Eldrick “Tiger” Woods is the best golfer on the planet. The most recognizable sports figure of any continent. Perhaps the most envied person on the planet. Right? I am not so sure of the latter after the world has learned of his self professed “transgressions”. Over the pasts few days we have been transfixed with details that led to his SUV being totaled with the windows broken out by his wife. All this sounds like a story from All My Children or Days of Our Lives. The way the media vultures (don’t include me) have salivated over this story has been embarrassing to say the least. Why is it important for us in today’s society to rake individuals over the coals? From the moment this story broke no one cared for the safety or well being of Woods but more importantly wanted to know what was he doing out at 2 am in the morning. You know what none of your damn business.
Before you think I am on the Tiger soap box, think again. Is he a great champion? Absolutely! Is he without fault? Absolutely! Is he learning a valuable lesson about being a “family man” and high profile celebrity? Again, Absolutely! But this is where I will stray and maybe annoy some of you with my next few sentences. Several questions will undoubtedly come up in certain circles. Racism is one that comes mind. Keep in mind Tiger is married to a white woman who is attractive. Over the years we have seen the distaste for African American athletes who marry “outside” of their race. Maybe this is only an issue in small pockets of the community, but this issue carries weight in small pockets of the black community. Black women have forever wondered how can black male athletes do this to them. How can these athletes get out of the hood, make it big, and not remember them. They were the sources that normally raised and took care of them on their way to stardom. Well, Tiger is not from this tradition laden stereotype that believe it or not, is a small minority of players. He comes from a structured family like most of my African American friends. Think Kobe Bryant and his rape/adultery case in Denver. Think O.J Simpson and his murder case. Think of Michael Jordan too and his “transgressions”. These men were raised with fathers in the house. Conspiracy theorist will note all this leads to the presumption that if you are a black athlete with a white significant other and make a mistake you will be in big trouble. The problem I have with this way of thinking is all these cases could have easily been avoided. Not by marrying an African American woman. That is foolish and without merit. These situations could have been avoided because of the fame that these athletes already had. They should have known that they would have been tracked and followed because of their enormous fame. Does race play a part in it? I am sure it does as we are still dealing with ignorant people in our world.
I also think that there is another major circumstance that is at heart in these matters. And that is…get ready… YOU THE FAN drove these guys to do what they have done. By worshiping athletes to dizzying heights and always wanting a piece of them, a lot of them have believed from the beginning of any success that they are above the law. In the end there is a level of trust that is ingrained in them. I just recently told a young NBA player not to get married until he was in his mid 30’s. I told him enjoy your bachelor days and fame. Work on your craft and finally or near the end of you’re playing career, focus on love. The flip side to that ideal solution is that guys do not trust anyhow and now you’re about to date a person who you might think is after your money. I am not saying that this led to Tigers “transgressions” but come on how many of you at one point thought that his wife could be the big GD? If we have entertained that thought, then naturally the athlete is going to think that and that leads them to do what comes natural. Not being able to trust, which leads to stupid acts. Sure this sounds like a psychiatric session but I am telling you from experience as a former athlete and friend of a lot of today’s athletes. There are some great family men and athletes out there and I have the privilege of some of working with me. But, there are some athletes and celebrities out there who will continue to do what Tiger did until they get caught. Recently late night king David Letterman had to admit his “transgressions” because he was being blackmailed. In the past athletes such as tennis great Boris Becker, and soccer star David Beckham, have all had to face “transgressions”. We have even witnessed a US President admit failures. That is why I am not stung by this latest development.
Tiger Woods threw out everything he was raised to be for a damaging relationship. Not knowing Tiger I know that I would not like to be in his shows. Because of his tremendous wealth and stature he is on another planet when it comes to the accolades and groupies. That is a position I would not trade with him no matter what amount of money could come my way. That is another life style that could be very taxing, demanding, and tempting, on the weak of mind. I just hope for the sake of Tigers “transgressions” whatever they maybe we understand that no one is perfect. No matter the money, fame, or fortune people cannot be placed to a higher moral standard. After all Eldrick “Tiger” Woods is just a golfer. A darn good one at that! And that should be all that we care about. He has his own cross to bear with his wife, family, and friends, and that should be enough to keep him busy for a very long time.
Lake Lewis is the President and CEO of the Sports Journey Broadcast Network.