as a professional golfer to win 18 Majors (the four Major tournaments in golf are The Masters, The U.S. Open, The British Open, and The PGA). Tiger has won 14 Majors in 18 years as a professional golfer.
When all is said and done, Tiger Woods will be the greatest golfer in history. His personal life won’t change that fact.
^^This. Well said.
Good argument, Emma. I agree with you on his successes, but I was merely trying to point out that many people feel like me, and won’t be returning customers of his products or even supporting him because of his previous acts. He is talented. Talent will not overcome being a manipulative and immoral person. For me and others, anyway.
Other people are comparing him and Kobe. Question: should we only enjoy athletes for being athletes, and ignore their private and personal lives, no matter the scandal?
@Daahling, who wrote: “Question: should we only enjoy athletes for being athletes, and ignore their private and personal lives, no matter the scandal?”
Tiger Woods didn’t embezzle retirement funds, murder anyone, sexually abuse children, force women to have sex against their will, or beat his wife. Universally, those are all unacceptable acts that violate all social and societal norms.
Tiger Woods’ personal life is just that … ‘his’ personal life, and none of my business. If he and his ex-wife have dealt with the situation and she has made peace with him (they reportedly still like each other and get alone well) then how can it be anyone’s business but theirs?
Well, as a married woman with children, I view his scandal as a FAKE image HE portrayed of being happy married father, not disgusting philanderer who took a sacred oath and slated it. That is hy people like me bought into his success- we thought he was humble, proud, family driven. Not into nasty prostitutea and whores. He isn’t have an affair, he enjoyed prostitutes. Maybe you can overlook that, I’m not that willing. Just how I feel. 🙂
@daahling: I didn’t buy into his success because of his personal life. I bought into it because of what he can do on the golf course. He may be a douchebag but that doesn’t negate the fact that he’s the best golf player in the history of the game. And unlike Armstrong, nobody can accuse him of winning dishonestly.
He’s a great golfer, but a sub-par (see what I did there?) human being – short with the media and the fans who made him a multi-millionaire, by all accounts totally obnoxious to work for and happy to expose his wife to the full spectrum of venereal disease whilst hypocritically claiming to be the perfect family man.
If he’d just stuck to being fantastically good at that “sport” middle-aged men take up when they’re too fat and old to play squash and been honest about his lust for blonde hookers, instead of trying to manipulate the media, no-one would have judged him too harshly because that’s what sportsmen (generally!) do.
It’s the LYING that hurts most…
:'(
Round of applause from me, Tapioca.
@Tapioca, who wrote: “expose his wife to the full spectrum of venereal disease whilst hypocritically claiming to be the perfect family man.”
Just out of curiosity, how do you know he exposed his wife to the full spectrum of venereal diseases (I’d assumed he wore condoms)? And when did Tiger Woods ever claim to be the perfect family man??
Sources please?
Read the assorted tell-alls from the vice girls – apparently he likes it bareback, even when they’re having their period. The blood increases the risk of STDs.
Re: the family man image – see EVERY interview and photo shoot he’d done with his wife up until that point. See also the $10 million bribe to stop Rachel Uchitel talking about their affair and the exclusive Vanity Fair cover & interview he did on the grounds that they didn’t print a cheating scandal story to preserve his image. Then there’s the happy family baby pictures in People magazine and the forced-at-gunpoint “I love my wife! I made a mistake!” TELEVISED apology.
Do you need more?
1. Where is the source about him gloating? His girlf is the one who tweeted that, not him.
2. Is it gloating if it’s factual? I’m not a Tiger apologist by any means but if he’s winning and is in first place at anytime, is it gloating if it is the truth?
yes, i believe that it is gloating when one of his sponsors posts the winning ad on his FB since he and/or his reps had to OK it.
and, if his girlfriend (*cough*cough*) LV posts on her FB about him being No. 1, he has to know about it, so he’s OKing that gloat as well.
TW has no class and disgusts me. the fact that someone with so many dark character flaws is worshiped as an athlete to behold makes me sick.
