Tiger’s attorney provided the troopers with Mr. Woods’s driver’s license information, registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida law, police said.

Florida law doesn’t require Mr. Woods to give police a statement. YES…that is correct!

It would seem, based on Tiger’s silence, that there is more to the story. I doubt that “we” will hear it anytime soon.

If you were a public figure of Tiger’s magnitude would you air your dirty laundry in public? I wouldn’t regardless of my fame.

Todd

It might prove doing something really “dumb” to comment on one’s loving wife’s writings, particularly one which is somewhat emotional in substance, like “Tiger, Tiger”, but since I have done no doubt more controversial (not to mention dumb) things before, here goes now.

First, I do agree with Todd’s description and especially his last sentence, no I would not like to air my dirty laundry in public. Having made that declaration, what can we learn from this vignette from real life?

Pending future fact finding answers (if ever disclosed), please accept the following assumptions for what they are, me acting on those assumptions:

1. When one lives life, and is lucky enough to succeed mightily (especially off the charts well), in any relatively popular endeavor, e.g. medical breakthrough, sensational important useful invention, political supremacy, any major sports icon, architectural uniqueness or whatever else not mentioned, he (or she), whether he wants to or not, enters a very special world.

2. That world now envelops his very being and while most of us would welcome such an existence, it is not for everyone, since the minuses soon become apparent.

3. On such a platform has Tiger now found himself. It is not my nature to judge others by what I consider right or moral for me, but rather, after considering as many factors as possible, to let public reaction, in all its thunder and lightning, first occur, and then see how our hero reacts. Until then, my jury stays in caucus and remains silent.

4. When we all learn that Tiger prefers his private life to be just that, private, and has fired people near and dear to him who have not adhered, it only smacks of the difficulty (impossibility) of achieving that goal. Sure, we all, from the most famous of people to ones who are totally reclusive, all prefer to call every shot of what happens in his own life, but, unfortunately to most people of note, he is usually not granted that exception.

5. Is this a rare case? Hardly, since in the last short number of years consider, Bill Clinton, other important political figures and their perversions, referee and player fixes, Nixon and his impeachment, foreign icons and their travails, the clergy and their horrific embarrassments, the Kennedy family members and so many more.

6. Is there a common denominator for which the public is entitled to know, and to which our icon should be expected to follow? YES, and I’ll shout from the rooftops what that is. (drumroll), THE TRUTH! That short cut answer takes priority to all personal factors such as family convenience, fiscal expediency (endorsements, image, etc.), keeping in mind that REAL LOVE, whatever that is, conquers all and that without it, rewarding personal relationships do not survive. Are children of separated parents disadvantaged? Certainly, but would it be better for them if their parents were forced to live together? Am I requiring a human being to take on the figure and straightforwardness of who we regard as our own God? Perhaps, but just maybe, that should be a requirement for all of us to continue revering Tiger, or anyone else who is threatened with falling from that exalted position. Time will probably tell.

For Tiger’s sake I hope he has someone advising him who considers more than just what Tiger wants him to tell him.

Respectfully to all who may have different views.

But Judy, why do you care so much about this?

You seem to be perpetuating the mystique.

None of us can begin to imagine the intense difficulty of living under the spotlight as Tiger does – almost a real life Truman Show.

In my view, we should just move on (admittedly impossible in this day and age) and leave the guy alone.

I believe he will do what he has to do to comply with Florida State Law, and hopefully he will do right by his wife and neighbours too.

Todd:

I disagree with your assessment. Apparently, Florida law was not content with name, rank and serial number. That was just a starting point. The authorities were quoted as saying they wanted to ‘interview him personally’ (and owing to his alleged weakened condition even offered the convenience of holding the interview in his home) to get more facts before they could close the investigation. He refused! Apparently, his tongue-in-cheek remark on his private blog site was not what they had in mind and hardly satisfactory to the public — nor the police, I am certain.

Perhaps, had he wanted to keep whatever it is that he wanted to keep “Private” — as a figure who has been deified by fans and idols — he should have thought first and acted second. Making a hundred million a year and being ultra-succcessful makes your every move subject to public scrutiny and unavoidably takes a mighty toll on your so-called privacy. Tiger Woods is not an exception.

