Tiger Woods feels no need to apologize for profanity-laced threat at Doral photographer

your comments are short sighted...in the heat of the moment, we are all human, and the person who should apologize was the photographer - they are also supposed to be professionals, not jerks in taking pictures in the middle of a golfer's swing, whether Tiger or any other player. As to kids, they see & hear a lot worse on TV and websites and from other kids. Tiger is not perfect, but he remains an incredible golfer, role model and individual.

Heat of the moment? It's Tuesday.

Brandon, what if I jostled or bumped into the photographer every time he tried to take a picture. What if I blew wads of paper through a straw at you everytime you tried to type a column? At what point does a person lose his right to practice his craft without being unduly distracted?

Sure, handling the media is part of the job of being a world-class golfer, but the photographer crossed a line by improperly interfering in Tiger's work. You don't mess with Picasso while he's painting. The photographer should either get a camera with a quieter shutter, or wait until Tiger has swung before snapping.

He has no reason to apologize for anything. Shut-up.

i disagree. I feel the fault lies with the photog. He, like the paparazzi staulking celebs and impeding their right-of-passge is unprofessional and should be liablous.

So readers, what you're saying then, is that if someone accidentally interferes with your work, it's okay to threaten to kill them in front of hundreds of people (which is essentially what "breaking one's neck" entails).

I would be willing to wager a hefty sum the "click" was an accident. These photogs are pros (not "paparazzi") but also under tremendous pressure of their own to "get the shot".

Nobody guilty of a simple accident deserves what Tiger dished out.

In my opinion, this is way more of a slap in the face to the etiquette of golf than spitting in a hole, and even Sergio apologized for his immaturity.

To Tiger's credit, he isn't disputing the "break your neck" claims from the press.

No. What I'm saying is, use common sense. If the photographer is a pro, he should know better than to take the shot when he did -- even if it was an "accident," which I doubt it was. If the photographer is incapable of controlling his equipment, he should be banned from the Tour. People don't pay tickets or watch on TV to see photographers affect the outcome.

But this is typical of the media -- blowing up something to amplify conflict where no story exists. But you got some comments today and probably pumped up your web traffic, so mission accomplished for you. This is a non-story. Tiger is 100 percent in the right.

Seriously LAX? Have you ever taken a photograph? You have to anticipate exactly when you want to take the shot, and heaven forbid the photographer made a mistake and shot a little early. Camera's don't instantaneously record what is it front of them when the photographer presses the button, there is a lag between the action and the photograph being taken. And come on if you can't hit an unmoving ball with a club with the smallest of clicks then you need to learn to grow up and concentrate better. The click from the photographers camera is many times quieter than the chirping of the birds that were probably in the trees not 3x farther away from him than the photographer.

Are you kidding? He has every right to rant, this could have possibly cost him a championship and money.

I suggest the PGA grant greater restrictions to press passes.

btw, it wasn't the click - the photographer used a flash

Seriously, Nyle. I don't need your tutorial on cameras. (And if the photog's flash was at issue, then he's even more out of line.) Professionals exercise discretion. And I think that most top pro golfers would find your riff about concentration to be curious. Perhaps you should run it by them sometime. Maybe you should go out on Tour and take pictures during their backswings, and try your line of logic on them. If what you're claiming makes sense, they should be receptive.

For a long time I've hoped that Tiger would stop using foul language on the course.

are you serious? where was the photographer's apology for disrupting his swing? tiger is human, give him a break. the PGA needs to set some rules about this.

I'm glad to hear most people agree with me that Tiger has naught to apologize for. It's nice to know he's human. He has every right to expect professional behavior out of each and ever photographer out there.. and the punters too, for that matter. I say, let him BE human.

Brandon! What are you smoking?

Not only is your original premise as flawed as our current politically correct defense of the "rights" of the guilty (criminals, paparazzi and hatemongers) but what does Tuesday have to do with the heat of the moment for Tiger on Sunday? (ref: The #2 comment on this blog.)

