So in all the confusion we kind of forgot that there’s an actual PGA tournament occurring right now: The Chevron World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods (sitting in for host Tiger Woods this year will be Neil Patrick Harris). Although Rocco Mediate is not in the field, he has had many golf showdowns with Tiger in the past, not the least of which being at the U.S. Open two years ago. Mediate was on ESPN Radio in Chicago on Wednesday to give everyone a kind of George Baily, It’s a Wonderful Life reminder of what the golfing world would be like if Tiger were never born.
Key quote: “It’s so ridiculously sad it just makes me nauseous actually.”
Mediate:
“I haven’t really followed. It’s all just, I can’t really say what I want to say because I’m on the radio. It’s just wrong what’s going on. Everybody makes mistakes and obviously what I heard this morning what he said was right on the numbers. It’s not anybody’s business man, it’s his and his wife’s and his children’s business and the problem that I have with it is all the people that are trying to take this guy down because he made a mistake like everybody else does in the world a million times, but forgetting about what it involves.
“Two little kids and his wife, it’s their deal and knowing him, I don’t know her very well, but knowing him he’ll fix it. Everything is fixable, but because he’s the most recognizable person on earth, let’s just tear him apart while we have the chance, you know what I mean? When’s he’s himself and does great no one bothers him because it’s expected of him, then all the sudden this stuff happened, whether it’s true or not we’ll never know. It’s not even anyone’s business, and as you can tell I’m kind of angry right now. I just think it’s terrible, these people that have done this to him, it’s unbelievable. It’s so ridiculously sad it just makes me nauseous actually.”
I think you know my policy: Never argue with someone named Rocco. Audio here.
On what the Tour would be like without Tiger:
“I said it a million times, our tour is absolutely fantastic, but without him it ain’t as good; its that simple. I mean, look what he’s brought to our table. Look what he’s done for the PGA Tour, golf and the world of golf in general. So of course it will have a huge impact and you never want to not have your best guy no matter what the reason.”
Meanwhile, Irishman Padraig Harrington, who is in the Chevron field, had this to say about the worldwide nature of Tiger’s story on Fox Radio:
“Tiger is all the way around the world. I saw the Britain news on it when it happened and he was a front page on every single newspaper the following day. Bare in mind that was the same day that a terrorist attack killed 89 people in Russia and Tiger still made front page.”
***
Chevron World Challenge goes on without Woods [PGATour.com]
Rocco Mediate on Tiger Woods: ‘It’s not anybody’s business’ [SportsRadioInterviews.com]
Padraig Harrington gives his thoughts on Tiger [SportsRadioInterviews.com]
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- KimG - Dec 3, 2009 at 5:23 PM
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Everyone loves and admires Tiger because he’s a GREAT golfer, NOT because he’s a GOD. Putting Tiger on such a high pedestal is not fair. The Man is Human. He makes mistakes as all of us do. He should NOT be raked through the mud. He’s still the #1 golfer and will remain. He’s still going to make amazing shots. He’s still going to wow us with his skill. No one has a commitment to him except for Elin – so this is her and her family’s problem to deal with. NOT THE PUBLIC’s. Leave him alone. I’m glad that Rocco stood up for him. Mistakes or no mistakes. He didn’t hurt anyone but himself and his family.
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- Rudy - Dec 3, 2009 at 5:47 PM
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Now! Rocco is a real friend not JASPER and his BIG MOUTH WIFE!
Its a family issue not the world issue and Rocco said it right without Tiger Golf was dead! The man has done a lot on and off the field now he just has to make his wife and family feel and know he is there for them no matter what and I do believe Tiger will do that!
Stick to your family Elin do not leave under this stupid media pressure!
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- Badgolfer - Dec 3, 2009 at 6:40 PM
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Ummm, people do recall that Mediate left his wife and three teenage sons for his physical therapist, right?
I don’t disagree with what he says, but to say that “people have done this to him (Woods)” is just idiotic. Tiger did this to himself. You make deals with the devil when you make his kind of money and have his media profile. Dealing with media scrutiny is one of those deals. “Those people” don’t do a thing to Tiger if he’s faithful to his wife!
But hey, if one guy who left his wife and kids for someone else says its OK for someone else to do it, then it must be, right?
