Tiger Woods press conference made the golfer's first address in nearly three months.
He spoke of spirituality, rehabilitation and requested the media "leave" his wife and
kids alone. Photo/Associated Press
Tiger Woods' public statement was delivered during his scheduled press conference Friday morning in a much anticipated gathering of media and speculation.
See the press conference LIVE Video Replay here!
News of Woods' return to rehab disappointed some who were hoping he'd return to golf. The pro golfer will give his public statement this morning and accept re-entry into sex rehabilitation.
The same press that tore Tiger's extra-marital affair scandal apart, attended in droves of more than 300 to hear what Tiger Woods has to say - Among Tiger Woods' loved ones his mother and an old college roommate. Wife Elin Nordegren and Tiger's children were not present.
"Now everyone of you has good reason to be critical of me", the pro golfer said acknowledging the crowd of cameras and reporters.
In a statement read from paper and in candid nature, Tiger mentioned that while he's always been a private person, there were direct things he wanted to address to the public.
First, his wife Elin. "Elin and I have begun the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior," Woods said. "As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come from me in the form of words. It will come from my behavior over time."
Tiger then proceeded to apologize to friends for his "personal disappointment" and to his colleagues for letting them down "both personally and professionally" before apologizing to his sponsors and plugging the "young students" and the Tiger Woods Foundation.
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"Thirteen years ago, my dad and I had the vision of helping young people achieve their dreams through education," Tiger says referring to his foundation. "This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow."
Tiger agreed with most that he has issues "to atone for" but admitted there was one that he felt could not go unmentioned - The speculation that wife Elin had "somehow hurt or attacked" Tiger after discovering text messages from alleged mistress #1 Rachel Uchitel.
"Elin never hit me that night or any other night," Tiger said. "There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage. Ever," he added, while mentioning his wife has shown "enormous grace and poise" throughout the scandal.
While fellow pro golfer Ernie Els didn't hesitate to call Woods "selfish" for his timing of the press conference during Accenture's golf tourney, Tiger didn't hesitate to use the word "selfish" on multiple occasions during his public statement.
He mentioned he felt he "worked hard his whole life" and deserved to indulge in all the temptations that surrounded him.
"It's up to me to start living a life of integrity," Tiger said. "The achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count."
Tiger did suggest his rehab treatment would continue as he has a "long way to go" in overcoming the scandal but addressed the "lies" about his family are untrue, in addition to any private use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Tiger's last request? "Please leave my wife and kids alone." See the live replay of the press conference here.
VIDEO: What does Tiger Woods need to say?
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Comments
LOOOOOooooOOser!
I am glad that Tiger Woods broke his silence. After listening to Tiger I feel positive that he is going in the right direction to get his derailed life back on the right track. I think that in each one of us there is a divine power that can be used to help us overcome any obstacle and adversity. I am encouraged that Tiger mentioned he is using his inner strength to regain balance in his life to save the two things that are most important to him, his wife and his children. Tiger said that Elin deserves praise and I wholeheartedly agreed. I want to tell Tiger that I hope and pray that one day Elin find room in her heart to believe in him again. God Bless!
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