If a jerk like Sabbatini can have a paying spectator thrown off the course for a comment made between holes (I thought that was WRONG)then Tiger should be able to get a photographer banned for life. A few banned rude idiots would probably train the rest to learn the timing of their shutters.

That photographer may have broken the flow of a recovery streak. That would certainly have rated a f bomb or two from most competitors.

If you are actually defending the photographer here then you are ignoring the fact that this happens to numerous players, numerous times in every tourney! The arrogance of the media is the problem here and you are part of it when you defend such unprofessional and deviant behavior. It’s unfair to the fans and the players and it doesn’t appear that you care. If the photographer can’t do the job without being disruptive then world could use one more bartender I’m sure.

Brandon is absolutely right. While I don't blame Woods for scoring a photographer who acted inappropriately, IF he used profanity, he was way out of line.

Understand that there is something called virtue. Does anyone here know what that means? It may be a virtue to stand up for what's right and criticize bad behavior (the photographer's), but it's never virtuous to do it in a vulgar way. There are over one million words in the English language; thus, we can find ones that serve our purposes without resorting to profanity.

Understand also that millions of kids are influenced by people like Woods. What kind of society do you want? And how would you feel if you were trying to instill virtue in your child and then you heard him mouthing curse words because he heard some sports figure do it?

Woods does owe an apology, but not to the photographer. He owes it to the PGA, his fans, the kids and, most importantly, to God. He is lacking in class.

And those here who can't understand that are lacking in that quality as well.

You want to know what is distracting? standing
behind the free-throw line! need I say more??

I like Tiger, but there is no call for resorting
to profanity.

Maybe 3-putting a few times at the beginning of a round, pushing a ball in the water and leaving approaches 60 feet short of the pin had more to do with loosing the tournament, than a photograph's shutter noise.

Maybe also that is what triggered the bad mood.

The streak ends, I am mad and I will use the excuse to let go a bit of steam. Human.

Brandon,
R U Kidding..El Tigre had every right to call the punk, bad timing photog on his miscue. It resulted in a missed shot and a potential victory. Want a jerk? I took a picture of Justin Leonard walking across a bridge at Pebble Beach during the US Open and he gave me an earful.

Brandon,
R U Kidding..El Tigre had every right to call the punk, bad timing photog on his miscue. It resulted in a missed shot and a potential victory. Want a jerk? I took a picture of Justin Leonard walking across a bridge at Pebble Beach during the US Open and he gave me an earful.

Judge Smalls, aka Jesus, Buddha and Allah, wrote that whoever disagreed with his conception of virtue lacked it. Yes, in a sense, he is right -- I lack the narrow-minded view of piety that he promotes. Listen, as long as there is emotion in sports, there will be swearing. Men in the heat of competition do it, and so do women. Personally I would like my athletes to play with passion and get fired up. It's inspiring, to me, to be around strong and passionate people. What's more interesting to watch: Kevin Garnett screaming down the sidelines after a massive dunk, or Tim Duncan making a tapioca lay-up in silence? But maybe Judge Smalls disagrees, maybe he wants to only watch sports played by Ann Landers and Dear Abby.

The kind of society I want, Judge Smalls, is one in which people aren't so wussified that they turn into little bitches at the slightest offense.

I agree with this article 100%. And while I was watching the interview I had the exact same thoughts. This article is in no way defending what the cameraman did. The cameraman should not have taken a picture during Tiger's swing, but we live in a society of blame. Tiger is blaming his actions on what the cameraman did. Everything is someone else's fault, isn't it? I agree that Tiger can blame the errant shot on the distraction, but Tiger chose how to react. Everyone can chose how to react in certain situations, and I am as big a Tiger fan as they come, but Tiger made the wrong decision and should have apologized. I am not saying that people don't make mistakes, but at least apologize.