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- don - Dec 3, 2009 at 7:42 PM
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You know, it really makes me laugh. He transgressed like millions of others have done in the past and like millions of others will do in the future. Problem is this. Forget about his talent. Forget about how many tournaments he has won and will continue to win. Forget about how many luminaries come to his defense. Forget about his wife and two kids. Bottom of the bottomest line is simply this. Without the Media, he would only be another golfer who on most days could and would beat any other golfer. The media made him, the media followed him around like a puppy dog. The media raised him to such height that Nike & Buick and all the others stood in line to have him endorse their product.
Tiger, for all his talent, is simply plain stupid. His foundation is a joke. Why would any parent want to choose him as the one to look up to and try to emulate.
With wealth and notariety comes responsibility, something that Earl never taught him. Hey, you want to cheat? Cheat. I couoldn’t care less. But don’t cry for privacy to the media when the media gave you the keys to the universe and you couldn’t wait to accept them.
Media, have a field day.
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- Bob R - Dec 3, 2009 at 8:32 PM
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It’s as simple as this…the definition of charactor is how you act when nobody is looking…enough said.
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- tia - Dec 3, 2009 at 9:08 PM
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Tiger WOODS IS HUMAN! GET IT, HE’S HUMAN.
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- Don'tbelievethehype - Dec 3, 2009 at 9:11 PM
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Rocco couldn’t keep it in his pants either and destroyed his family. He is just as big a dirtbag as Tiger. Now everyone wants to cry about “privacy”. Fame is not something you turn on and off like a switch. Tiger sure as hell didn’t mind the fame when he was being paid hundreds of millions but when he cheats on his wife and gets caught he cries about his “privacy”. Grow a pair and quit your moaning you spoiled arrogant little bitch.
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- David Randolph - Dec 3, 2009 at 9:25 PM
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It’s sad that this had to happend to one of our sport heroes. I trully feel remorse for his lovely wife and their two children. When he uses the word “transgression” it is generally assumed that he’s referring to an ellicit affair with another women other than with his wife. It just seem unfathable that a person blessed with a good education from a fine university could be so outright stupid. Hopefully he has learned a valuable lesson from these events and not repeat them in the future.
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- geek - Dec 3, 2009 at 9:44 PM
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another child who does not know how to behave like a man.
Tiger has earned all he media attention he is now commanding.
It is not a family or personal matter, he gave up that life when he traded his name in for a price.
You want to treat him like the average Joe? Joe public would have been given a drug test and hauled off for destroying public property (remember the fire plug) driving recklessly without shoes, apparently no seat belt at 2AM.
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- Woody - Dec 3, 2009 at 9:56 PM
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Don, You should laugh cuz you’re a joke. The media didn’t raise him to his height – his incredible talent and determination on the golf course did. Anything/anyone great gets attention. Did the media make Michael Jordan? Brett Favre? Roger Federer? Do you think they ask for all the post game/tournament interviews and media attention? No, it’s his and any other golfer’s responsiblitiy to speak with the media when asked. I’m sure he would love his privacy more than anything. You can’t forget about how much he’s done and how much he has done for the gameof golf – let’s separate that from his personal life.
Maybe you should talk to “geek” – obviously both of you can’t fathom what it takes to be a world champion athlete.
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- Mike - Dec 3, 2009 at 10:00 PM
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So, because he’s famous and a very good golfer, it’s OK that he’s cheating on his wife and kids? Moral values have no boundaries. If you’re rich and famous, you should still have moral values. Maybe even more so if that’s possible. Tiger is a role model for millions of kids. Is it OK to behave like he has?
I agree it’s between him and Elin and the kids. They need to make the actual decisions on what is to be done, but it’s also very important how the public reacts, too. If we condone his actions, that gives a terribly wrong message to the kids who idolize him. He needs to be publicly admonished for his actions. Nothing more, nothing less.
And what Rocco or Jesper, or anyone else says about him is their opinion. Also nothing more, nothing less.
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- Mike - Dec 3, 2009 at 10:07 PM
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Yep. He’s human. He’s also a dog….doesn’t matter who you are or what your status is, if you cheat on your mate, you’re a dog. And, as I said before, he’s a role model for millions of kids. This is NOT what I want my kids to learn how to do. Don’t forgive him, for he knew exactly what he was doing. Nobody held a gun to his head.