JMHO
He’s not the first athlete or entertainer to be “worshipped.” There are plenty of people who think Mel Gibson and Chris Brown are amazing after all the crap they have done though to be fair, they threatened assault to and/or beat up their significant others which Tiger did not do.
I find his serial cheating scandal disgusting but nonetheless, he will always have fans. And he may continue to get those #1 ratings by Nike and tweets by other people.
good point…
i still can’t stand him, though, and for whatever reason the fact that he continues to be adored offends me on so many levels.
it doesn’t help that i couldn’t EVER stand him…from day 1 of his rise to fame and success.
maybe that’s why i find him and the adoration he receives disgusting.
GLOATING, is not an endearing quality…
Yup. Plus he is a total ass to his fans and to the spectators. My husband is an ex pro, and has been
Oops. Has been witness to him yelling at spectators for getting hit by his ball, when he is the one who hit it off the fairway in the first place. My husband told him he should have thanked the poor man for keeping the ball from going even further off course than it would have otherwise.
You know what? Tiger’s golf is always in the spotlight… on tv, and if he were yelling at fans for ‘getting hit’ by his ball, it would be well known. Tiger does what EVERY golfer does when a ball hits a fan… he goes to them and signs a golf glove (or something similar) for them.
The media loves him, and they tend not to show his bad behavior.
My husband was there. He saw it, and many other instances that never get played on TV.
Believe me or not, I couldn’t care less.
@LuLu.T.O., who wrote: “The media loves him, and they tend not to show his bad behavior.”
I call B.S. on this statement. The media don’t love Tiger Woods, they respect his game. Hello? Where were you in 2009 when he got flayed by the press, Golf and Main Stream? Best he is the best golfer in history, so they can’t ignore his game.
He could hold the secret to eternal youth and human flight and I wouldn’t want it from him. He is a deplorable human being and I really don’t think GOLF makes up for that.
You would think that Tiger was the only golfer in the world. He doesn’t even have to BE THERE for the commentators to bring his name into it. He’s like the cool kid in your group that no one can function without.
I’m a golfer and follow the sport really closely, and I think this was a huge marketing misstep. It makes it appear that he learned nothing, when his marketing people have worked really hard to show him as somebody who realizes the damage he caused.
It also means that instead of people talking about his dominant performance this year, they’re talking about his personal life again. I don’t think that’s really what they’re going for.
As Yogi Berra once said “It ain’t bragging if you can do it”. Tiger is the best at his sport that there has ever been. Of course, he works harder than anyone else at it. And always has. Pretty much his entire life has been golf, and bimbos.
What he did to his wife was deplorable. However, this does not negate the fact that he is an absolute golf genius and he earned his dues. I will not lump what he did with his magnificent talent. I do not worship him, I admire his accomplishments. Regardless of his personal failures, the man is indeed in a league of his own.
Let’s be honest, most if not all of us has done something shameful that would have caused others to look down on us if we were in the spotlight.
Nike does those kind of Facebook ads for all of their athletes. When Serena regained the No.1 ranking this year, they posted a congratulatory message, when Sharapova won the French Open they did it, when Roger won Wimbledon, etc…
It’s an achievement to be proud of.
Congrats, Tiger!
Well….. as full of crap I thought he was in his staged public apology way back when, I think this current “winning” thing is all Nike. It speaks to their attitude through and through.
As for Tiger I have no problem separating the personal from the professional and I’m glad he has his mojo back. It is curious that his golf has knocked over the final hurdle so soon after announcing his love life is…. um….. settled? Of course that may have nothing to do with it. He has had to work hard overcoming injuries and technical matters.
Lindsey Vonn selling her soul to the devil
#1 A$$HOLE
I raise my middle findger and salute you!
I don’t care what you win or what you make, you can’t buy character and in the game of life Tiger is a LOSER.
I wouldn’t touch that for money, fame or good sex. I’m winning at self respect and just don’t need it. Those little girls are idiots.