The 911 call I heard via the Internet was about a man lying on the ground not moving. It was apparently from a neighbor, reporting it to 911 and then transferred to the medical team hot line who both said they were on their way. However, there were apparently two conflicting accountings from Elin at the time to the police as to how and when the window/s got broken with the club. Also, if it is no big deal, why did the New York female allluded to many times by the media find it necessary to engage the services of high-priced California attorney, Gloria Allred, who was reported to have met her client at LAX in a black limo. I certainly believe innocent until proven guilty but why the panic to seek world famous counsel?

And I further disagree with your comment that if there is more to the story “I doubt that ‘we’ will hear it anytime soon.” IF the story involves another woman (and who knows?) — the truth has ways of getting out. Look at JFK (Monroe, Exner), Ted Kennedy (Chappaquidick), Clinton (Monica), Rockefeller on his deathbed and we could go on and on with one famous icon after another — going back as far as Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings.

People are human and God knows, we all suffer from weaknesses and frailties. It is part of our creation. Nobody’s perfect. This is one story that will not disappear by shutting one’s eyes and praying for privacy. It is an unrealistic evaluation as it has made universal headlines and jammed the Internet.

And, in answer to your last question about “dirty laundry,” I hope I would never be in that position — but YES — I would rather the truth be heard than have thousands of speculators giving their views and put an end to it once and for all.

Ross:

First, let me say, I enjoy your blogs. You are a sensational addition to our site.

In response to your comment about Tiger, my views are simple. I despise lies, coverups and excuses — regardless of one’s fame or obscurity.

Respectfully,

Judy

It’s interesting that the Florida highway patrol is trying to get his hospital medical records to see if there was domestic violence involved. Shades of the Limbaugh case. Have we no right to privacy any more?

Chris:

What does privacy have to do with learning how an individual (obviously in an uncontrollable rage) got behind the wheel of an automobile endangering the lives of both pedestrians and other motorists. Lucky, it sounds to me, that he never got out of his development! The only victims were the fire plug, the tree and his car!!

Judy

I sincerely thank you for your comment about my blog – made my day, actually my month !

To be honest, I don’t have the same passion for the subject (Tiger’s woes) as you do, but I have decided (and I do not jest) that I will use your blog to keep up with developments on the story, and trust that you will have filtered through the morass of conflicting reports and innuendo, and will report facts if that’s what they are, and call them by another name if they are not. So keep it coming.

We both know I am one of the guilty parties who has veered from exclusively bridge in this blogiverse. I am counting on you though, in the future, to tell me when you think I have crossed a line.

With the utmost respect,

Ross

Ross:

Thanks for your kind retort and candor about tracking the Tiger and the events that led up to the accident. I have always felt that when people are in the limelight they have a serious responsibilty to the public to set an example of honor and respectability, bearing in mind (in his case, especially) that his fans range in age from toddlers to an aging population in health care facilities. Speculative incidents like this that are shrouded in mystery are not good for him, his family or his adoring public.

Perhaps it is my culture and upbringing, but such debacles should not be making front page headlines accompanied by accusations and innuendos. I think we will eventually learn the truth and that Miss Manners would have handled it in a much more timely and civilized manner — and brought the chapter to a satisfactory close ASAP — not allowing it to drag on and on for five days — with many questions still unanswered.

As far as my reference to crossing the line on the blogs subject-wise, you were cetainly not my target. On the contrary! I was just trying to justify my blogging on a non-bridge subject although if the public’s suspicions are correct as to the cause of the incident, all sports and hobbies, including bridge, have their own crosses to bear!

Kind regards,

Judy

Am I missing something? What happened to “All men are created

equal?” Are not the laws supposed to be enforced equally and fairly

regardless of a person’s celebrity status? Can you imagine the

average individual, on three successive days, turning the police away

from his or her home after CONSECUTIVE RESCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS?

I can’t imagine telling the police to “come back later” if ever (heaven forbid) I

found myself in such a predicament. In most cases a response of that kind

would be considered evasive obstruction of justice. It is commonplace for

people to be questioned expediently in ANY police matter and in many

cases citizens have been requested/required to provide statements under

far more stressful/painful/mental/physical/emotional states…such as

from hospital beds — or immediately upon learning of the death of

a loved one.

Even if the authorities were initially trying to be accommodating and provide

Mr. Woods a modicum of time and respect due to this recent embarrassing

notoriety — enough is enough!! Here we are four days later and all he could do

was issue an evasive statement on his own Internet Site which in essence says:

Leave us alone. In his obviously frenzied frame of mind (from whatever

happened in his private dwelling), he was in no condition to drive (proving to be

a hazard on the road) and thus making it no longer a personal matter!