If he wants to show his face in public after this, fine. Those who forgive him and cheer him on just expose their moral values for the rest of the world to witness as well.
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- Don - Dec 3, 2009 at 11:05 PM
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Woody, you just don’t get it, but then again, you probably don’t get a lot of things.
Nothing personal, Woody.
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- j w - Dec 3, 2009 at 11:14 PM
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You’re on the johnny carson show at age 3 or whatever. You’re achieving about every goal you set for yourself. You’re on your way to surpass jack nicklaus record for majors. All this takes a big ego. With the big ego comes intense interest in your life, along with big endorsements. Unfortunately, the world will look at you differently now(for your golf greatness).
Maybe you and the misses weren’t gettin along, that happens to the best of us. If that’s the case, divorce her before ya want to hook up with someone else. Plain and simple, your under a microscope, don’t think ya can’t get caught (their’s the ego thing again).
I wish I could say you’re a jerk, dog or whatever expletive most are wanting to call ya, but I can’t. Most of all, I fell sorry for ya cause the lack of judgement, character that you displayed hurt so much of what you have worked your whole life for.
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- J C - Dec 3, 2009 at 11:50 PM
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Anyone that uses the ‘Tiger is a role model’ rap should have their children taken away. If they truly believe that their children are now going to commit adultery because a golfer on TV did should not be a parent. Do these moronic moralists have any day to day interaction with their kids? Take responsibility for raising your children instead of blaming the world.
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- Maggie - Dec 4, 2009 at 8:02 AM
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I admire Tiger’s golf ability. There’s nothing better than watching him win a major. However, here’s what I don’t understand: he’s got a college education from a good university, he made over 1B last year in winnings and endorsements, he’s married to a woman that is drop dead gorgeous, they have to beautiful children, live in a lovely home in a gated community. What more can this man actually want or need in life? What’s wrong with being happy with what you have? Is having an affair just another thing to be mastered? I’m sure he must have women throwing themselves at him all the time. But what’s wrong with saying “no”? If your marriage is in trouble, or you want to sleep with someone else, get some counseling or leave/divorce your wife before you sleep around! I just don’t get it…
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- MsJ - Dec 4, 2009 at 8:27 AM
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All Tiger did was do what he loved to do with excellence – play golf. The media elected to put him on a pedestal. He certainly did not. Endorsers wanted to be aligned with him & paid him good money for his excellence in playing the game. Did Tiger say he wanted to be a role model? The media media needs to stop putting up strawmen only to tear them down afterwards. Does anyone really believe that cheating is a rare occurrence, especially in the great USA, with all the sexual freedomd & where the divorce rate is so high? Tiger, continue to play your golf. Imagine, a man with a wife who takes a golf club to him & not a word about the abuse…..clearly, this here is no Rihanna. Yes ladies, if your spouse cheats, take a stick to him!!
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- dt - Dec 4, 2009 at 11:13 AM
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Yes, what he did was wrong. It was his mistake that he will have to live with, but I emphasize “his” mistake. At least he is man enought to own up to it! I have not met any one on this earth that is perfect, even Jesus said ask for forgiveness and you shall be forgiven. The problem with the world, is too many rock throwing Hypocrites! What ever happened to the only mistake made, is the one not realized? I do not condone his actions, and hope if given the opportunity, I would not dis-appoint myself, and the person that matters most to me. You may not think he is a role model, but in my eyes he is, because he is big enough to admit he messed up, and willing to try make up for his poor decision. Mind your own business, busy B’s! Play on Tiger!!!!
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- mike phaup - Dec 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
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TIGER IS PURE TRASH.
YOU’ALL KNOW IT!
“I DID NOT LIVE UP TO MY VALUES”
HE HAS NO VALUES.
TRASH IS TRASH!
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- Smg - Dec 4, 2009 at 12:11 PM
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I agree. It is a totally personal issue. He is not the first public (or private) figure to make a mistake, and he won’t be the last. Its sad when this type of story takes over the headlines and ignores other more serious problems going on in the world. One should seriously take into consideration the type of woman who runs out and tells her story to the highest bidder(s) without any respect or concern for what the resulting fallout does to others involved. Its all about money (probably even from the beginning) –what kind of person does that make them???
