On Friday, February 19, 2010, the nation watched as Tiger Woods presented a powerful, public profession and apology about his personal mistakes and acts of poor judgments. It is hoped that many had an opportunity to view it. Tiger Woods used this as his opportunity to both ask for forgiveness for his actions and privacy for his family. He also discussed how his behavior brought shame to his fans and embarrassment to those that have worked with and supported him. If one had an ounce of humanity running through their veins, they could not help but to feel his sincere pain and regret, and empathize with his struggle. They would also be forced to cheer for his successful recovery and prompt return. One, quietly however, agreed with his statement that the matters in question was “between a wife and a husband,” something that the public too often fails to remember, especially when it comes to public figures.
His Children
Tiger also expressed how the media had imposed on his family, specifically his children. How they followed them to school and shared public information about the school in which his daughter attended. He shared this as reminder to all that it was he, not his children or his family, that committed those acts. This reminder brought with it the question as to why should his family and especially his children suffer? What did they do? The placement of children in the middle of any adult issue or conflict will always be wrong on its face and rotten at its core. Children should always be protected and their interests held sacred.
The Person
The press conference was not held on a golf course. It was held indoors and he spoke from a podium. His attire did not reveal the “swoosh” from his major sponsor Nike or the combined TW that reflects his worldwide brand. He did not wear any of his trademark caps. He did not stand as the world’s greatest golfer---the one who still ranks as the #1 golfer in the world and he did not stand as the world’s highest paid athlete whose earning topped $110 million in 2008. He stood as a man, a husband, a son, a father, and a friend.
He stood not as Tiger Woods, but as Eldrick Tont Woods. He stood in the midst of those who accused, wrote about, criticized, and eventually judged his personal behavior. He also recognized that he was held to a higher standard. It was during this speech, at that moment, and with the embrace of his mother that we realized he was simply a man—a normal, feeling, breathing, and yes, crying person. One, even not being a fan of golf, cannot help but to become a fan of one’s humanity---one’s ability to face, fall, go through, and overcome life’s adversity---even in the midst of those cheering for their failure---disingenuously because their success does not serve their personal, political, or financial interests or agenda.
Our Children
In the midst of many of life’s challenges and adult divisions and disagreements, Eldrick Tont Woods reminded the world to respect, protect, and honor its children. This was one of the most powerful lessons that can be learned among members of a school district and community. For between the two, the children must never be forgotten, politicized, or exploited. This must never occur.
The Plainfield Public Schools has had recently had its share of challenges. In the discussions, disagreements, divisions, and hope for resolutions, we must never forget about our children. No matter what.
These are simple lessons from a tiger.
His Children
Tiger also expressed how the media had imposed on his family, specifically his children. How they followed them to school and shared public information about the school in which his daughter attended. He shared this as reminder to all that it was he, not his children or his family, that committed those acts. This reminder brought with it the question as to why should his family and especially his children suffer? What did they do? The placement of children in the middle of any adult issue or conflict will always be wrong on its face and rotten at its core. Children should always be protected and their interests held sacred.
The Person
The press conference was not held on a golf course. It was held indoors and he spoke from a podium. His attire did not reveal the “swoosh” from his major sponsor Nike or the combined TW that reflects his worldwide brand. He did not wear any of his trademark caps. He did not stand as the world’s greatest golfer---the one who still ranks as the #1 golfer in the world and he did not stand as the world’s highest paid athlete whose earning topped $110 million in 2008. He stood as a man, a husband, a son, a father, and a friend.
He stood not as Tiger Woods, but as Eldrick Tont Woods. He stood in the midst of those who accused, wrote about, criticized, and eventually judged his personal behavior. He also recognized that he was held to a higher standard. It was during this speech, at that moment, and with the embrace of his mother that we realized he was simply a man—a normal, feeling, breathing, and yes, crying person. One, even not being a fan of golf, cannot help but to become a fan of one’s humanity---one’s ability to face, fall, go through, and overcome life’s adversity---even in the midst of those cheering for their failure---disingenuously because their success does not serve their personal, political, or financial interests or agenda.
Our Children
In the midst of many of life’s challenges and adult divisions and disagreements, Eldrick Tont Woods reminded the world to respect, protect, and honor its children. This was one of the most powerful lessons that can be learned among members of a school district and community. For between the two, the children must never be forgotten, politicized, or exploited. This must never occur.
The Plainfield Public Schools has had recently had its share of challenges. In the discussions, disagreements, divisions, and hope for resolutions, we must never forget about our children. No matter what.
These are simple lessons from a tiger.