Treating Woods as a privileged character is a mockery of our judicial system.

There have been a host of conflicting stories about so many of the crucial

issues, it is time the authorities questioned Mr. and Mrs. Woods and got a straight

answer about what actually transpired (both before and leading up to the accident).

By refusing to talk to the authorities on three different occasions, Tiger’s silence has

nurtured the scandal which continues to snowball every day and he has nobody to thank

but himself. There is no substitute for the truth.

Judy, you know I love you, but I too am in disagreement with some of your statements.

I also don’t understand why you seem to be getting so invested in this situation. The police ARE involved in this situation and they will take whatever further action they deem necessary. If part of that is to bring Mr. Woods in for direct questioning, or to even press charges or arrest him, then they will do so. But honestly, why do you seem to care so much about the outcome?

I remember being in a situation that I felt was embarrassing for me. I made a stupid choice and the police got involved to resolve the situation. I was sure that I *deserved* to be charged with something — there were certainly lots of things that I could have been charged with — but I wasn’t. I was let go, because the officers who responded to the call didn’t feel that pressing charges was necessary. (I would have pressed charges, had the shoes been on the other feet).

It’s not just the rich and connected that get the occasional break — the common man does as well. You don’t know the situation, you weren’t there, you didn’t listen to the initial statements made to the police and you didn’t directly read the police reports.

Have some faith that the police know what they are doing, and let them do their jobs.

If you are interested, here is the statement Tiger made on his website, and I agree wholeheartedly. If we are not the law enforcement officers in charge of this case, then what business is it of ours?

As you all know, I had a single-car accident earlier this week, and sustained some injuries. I have some cuts, bruising and right now I’m pretty sore.

This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be.”

Luise:

You are bright, enthusiastic and incredible at what you do (and I love you too)! On the other hand, you are young and naive. I, like you, in my youth was very trusting until I had a taste of the real world and boy — was it ever different from what I had experienced and envisioned. As far as the authorities, over the years, many can reflect upon all the favoritism shown, exceptions made, eyes closed, situations overlooked, cover ups and the like — usually where big names were involved (either public officials, politicians, sports stars or entertainers). And, no, I don’t have anywhere near the faith you suggest as exceptions are often made. In my opinion, acceptance is not warranted because the stalled situation should have been resolved several days ago and he could have paid the $164 fine and be done with it last Friday. And, yes, I have seen Tiger’s statement, ad nauseam. It would have been somewhat more effective if issued immediately rather than being in denial that it would go away by itself. It had to get worse before it got better — if it ever does. As to ‘no domestic violence’ — do you think Tiger cut his lip shaving at 2:25 a.m. and was dashing out for a band aid or peroxide? C’mon, get with it!

People have choices in life. We all make mistakes. Tiger could have saved himself a lot of humiliation (and more adverse publicity in the future) had he come clean immediately, made a statement and put it behind himself and his family. His stalling tactic just aroused more curiosity, fired up the media and ‘rags’ and fueled their fires. I just read a reference and comparison to David Letterman — and believe it or not, admiration was exhibited for his handling (but not before exposure by the media) of his many workplace indiscretions by admission of guilt, facing the music and adverse publicity — enabling him to place the nightmare behind him and move on with his life.. It appears with Tiger — this may be just the beginning — and he gets no sympathy from me. Whether it will affect his endorsements remains to be seen.

I was raised in a very average American family, where fidelity and marriage vows were sacred. I’d like to think I was not in the minority. I suppose the world and its cultures are changing and I got the shock of my life when I appeared on the bridge scene in the very late fifties — a single, “straight,” naive gal of twenty-five. I come into court with clean hands so I have no compunctions about my reminiscences. What I learned (not only about the ethics or lack of it that existed at the tables round the world — even here in the States) knocked me for a loop. We won’t visit that scene again as I have already made my views and knowledge quite clear. However, the goings on that were so blatant in the after hours (or between sessions) bridge world made Peyton Place look like Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. If someone were to write a book on the subject, I’d wager it would sell more copies than Larry Cohen’s The Law of Total Tricks. Bridge makes strange bedfellows — and is no different than any other form of group activity or hobby.

