Scandal Tee-off for Tiger Woods

I would not want to be Tiger Woods right now.

As each day passes, another claim is made. Woman after woman, each declaring a “secret” love affair with the famed golfer. Tiger Woods extensive and incredible career has now been overshadowed by this scandal that continues to unfold. Woods’ career is far more than just enviable, dubbed as one of the most successful golfers of all time and the current World No. 1 golfer, he was also the highest-paid professional athlete in 2008, having earned an estimated $110 million from winnings and endorsements.

Fast track to his current saga, which includes a reckless driving citation from the Florida Highway Patrol, a jaw-dropping amount of 14 women being romantically linked to him and endorsement deals running in the other direction from Woods, and one could say it’s not been his week.

The scandalous infidelity rumors generated with an early morning car accident outside his house in Orlando, Florida. Reports state that at 2:30am Woods drove over a curb, then in attempt to get back on the street hit a neighbor’s hedge, but failed and jumped another curb, which ended with him smashing into a fire hydrant.

When the news broke about Tiger’s little ‘crash’, the rumor mill got spinning and sparked rumors of a fight with his wife, Elin Nordegren, who found him. Inevitably, the fight occurred because of Tiger’s cheating allegations which Elin confronted him about.

Now, splashed across every newspaper, magazine and television screen Tiger Woods is being associated with a lot more than his golf career. Hostesses, waitresses, porn stars and models are grabbing there 15 minutes of fame through their allegations of an affair with Tiger. Thus leaving him with no other option than an apology that reeks of a good publicist:

“I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.
I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.
After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.”

…A difficult period all brought about by a classic case of infidelity. It has become overtly clichéd for a celebrity (…in fact anyone really!?) to have an affair, deny it, let the truth come out and then act like it’s a big surprise to everyone including yourself. Celebrities plaster their faces all over the place in an attempt for publicity, however it becomes crucial to respect their “privacy” when faced with scandal. Tiger’s face was in commercials and on billboards around the globe. He asked for the public’s attention and got it. He should harbor no expectation of privacy. Although this may seem harsh or unfortunate, this is simply how the cookie crumbles.

Now on the heels of Tag Heuer, Gatorade and Gilette's announcements, global consulting firm Accenture said they are no longer associating themselves with Tiger Woods. The only company to stand by his cheating is Nike, and Tiger should be incredibly thankful for that. The backlash has begun and his career - and bank account - will suffer the consequences.

All in time for the holidays… Merry Christmas!