LAX,

Ah, your handle is appropriate, as you are lax indeed. That's an interesting phrase, "Narrow-minded view of piety . . . ." I would remind you that Jesus said "The road to Heaven is narrow, and few shall pass . . . ."

You are a typical modernist. The truth is that you don't have any coherent view of piety. Do you believe in Absolute Truth? Do you also grasp it well enough to say that you know what constitutes true virtue? And, if you don't or would tell me it doesn't exist, then how can you make any pronouncements about right and wrong? After all, if you're judging some things as good and others as evil, you're measuring them with some yardstick. And if you believe there is no Truth or you are oblivious to it, you don't have such a yardstick.

Now, if this is the case, how can you say that I'm right or wrong?

Anyway, I don't know if that will go over your head or not, but you have something else wrong as well. Virtuous men aren't weak, but the strongest; it is corrupt people who are weak. They lack manly virtue.

As to this, I'll tell you how wussified I am about this. If a child of mine ever used such language, he'd get a switching (an old-fashioned kind) he'd never forget.

Lastly, I'll mention that we are losing our freedom because of people such as you. As Edmund Burke said, "It is written in the eternal constitution that men of intemperate minds cannot be free. Their passions forge their fetters."

Wise up.

Tiger Woods shouldn't have to play under a constant threat of having a shot interrupted. Still, his reaction was way over the top even for Woods. Besides, he cusses, slams clubs, and commits numerous other breaches of good behavior when cameramen have nothing to do with the shot. So the problem requires two solutions, training and policing cameramen, and disciplining Woods. Real discipline, not behind the scenes wrist slaps and pocket cash fines, but fines, suspensions, and public announcements. Woods poor behavior has been tolerated far too long by the toothless leaders of the PGA Tour. No worries, for at capelleongolf.com justice has been served.

This is just another example of the backside-kissing press infatuated with Tiger. His actions once again show that he is really a world-class ####. He is not even 1% of the Champion that Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Snead, Nelson were. Hogan was supposed to have been a real competetive jerk, but even he seemed like Mr. Rogers to fans compared to Tiger (just watch film of Hogan's interaction with fans if you don't believe me!). Tiger is the most fined (by far) player on Tour, according to insiders familiar with PGA statistics. He was a spoiled brat growing up (his father abandoned his first family and ignored his 1st kids), and now it has manifested itself in his adult behavior. The press not only incessantly tells Tiger that he's the best (ever), but they blatently tell all competitors that they are "also-rans" and they have no hope of winning. It gives Tiger an unfair advantage (i.e.- the others have to play against Tiger AND the press). Last week, when Tiger was losing, the Golf Channel literally said, after crowing about how Tiger was "coming back", "by the way, X shot a career low 63 today" WTF???!!!!
Woods may end up with the records and have incredible skills, but he will NEVER be the CHAMPION that the aforementioned golfers were in their prime!!
P.S.- Woods is so self-absorbed that even though he owns his own Gulfstream V, he didn't attend his own child's christening in Sweden with his family! Guess taking a 4 hour nap to Sweden is "beneath him".

"I'll have your credentials pulled!"
"You'll never work a tournament again!"
"I'll have you fired!"
"You're outta here!"
"Nice work, you moron."

All OK. And also OK to get the guy banned.

"I'll break your #^#%#*$^ neck!"

Um, it's a golf game. I don't care how much money
is on the line. The profanity is out of line, and
the threat of violence is way over the top. If
Russell Crowe were to yell this at paparazzi, he
might be arrested for assault.

It is all about the "exclusive photograph" that some magazine will pay BIG BUCKS for. The photographer could care less about the golfer or anyone else that he would upset with his lack of judgment. It was a very crucial time in the tournament on a very difficult par three when the idiot took the picture.

Joe,

I don't think "exclusive photograph" has anything to do with it. This was more along the lines of like when someone on "Jeopardy!" accidentally buzzes in and doesn't know the answer. The brain neurons fired too fast or something...

