Really, Tiger? Really?

I sat on this topic for more than a week: the Tiger Woods' apology. It really bothered me at the time, but since so many people were up-in-arms with expectant anticipation to hear the man say "soooorry!", I thought I should wait and let this one stir in my noggin for awhile.

With ten days torn off of the calendar since Tiger's trip to the podium of remorse, I'm still troubled. Why did you or I need an apology from Tiger. Admittedly, while I am a big sports fan, I am not a golf fan. Sure, I know what Tiger means to the sport from a marketing standpoint. Yes, I realize he is one of the best golfers of all time. And yes, I understand why some of his sponsoring company's would be inclined to back away from him as a spokesperson. But a public apology because the man can't keep it in his pants...Really? Really? Really?

Since I was not a fan of the man's or an avid golfer for that matter, I thought that I could go on my merry way without so much as an "oops!" from Tiger. Then I thought... "Well, True, what if this had been Peyton Manning or Bruce Pearl or Derek Jeter?" What if this had happened to a sports figure that you truly cared about and followed? After much consideration, my response is the same: They wouldn't owe me an apology and neither does Tiger. After all, at no time was I forced to chase Tiger and one of his NSA affairs out of my living room (at least I don't think that was him!!!) Quite frankly, it's none of my business.

The part that really bothers me about this recent media feeding frenzy is this: people feel as if they are owed an apology by a man whose actions have not impacted them whatsoever. Sure, if I were a big fan of his, I would be upset that his string of affairs prompted him to back away from the game. Even so, I really think I would just cover up my Tiger bumper sticker with a new Phil Mickelson bumper sticker. No apology needed.

I'm struggling to figure out who might have the bigger ego: Tiger or mankind. The apology to be rightfully delivered by Tiger would need to be made to his wife and kids. At least that would be my expectation if I were a person in that circle. Sure, for good measure, Tiger should reach out to his sponsors to say, "Folks, I blew it!" Other than that...his bedroom, his business.

Why does society feel as if it is owed a formal, 'press conferenced' apology for someone's infidelity? Honestly, I don't think it does. I think that, in general, people have boring sex lives and get hyped about this kind of story to satisfy some narcissistic voyeurism. I mean, come on...should we now look for a mad rush to podiums across the nation in search of apologies from guys who can't keep it zipped? Don't most of us have day jobs and not enough time to listen to that mundane and endless parade?

Compassion dictates a loving understanding for all. It means helping those involved deal with the wrongs perpetrated in a way that promotes harmony and healing. Tiger needs to come to a recognition of exactly how harmful his actions were to those that he had made a commitment of fidelity. He needs to take actions that will ensure a similar betrayal will not occur again. As for his wife and kids, they need love and understanding as well, to help them deal with the anger and betrayal they experienced. Most of all they need space and time to heal.

To to Tiger, I say, "Make things as right as possible to your family and good luck to you." Nothing else is really my business.

True