Why shouldn’t he gloat? I think he has earned his gloating and no matter what he does in his personal life he is a great golfer and no one can take that away from him. Frankly speaking I don’t think it’s anyone’s business what he does off golf course.
I can not hate on him, he has been very quiet and went through hell for what he did.
People make mistakes in life, I will not hold that against him forever. I wish him the best
I think Lindsey looks like Brooke Mueller, Charlie Sheens ex-wife.
I think Tiger Woods is a prick, and I don’t care about golf so him winning changes nothing for me. I will continue to boycott Nike for several reasons besides the fact that they are Tiger’s sponsor.
I follow golf and used to love Tiger because he was a modest guy, a hard worker, and seemed to have his head on straight. Now I get the heebie jeebies when I look at him. I couldn’t believe that someone so disciplined in his professional life could be so sloppy when it came to his personal life. But still, you can’t deny him his talent and hard work. I for one am going to give him a second chance and see what he does. As for Lindsay, if she’s okay with his past then who are we to judge? A lot of people have much more screwed up histories than Tiger. His dirty laundry just happened to be aired in the most public of ways. So be it. I am glad he is back on top, I just hope he stays on the straight and narrow from now on. He really does do a lot for the game.
Nike’s message is a bad one for kids but probably the same one Tiger’s dad (alcoholic and cheated on his mom) drilled into him. Problem? It conversely means to kids if you DONT win than you’re worth(less) and a loser and stops becoming about doing your best. Second, winning doesnt whitewash everything. Thx to Internet his truth and history will always be there. He hasnt changed (obviously) and NEVER wanted to. He’s simply been repackaged.
Truth? Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicholas have more class and character than Tiger EVER will have. They balanced being an icon with humility and perspective. Lets hope those like Rory learn from them. Don’t put others on pedestals, were all HUMAN and therefore flawed. Period.
BTW glad Elin (reportedly) chose to be with with someone older, more mature, less arrogant and OK with living a quiet private life. She seems like a good mom and always shunned the spotlight outside of PGA or Team Tiger PR pics. Yes, and the People interview which she donated the million or so payout directly to charity just like she donated anything the local Habitat for Humanity wanted from her old/ new house before it was taken down due to an infestation and moisture damage. She even gave them a few weeks.
You know when he got his game back? When the sociopath known as Lance Armstrong went down in flames. It made what happened to Tiger look like tiddlywinks (tittywinks?) So Lance is now the target of all the venom (rightfully), and it’s taken the pressure off of Tiger. That’s why he finally dropped his fake humble act and got back to his regular douche swagger.
Bite it, definitely. It’s been years now since Tiger’s fall from grace, I feel like people need to lighten up. Trashy though his behavior may have been, still it was in a context of consenting adults, and had he not crashed his car, his private behavior would probably still be treated with a wink and nod by those in the know.
I believe in redemption and second chances. Glad he’s back in form, good for him.
Anybody who doubts that Tiger is likely the greatest golfer of all time and definitely one of the largest stars in the history of sports only need to come to this post. over 115 comments about him from a female slanted gossip website. THAT PEOPLE IS STAR POWER!!!! love him or hate him you sure can’t stop talking about him.
A great golfer..YES, but a douche in our eyes, and that is negative publicity.
He better check that arrogance and attitude at the door because it probably won’t last long. He’s getting older and isn’t close to being as good as he used to be. It’s a slow decline from here Tiger.
My feeling about this man, is that he is an immature douche..period. Just because a high profile female athlete is okay with what he has done, it doesn’t mean that he is a changed man, or that WE excuse what he has done. She’s going to be sorry because I really just think he will be much more careful about his cheating, but I think he’s likely a serial cheater, which means he probably won’t quit. YES, I absolutely find him arrogant!!
“This just makes me dislike Nike”…I couldn’t agree more. I have not purchased a Nike item in years. Just the way they do business turns my stomach. Shower these pro jocks with boatloads of cash and turn the other cheek when there is a scandal. Talented or not…they are the people our kids are looking at. One scandal after another and Nike just keeps writing them checks.