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Tiger Woods' silence defeaning
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Even though Woods released a statement claiming responsibility for his
car accident, his silence has further fueled speculation about domestic
abuse and the alleged affair making the tabloid rounds. Earlier today,
the Florida Highway Patrol completed its investigation and Woods
received a careless driving citation with a $164 fine. (AP Photo/Andrew
Brownbill, File)
By Dominic Serrao/Examiner
It's day five since Tiger Woods' accident outside his Florida estate and the rumor mills are still operating in overdrive. Even though Woods released a statement claiming responsibility for his car accident, his silence has further fueled speculation about domestic abuse and the alleged affair making the tabloid rounds.
"I think it is unfortunate that a private matter has turned into such a public spectacle," said Dr. Emmett Gill, assistant professor in the School of Social Work at Rutgers in an interview. Fascination with this private story of a public figure has possibly intensified across the globe due to his private life being so well-guarded up until now.
Veteran sports anchor and New York Times best-seller Len Berman is in agreement. Tiger is the ultimate control freak, said Berman in an interview. "And up until now, he could control everything on the golf course and maybe more important off. This is the first time he's lost control. That's a 30 year run!"
Research studies have shown that professional athletes have certain personality characteristics that enhance their game but at the same time, could make them more likely to get into trouble. Woods has managed to stay above the rest, cultivating a squeaky clean image. According to the Associated Press, the last time Woods' name might have been on any police report was in 1994, when he was mugged going back to his dorm at Stanford.
According to Berman, it's still too early to tell if this incident will cause irreparable damage to Woods' flawless reputation. "If all the rumors turn out to be true, no problem. Many athletes have done worse. If it turns out the story is darker, then all bets are off," he added.
The only thing Tiger's fans care about is whether he will catch Jack Nicklaus, said Gill, a former student-athlete. "I do not feel Tiger's reputation will suffer any harm. We forgive athletes for their mishaps."
As a role model and professional athlete, Woods does have a responsibility to his fans. If Berman was advising Woods now, "I'd get rid of his 'people' and pull a Letterman. Talk to the fans. You don't have to give them every sordid detail." Gill said he would remind Woods that he is not invincible. "Things happen and Tiger's private life is more important than his public image," he said.
Earlier today, the Florida Highway Patrol completed its investigation and Woods received a careless driving citation with a $164 fine and four points against his driver's license.
The silence is deafening though. Will we ever hear about this incident from Mr. Woods?
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