Tiger Woods announced his indefinite leave of absence from golf on Friday. His statement — consistent with all other information provided by the Tiger Team during his unpleasant fall from grace — was posted on his Web site.
The world’s No. 1 golfer has not been seen since his Nov. 27 car accident. Is the image-conscious Woods further hurting himself by not going public? Our experts weigh in:
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James Irwin » Tiger, you made the right move by taking a break from golf. You need to focus on being a better husband, father and role model. You need to repair that reputation in your own home before you have any chance of repairing it around the world.
But the next steps you take are critical. It’s time for you to get involved in this story so you can control what it says. You need to make a public appearance. You need to hold a press conference and answer questions and let the media knock themselves out.
The two constant themes of this scandal are that the mistresses are talking and you are not. If you go public then the media covers you and what you say — instead of what others are saying about you. It’s the first step toward showing the public that you are accountable.
Kevin Dunleavy » It’s too late to go public, Tiger. Now is the time to go witness relocation — lay low, get your life in order, and let this whole mess blow over.
I know Nike wants you to do the redemption tour with Elin, and spill your guts to Oprah and James Brown. But that’s not you. There’s no way you can look good doing this. The circumstances were different, but remember Mike Tyson with Robin Givens on Barbara Walters?
And please don’t join the ranks of the “sex addicted.” Nobody gets sympathy for that, especially someone with the discipline you’ve demonstrated throughout your golf career. Although an appearance on “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,” would be fabulous.
Seriously, you’re not Ghandi. You’re not Jackie Robinson. You’re not even Ward Cleaver. But here’s what matters: You’re still the greatest golfer in history and the most charismatic athlete of a generation. And for most of us, that’s good enough.