After all, have you seen any photographs out there of Tiger on that hole in his downswing? No way would a photog want to have it published, because then Tiger's posse identifies who did it and that photog stands to lose his badge.

Like I said earlier: everyone is going to screw up, but it takes a man to admit he overreacted, especially when there are scores of kids in his gallery.

Tiger is a punk.

While there is absolutely no question about the fact that the photographer is at fault, the fact remains that the person idolized by millions of kids out there is Tiger and not the chap with an ill timed attempt at a good shot of the greatest player in the world.

I understand the disappointment and perhaps it could be reasoned that in the heat of the moment anyone would lose their cool and say stuff that they would probably regret later. I see no reason why Tiger should not apologise. It’s just a harmless sorry that he has to blurt out, hopefully with good intent. When you are the greatest player who might have set foot on a golf course ever and a champion and a hero for many a sorry would just elevate you in their eyes. It is not an obligation that he has to fulfill but just something he could do for those out there who pray and hope that he achieves success each time he is out there competing.

I'm glad to see that some others are now standing up for what's right. Whether we're left, right or center, we ought to be able to agree on a simple proposition: you don't use profanity, especially in front of kids. Not that long ago, this didn't have to be explained to people.

If we can't even agree on a simple rule of conduct like that, we deserve to fall as a nation.

Judge Smalls (yes, that's an apt title as well): Putting aside your inability to process anything but the simplest conception of religion -- and it is not profitable for me to have that argument with you, since I frankly could care less what you think about it -- but we'll have to agree to disagree. For a conservative, you sure are a wuss when it comes to political correctness. No better than the liberals on that one, my friend. I would say more, but I'd probably hurt your feelings. Best of luck to you in the 21st century.

"when all is said and done" the simple truth is,
Tiger Woods must be aware of his surroundings..

it's just that simple! period!

LAX,

If you think it's appropriate to use profanity around kids, you're simply an immoral man, plain and simple.

Judge is correct. It's a sad state when a role model (and yes, whether he asked to be or not, Tiger is a role model) can use profanity and threaten another man's life in the view of millions and not apologize for it at even a later date. Granted, the cameraman was out of line for snapping the shot and he should apologize as well. But all of you tell me this off of the top of your head, please: What is the cameraman's name?

Should that matter? No, but it does make a difference. Kids (and some adults) do look up to Tiger and mimic EVERYTHING that he does. His reaction was in the "heat of the moment," but he does need to make some public apology or statement as to why it is wrong. Swallow your pride, Tiger; millions of hard working Americans have to do it everyday.

Oh, and for those here that do not know, the correct phrase is "I COULDN'T care less," not "I could care less." Just some friendly info.

Applause to you, Judge, good work.

Bubba Watson was big enough to apologise to the PGA, the locals, his fellow-players and their caddies (in private and again in public on camera) for his temper tantrum, but obviously Tiger does not believe such rules of behaviour apply to super-beings like him.

PS It may be "I couldn't care less" my side of the Atlantic, but I've never seen anything other than "I could care less" in American English - which confuses me each time.

Pete,

Thank you. It's amazing how people, after deciding to idolize another, will accept everything he does. It really makes one understand how people can follow the Rev. Wrights of the world.

It's sad, too, because the issue here is far bigger than Woods. It concerns perpetuating civilization, and please note that civilization, properly understood, is the condition of being civilized, not just one wherein people have fast planes and cars.

It's ridiculous, too, because no one is saying that you have to demonize Woods; you can still admire his golf skill, charitable work and be a fan. But we should be able to say -- as we would to a family member we love -- hey, you know you're aces with me, but you were wrong here.

And, again, if we can't even do that, we deserve to perish.

Just one more reason why I'm getting tired of watching multi-millionaires play for millions. Boo hoo, whine, whine, I didn't make my $1.2 million this weekend. I'm pulling for the no-names to make names - have for some time. Tiger is and has been for a while just another Dennis Rodman and it started with the fist pumping - golf: a gentlemen's game? Not for Mr. Woods - hasn't been ever.