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- TOM W. - Dec 4, 2009 at 12:11 PM
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Tiger picks out morons.
First a Nanny now reality star.
What idiots?
What a jerk he is?
If he was not an athlete he would be pumping gas somewhere!
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- YANKEES1996 - Dec 4, 2009 at 12:50 PM
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Mike and Dontbelievethehype – Why should Tiger be admonished in public for something that is clearly private? Tiger has never been in the public eye in this negative way before so he has never had his privacy INVADED. You guys make it sound as if everyone should demand that he be firmly punished in public, a stoning perhaps or castration maybe. When did Tiger Woods demand that you guys sacrifice your privacy for mistakes you have made? Oh, let me guess you have not made any, right! Look, being famous, rich, talented or good at a game does not give you the right to punish or judge the man. Tiger Woods has done more good in this world through his foundations, golf clinics for kids and Make-a-Wish and other charities than he has bad. The incidents that he has admitted happened are private matters between him and his family, if he is not calling on you to confront your mistakes in public why is everyone so quick to make him do it? I say show the man some respect and stay out of his business, if you have that big of a problem with what he did do not support him or buy the things he endorses. I do not believe however that he should be tried and convicted in public for a private matter and most of all I do not think his wife and kids should be dragged through the mud. The media will extract their pound of flesh for these trangressions but I do not see any reason for the public at large to be involved, unless Tiger Woods is involved in your families business or his actions have hurt or caused embarrasment to you or your family.
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- Stephen - Dec 4, 2009 at 12:54 PM
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The real reason the pro golfers are behind Tiger is because he puts money in their pockets. They are as shallow as Tiger himself. I will lose all respect for any pro golfer that supports Tiger in this area simply because they are scared of him and what it may do to their own bank account if he gets into any more trouble. Those that continue to support him are basically just kissing up to make sure that they can live in a lifestyle that they want. “Imagine the tour without Tiger”…hello…the tour existed long before Tiger and actually had men of integrity that were not pampered as they are now. Tiger expects everyone to bow down to him….forget it….this makes me sour even on the game of golf.
If he can cheat on his wife…then you know he can cheat on everything else. Thank you Jesper for having the nerve to say what needs to be said. Sorry Rocco that your life is so dependent on Tiger doing well….you have lost more than you think..
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- Golffann - Dec 4, 2009 at 1:00 PM
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Okay, I can’t stand it anymore. Rocco says “look what they are doing to him”, Tiger did it to himself on his own. Do you realy think a spouse would feel any better about finding out their spouse is having multiple, long term, ongoing affairs while you are at home raising the children, regardless of the media attention? The media isn’t dragging Elin through the mud, only Tiger. Tiger, I bet your Dad would be proud of you now (perhaps this is the only time Tiger is glad his father isn’t here) as I’m certain your Mom is just as proud is. What is with this “everyone makes these mistakes”? Yes, eveyone makes mistakes but not everyone has multiple ongoing affairs while their spouse is busy raising children. Hey Rocco, it isn’t up to Tiger to fix it. It can only be fixed if Elin wishes to attempt to fix it. What confidence if any can she have in Tiger going into the future. By the way, I’m certain Tigers children will appreciate thier fathers actions once they become old enough to understand it. Supposedly one of Tigers best attributes is his mental strength. Perhaps we need to rethink that aspect as well. Obviously there was no thought of the family or family simply doesn’t really mean that much to him. It’s not like something happend one time, he though about it and stopped it. What is the purpose of trying to save the relationship if your spouse is going to behave like that? What message does that send to your children? No, I don’t think less about Tiger as a golfer, only as a man.
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- Jesse Casteel - Dec 4, 2009 at 1:09 PM
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What he has done has been done by counless others everday and is happening as I type this. What he did was wrong, stupid ect. ect. but he’s a man not God and he who is faultless may cast the first stone…Is anyone out up to it? I do not think so. He’s a grat golfer he’s not he Almighty so back off. It’s his families issue not the media or anyone elses, it’s theirs. He’s mistakes dims he’s image but it’s not fatal. We have an ex-pres. who did the same and is still at the Top of his game. The media and everyone else needs to back off and let hiom save his family life if he can The victin in this are his wife and kids not the publica. All I can say to Tiger is God forgives and I hope for your sake so will your wive.,
