Tiger's Apology - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

In America, millions stopped to watch Tiger Woods deliver his 13 minute apology earlier this month. I didn't see it until a few days after. Many here in Sweden also had a keen interest with his wife Elin being Swedish. Despite Tiger's foolish actions, his underwhelming apology and the fascination with anything Tiger, there is much "Good" to come from his sad ordeal. More on that later.

Let's start with the "The Bad".

I thought it was a bad move to give the apology three months after his infamous car accident and the mistress frenzy that followed the crash. Tiger didn't owe an apology to anyone except his wife and family. Being famously private, he should have had the courage to maintain his code of privacy and avoid any form of public apology. If he was going to say anything, it should have been a short and direct statement once the pool of speculation about his hidden lifestyle began.

Instead, Tiger allowed the media to create a story of their own which only fueled the fire. Where was his powerful public relations team when he needed them? For a man whose wholesome image was perfectly crafted before the scandal, Tiger made one bad move after another once the crisis began.

"The Ugly".

At times , this scandal has generated "OJ Simpson" type coverage in America which is troubling. Maybe his apology will lessen the thirst. Why are we so fascinated with a golfer who was unfaithful to his wife? Former President Bill Clinton is celebrated all over the world and his history with women is well documented.

I agree with William Rhoden of the NY times as to why the public is so intrigued. He wrote:

What a precious waste of time. The obsession with Tiger Woods’s personal life and infidelity says more about our misguided priorities as a nation than it does about Woods. It also speaks volumes about the current state of the news media, which unashamedly feed this obsession. We create these inventions only to tear them down.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/sports/golf/21rhoden.html?emc=eta1)

It's an ugly situation when a man who hits a little white ball gets more coverage than the plethora of more important news issues in our complex world.

Now "The Good".

First, Tiger couldn't fall any further from the top so he has no where to go but up. His apology is the first step in taming the old Tiger and creating a fresh brand.

Second, our youth will hopefully be more aware that no man or woman is without faults, whether they are an athlete, teacher, CEO or bus driver. Millions of youth idolized Tiger and I suspect many still do. It's not often when an athlete has the opportunity to influence thousands if not millions of kids through a sport or foundation - Tiger has done both. His apology may have provided comfort to those who wondered how a seemingly perfect man could fail.

Tiger has the chance to shine even brighter with our youth as failures often make us stronger and if he stays on the path of responsibility, it's encouraging to think of the impact he can make in his next 34 years!

Third, the golf course will most likely be his saving grace when he reemerges. I'll admit, I was disappointed when he indicated that he wouldn't play in the Masters this April although it's probably wiser for him to make his reappearance closer to the end of 2010.

I've been surprised to hear people (even some friends who golf) talk about how his game will suffer when he returns. Look at what he accomplished with a life spinning out of control - 14 Majors, legendary status, top corporate spokesman and arguably the best golfer EVER at age 34! To achieve that takes supreme focus - how he was able to do it is nothing less than mind boggling.

Imagine for a moment a Tiger who only has to focus on family and golf. With that focus going forward and without the multiple distractions of the past, he could perform even better in the next decade! In addition, the PGA can't wait for him to walk the course again as ratings suffer without its biggest attraction.

Fourth, if he wins tournaments, he will quickly get sponsors and regain top media status. Losing a big chuck of $100 million dollars is not fun and I'm sure Tiger wants some of that corporate green back. Winning typically trumps the negatives in sports as Alex Rodriquez showed when he took the New York Yankees to another Word Championship in baseball last year after his steroid scandal.

Tiger's story will always be significant as I cannot recall any athlete who has taken a deeper dive in credibility although it will be a small footnote in his history as long as he cleans up his act and continues to hit the golf ball in ways that no professional golfer has.

Finally, how should we measure a man?

The measure of a man is not how he performs in sports - is not how much money he makes - is not how pretty his wife is - is not how many people admire him - is not how handsome or charming he is - is not how many celebrities he knows - is not how many women he seduces - is not how many things he acquires - the measure of a man is one's integrity and how he maintains those values throughout life.

I've been fortunate to enjoy success in a life that has been and continues to be interesting, fun and exciting but the one thing I am most proud of is that I am a good man - something I am grateful for in large part to my beloved mother, late father and numerous mentors.

That doesn't mean I am a perfect man or don't have temptations - I'm not and I do.

Being a good man means that you are able to deal respectfully and positively with any adversity or temptation so as to not stray away from the core value of integrity. In simple terms, a good man consistently values and follows the road of responsible behavior and resists the swirling seductions of irresponsibility.

Let's hope that a new and improved Tiger has begun the elevation toward good man status while wholeheartedly embracing a life of unwavering integrity. With his mega-platform to educate, inspire and empower, it would be a shame if that was not the case.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

A statue promoting sports at a playground in Stockholm, Sweden