The PGA should ban "fist pumping - golf"

You guys are missing the point...regardless of who is at fault, he said "God Damn"....which in my book is using the Lord's name in vain...if you are a Christian, that should offend you bigtime.

A good number of the spectators at PGA golf events are selfish in their own rights. Attending many professional events in my 60 years, I have noticed if you show respect to the athletes (as I was taught as a child) 99% of thetime you will have respect shown to you; ie, chats, waves, even an occasional signature. Too many of those spectators think they deserve to take picts, get hand-shakes and autographs from the professionals. They lack courtesy. Traditionally, golf is a gentlemen's game with unwritten rules; quiet and respect should accompany the game while you spectate. Some tourney's request no camera's, yet those still 'sneak' them in. I guess they were not brought up to RESPECT, rather to EXPECT.

It appears that the photographer was at fault and Tiger was at fault. Both my daughters, 5 and 7 years, love Tiger like there is no tomorrow. I am so glad that they were not watching when he had his meltdown. I understand we are all human and yet, he surely must realize that there are a lot of children out there watching him every weekend and his every move on TV. He is bigger than life to many kids and he should act bigger than life even when provoked or upset when the cameras are rolling.

PLEASE..the man is earning millions in sponsorship. If his handlers can't control this juvenile behavior perhaps the fans can think twice before we put our Nike clubs into our Buicks.
It's a simple matter of respect, respect for the fans and for the traditions of the game.
BE A GENTLEMAN, Mr. WOODS

Oh please, cut the guy some slack. If you had rude photographers in your face every time you walked out your door, let alone interrupting your swing, you might want to break their necks too. I don't condone public profanity, but I suspect any children who may have overheard Tiger have heard much worse on their playgrounds and school buses. No one's perfect, not even Tiger Woods.

Elaine, good on you for not condoning public profanity. Do you think Tiger should apologize for his public profanity?

I agree Tiger should apologize to those who had to witness his outburst of emotions. I'm certainly not going to be the one to cast the first stone regarding his sins. I learned from my father that unless you use the Lord's name in vain, profanity is not a sin, it only shows a lack of maturity. Tiger is growing up and being a father will help expedite the process.

The fact that children might have heard worse on their playground has nothing to do with it. Do I really have to explain the fallacy in that thinking?

This whole discussion is so very wrong on so many different levels. From Tiger to the PGA to the photographer to the network, everyone is pointing fingers. Where has decency gone? We cannot and should not accept this kind of episode to be accepted in any context. Why is Tiger allowed to act as he does? Why is the photographer allowed to interfere with the competition. Why do parents allow their kids within earshot of players that can't control their vulgar outbursts? Why does the PGA allow the networks to mike these guys and not use a delay to protect those watching at home? Why does anyone care? This is a game and yes Tiger is probably the greatest that has ever played the game but we should be more concerned about where is Tiger's soul? As a Christian we should all be more concerned about his relationship with Jesus Christ than his outburst on the golf course. I do not expect a public apology from Tiger, although I would like to hear one, but i will pray for him to ask God's forgiveness over using his name in vain.

Ron,

Your father was wrong.

It must be hard to be a golf reporter, following a gaggle of guys n gals who really are more concerned with improving their games than creating inane comments intended to build mounains from molehills. What any of them say on the course is their business. Find a real story--this isn't one.
PS: wouldn't hurt to fix this web site so all the keys on a keyboard work without pounding them as hard as Tiger after a errant shot.