Yes, Tiger is human and millions before him have been guilty of the same indiscretions but his recent statement quoted above, IMHO, is too little — too late and will not quell the talk as more money-hungry, publicity-seeking females will come forth with stories (whether true or figments of their imagination). His name will inundate the tabloids for months to come. That is what keeps them in business and so this isn’t over by a long shot. Being in the public eye, Tiger has no one to blame but himself!

Respectfully — but with a bit more experience,

Judy

I was raised in a similar family, though I learned when I went to high-school how rare it truely was to have two parents — and only two parents — who lived in the same house that I did. I am afraid, Judy, that we are in the minority in that regard.

Perhaps I am naive, but my time is too precious to me to waste it away arguing about what should or shouldn’t or did or didn’t happen to some famous golfer who lives 2500 km away when he knocked over a fire hydrant in his car.

Luise:

Time is not a factor for me and it is far from a waste of time to zero in on what is turning into a rather sordid story about a once-national hero and idol. A person in the public eye has a responsibility to his wife, children, sponsors, profession, country and to himself to consider the consequences and ramifications. Human nature being what it is, stories like this eventually have a way of surfacing. Discretion is the better part of valor. Think before you putt!

To me this is a sad story, we all see an icon cut down to size (especially the media feeding frenzy) and it respectfully – does not belong here. Yes, there is a certain schadenfreud for a precious few. GL to them.

Like a lawyer (which I am not) I would say _ you have no jurisdiction in this area – using a bridge forum unless you can connect it to the essence and fabric of the site.

The thing that annoys (not puzzles, as one can hardly be surprised) is the double standard he was accorded.

Like CJ said, if it were my sorry derriere on the lawn bleeding, the cops would be reading me my rights and determining whether a DUI was in order. But he gets kids gloves – from the police- not the media.

We don’t have to like it, but rich people (can you say Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, OJ, Janet Gretsky) have a way of purchasing their way out of trouble.

Such are the benefits of wealth. Therein lies the real saddness.

Justice is for sale, and not all of us can pony up for Johnny Cochrane or his kind.

Having said all that, I still (respectfully) suggest this is not the place for such a discussion. No, not sorry for adding fuel to the fire.

C

I beg to differ, Cam. It is obvious that partiality reared its ugly head regarding the treatment of celebrity Woods. It happens in many milieus — bridge included!!!. Some culprits are treated with kid gloves and others according to the harsh letter of the law. In our hobby — some proven and confessed cheaters get off with slaps on the wrist or light sentences (alleging extenuating circumstances and also depending upon which icon serves as a character witness) while others receive more severe punishment and lengthy suspensions. Life just ain’t fair!

Inequity (whether in one’s personal dealings, physical sports or bridge) has been a part of our existence since time began and I feel no guilt whatsoever for introducing the subject on bridgeblogging.com. No one should need an excuse to discuss accountability and veracity — regardless of the venue. It is much more apropos on this site than you realize.

J

It has now become obvious why the police have not forced Tiger to make a statement. They were aware that there were many women who would come forward to being in Tiger’s “Harem” and each would want to lawyer up before giving statements. The good news is that lawyers who have been complaining of the declining economy, laying off staff and decreasing salaries, are now having to add staff to deal with the Tiger “affairs”.

Perhaps had Tiger received the police at his home the following day and answered some questions, the issue would not have snowballed and his private indiscretions would not have been on public display. It would have been better to try to plug the leak than turn it into a full fledged tsunami.

If you happen to be a “Tiger” fan, just skip to the next blog — but if you appreciate the holiday mood in humorous rhyme, this one is pretty good!

Twas the night of Thanksgiving and out of the house

Tiger Woods came a flyin’, chased by his spouse.

She wielded a nine iron and wasn’t too merry,

Cause a bimbo’s phone number was in his Blackberry.

He’d been cheatin’ on Elin, and the story progressed.

Woman after woman stepped up and confessed..

He’d been cheatin’ with Holly, and Jaimee, and Cori,

With Joselyn, and Kalika. The world had the story..

From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues,

Tiger’s sad sordid tale was all over the news.

With hostesses, waitresses, he had lots of sex,

When not in their pants, he was sendin’ them texts.

Despite all his cryin’ and beggin’ and pleadin’,

Tiger’s wife went investin’ — a new home in Sweden .

And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade,

“If you’re gettin’ laid then I’m gettin’ paid.”

She’s not pouting, in fact, she is of jolly good cheer,

Her pre-nup made Christmas come early this year.