Brandon, you stated alot of opnions about the photographer, and i quote "I would be willing to wager a hefty sum the "click" was an accident. These photogs are pros (not "paparazzi") but also under tremendous pressure of their own to "get the shot". Then i say this, Tiger is a "professional" also. so then it can also be said that, tiger's comments to another professional was a "accident too. The traffic flows both ways.
Now ont he lines of another quote from you, "This was more along the lines of like when someone on "Jeopardy!" accidentally buzzes in and doesn't know the answer. The brain neurons fired too fast or something... When a contestant does that on Jeopardy, it is considered that person has the answer, and if not it is not allowed. besides comparing the two with this incident, is like comparing oranges and apples. are the contestants on "jeopardy" competing for millions of dollars, and can be determined if you win or lose by just one stroke of a club?
Maybe PGA officials and maybe rules be put into place where if it is your occupation for photograph events, then there should be a certain distance that these "professional photogapher" should allow to be. and the resolve the arguement of spectators, "NO CAMERAS ALLOWED" by spectators also. maybe this might resolve the issue on both sides.

Kenneth and Steve, two more reprobates from the peanut gallery. No, it is not only "their" business any more than Bill Clinton having an illicit affair with an intern was only his business. When you influence kids wrongly -- as both of them have -- it becomes more than just your business. Am I my brother's keeper? I hope you know the answer to that question.

As for accidents, sometimes you have to make amends for them. The photographer can be excoriated, but Woods should be taken to the wood shed with even greater thoroughness.

Bottom line is that both are wrong. Unless this was the first time the photog has ever left the house, he should have known better. Anyone who has played the game knows that an UNEXPECTED,audible noise made during a swing is a big distraction. It surely affected Tiger's shot. As for his tirade, Woods should apologize for the rough language, but not for the rant itself. It was justified. For the record, I'm a fan of his talent, but not of his personna.

All you Tiger haters out there sound as if he is the first to cuss on the course (even on mic); you also sound like you would be happy to see the likes of Jones, Nelson and Hogan, but not someone who looks or acts like Tiger--after all he cusses cameramen who interfere with a charge where he has a chance to continue his streak by winning the tourney. To the guy who complains about fist-pumping--have you never seen footage of Arnie mounting one of his charges. Boy, you'd think Tiger was the first to fist-pump. Tiger explained his outburst satisfactorily to me; some of you will never be satisfied.

You expect Tiger to follow the rules of etiquette but forgive the press when they ignore their similar rules. We all have pressures at work and lose our cool from time to time. But do not presume to think that Tiger owes any apology because some ignoramus cared more about a picture than doing the right thing.

Tiger was wong on both counts!

First of all, profanity is not acceptable at home and certainly not on national television while 23 million golfers (young and old) are watching. The acceptance of profanity is not dependant on how much money you stand to make or lose.

Secondly, we differentiate between professional and amateur status in three ways: score; financial rewards and public awareness. If you want to be no 1 (or no 100), want big bucks (by winning or through sponsorship), then you have to understand that you're "public property". Tiger earns more through sponsorship than through winnings. He has to deal with photogs. For the money he charges to appear, he has to be able to accept that photos are taken - even while he swings. How will a photog be able to take action photos with Tiger just standing on the tee/fairway/green? It comes with the territory!!!

Tiger is just too sensitive for his competitiveness while wanting the big bucks.

The Chief wrote: "Woods should apologize for the rough language, but not for the rant itself." EXACTLY! Finally someone gets it! This isn't about the rant. It was OK for Tiger to be mad. Heck, it was even understandable to tear into the photog with foul language. But as a gentleman, just simply apologize! Just throw out the token, "My mother raised me to not speak like that and I'm sorry for embarrassing her." Doesn't anyone hold themselves to a higher standard anymore?

Give me a ($#*&($#& break. I'm all for etiquette on the golf course but give Tiger a break here. For one, the photo should be banned. This is not the first time it has happened to Tiger (usually he has time to stop his swing) in fact it happens a lot. If it takes banning the photog, accident or not, to remedy this situation, then do it.

As for the language and doing it in front of kids, they are going to hear lots worse from their friends, movies, TV, and tons of other "grown ups" who are supposed to be role models (like teachers, other sports figures, politicians etc.). Sure it may have been unfortunate if little Johnny blushed at Tiger's heat of the moment comment, but maybe the media could make a little less of a deal about it and no one would have been the wiser for it. Leave Tiger alone, let him be who he is. If you think he is the only guy on tour who swears within earshot of young kids and anyone else who thinks swearing is some sort of moral sin, get a grip.

The fact that children might have heard worse on their playground has nothing to do with it. Do I really have to explain the fallacy in that thinking?

Reading many of these comments vindicates my assessment that the average person is pretty dumb. I hope your two brain cells get along.

Hey Judge, lighten up on the bible hugging. If you are the Christian you say you are, then forgive Tiger for his "sins" and let it go. Besides I think we're lettin' the kids get a bit soft these days. Speaking of which, you have previously said that if your children ever swore like this golfer has you would give them a switching. So physical abuse is less damaging than hearing verbal vulgarities now? Sounds like your morals should be the ones in check, not Tiger's.

Well, you see, Rtown, you're a typical modernist (look it up); you get everything backwards. Corporal punishment is bad, but Ritalin and cursing are just fine. You assume that corrupting a child amounts to toughening him up, when it's actually inculcation with virtue that accomplishes that. You pay lip service to forgiveness, but fail to understand that it doesn't obviate (again, look it up)consequences. Moreover, you contradict yourself; if you're concerned about kids getting soft, a switching shouldn't bother you.

Then, why do you talk about me? I'm not the issue here. Maybe I'm a horrible person, but that doesn't change the fact that Woods committed a serious breach of conduct. Woods' actions must be pretty indefensible if all you can do is criticize those who say the emperor has no clothes.

Well considering that I made it a clear point that Tiger should be forgiven, I think my post was relevant. As far as your dictionary of a vocabulary goes, you're only impressing yourself here. And maybe I was not clear enough in my message about the switching bit. I think corporal punishment is probably the most effective form of discipline. All I was saying is that kids can learn for themselves what is right and wrong. We coddle children too much in saying what they can and cannot see or hear these days. Considering that you can flip on the TV and watch a war or flip on over to HBO and see the latest softcore porn I don't think Tiger's reaction to this photographer should have received all this attention. They say that he is an idol to kids everywhere (which kids I'm not sure considering that I don't know a single kid under the age of sixteen that watches golf anyway) and that he should keep himself in check at all times because of it. How about we give the kids here a little credit in their problem solving skills (that I'm sure all you parents out there have taught them) and let them work it out themselves?

And by the way, whoever said anything about Ritalin? Throwing me into your modernism group without actually reading more than a paragraph of text is pretty judgmental (ironic enough). I just believe that a kid should be able to figure some things out for their self. Who knows, maybe they'll actually grow up that way.

Poor reasoning. You can't excuse bad behavior by citing other bad behavior, and this habit is one reason why we're in decline. Every time someone has the temerity to point out that we shouldn't be a land of reprobates, someone will crawl out of the woodwork and say that we should forget about the transgression in question because at one time someone did something worse. Oh, forget about the shoplifter because a bank robber got off scot-free last year.

As for porn peddlers and rap stars (the war example is quite far afield), we won't be rid of them until the market is such that such things are found unacceptable. And the market will never apply that kind of pressure unless people in general are virtuous, and they will never be virtuous unless we start upholding standards. Is that clear enough for you?

Moreover, a parent can easily know that he shouldn't allow his children to watch soft-core porn, but when watching a PGA event there is the expectation that propriety will be observed. Besides, I would certainly hope that we'd hold Woods to a higher standard than a porn peddler.

Then again, maybe your assessment of his character is that he falls into such a category. And maybe that's not something about which you're wrong.

Oh, "their self" isn't correct grammar. Their is plural and self is singular.

You missed the point entirely. There are varying degrees of 'bad' in the world (I quote bad because there is a lot of gray matter in perceptions of good and evil). I was merely pointing out the fact that we are crucifying Tiger for swearing in anger when there was an awful lot on the line. When at the same time there are religious wars and worse on television these days. And don't even get me started on the internet. The truth is, your kids are subject to dangers everyday. I'm not saying let them all go and to each his own, I'm just saying let's stay focused on the things that can really damage a child. Because, let's face it, a kid will hear, and probably say, much worse things as they're growing up (someone already mentioned the playground scenario). I'm not saying it's right or wrong, just that there are bigger things to worry about. In the words of George Carlin, "Wanna know how to help your children? Leave them the f*** alone!" Thought you might like that one judge ;).

"Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves."

Woods isn't being crucified because he cursed, but because he has refused to apologize for doing so.

Anyway, I'm done with you. I don't have the time to educate you, and you're not receptive to truth anyway. You're a reprobate, and a dumb one at that.

Oh, and Carlin is as stupid as you are.

Whatever happened to the "Momma test"?

If you say or do something that your momma probably wouldn't approve of, like swearing or threatening...chances are you need to check yourself.

Ah, so we're resorted to name calling. I suppose you are correct in wanting to stop since this it's reached such an immature level. But for future reference, if you want a point to stick in someone's mind, refrain from being so condescending in your argument. The opposing side may actually listen more.

Either way, RTown ftw ;)

I agree with Brandon, Tiger's outburst constituted an apology to everyone. I understand Tiger being upset and the photographer ws wrong, but what about after the fact.By the way Tiger lovers, it did not cost him the tournment. Bubba did the right thing and Tiger should have some of his sponsers pull the plug.

"The 'momma' test" is probably the most rational thing I've seen on this blog comment.

If you behaved such that your mother would take (or have taken in case she's deceased) you to task, a simple apology is necessary. I'd include BOTH Mr Woods and the "unnamed" photographer in the 'need to apologize' crew.

Doesn't need to degenerate into a polemic on relgion, philosophy, or morals.

Then how come we haven't seen Tiger's "Momma" take a big stick to him - or even the putter?

Will he still be behaving like this when his own children (given that he says he wants more than one) are following him on the course?

I respect Tiger Woods immensely, but not unequivocally. In this incident, Tiger is no better than any other golfer who blames some minor noise for a poor shot. He was a baby. Haven't we heard for ten years how Tiger's powers of concentration are far superior every other golfer, and even every other athlete? I guess not, eh? Okay, it's Tiger and there's an army of people who will just blindly defend everything he does whether it's right or wrong but come on, Tiger, act like, well, Tiger! I like to believe that once you reach the billion dollar mark you can afford to forgive some average guy (not even a tour photographer by the way) for clicking a little early in the presence of The One. Especially when some idiot screams "Innnaaaahole!" even when he drives. The worst part is whomever this poor guy is with the camera, a lot of fools are mad at him because El Tigre got mad.

By the way, if you're going to use a famous golf name for a handle on the blogs, take some time and learn to spell it properly, Judge SMALES.

Martha

I say leave Tiger and his family alone! This is his personal life and it should be kept that way. If people would stop wanting to read and hear all this private stuff, maybe the media would stop talking and writing about them.

Tiger owes us nothing and I'm glad he refuses to talk about anything. Please start respecting peoples' privacy!

Tiger is only sorry for he got caught with his pants down. His wife wants to leave him, he lost his sponsors, his life, his money and lifestyle. So he cries and whines as a baby he is. To restore a quick fix to his status and get the money back. Hell he bought his wife back. how pathetic. Role model hes a crook. And yes he will have affairs again. guranteed. What will he say next time. Gee honey I fell off the sex wagon , give me another chance. I aint buying it . He had his chance early on to make this right. He lied. cheated and betrayed the world.
for me there is no excuse or forgiveness. let me rott in golf cart of pity. mr tonyd proudly

Quite a good read, I always like a well-written article. I hope to read more like this soon!