In a 13 minute speech, Tiger Woods said today (Fri., Feb. 19) that he was sorry for “irresponsible and selfish behavior,” during his first public address regarding the sex scandal that was exposed by way of a minor traffic accident in late November.
“I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you,” Woods said, speaking from the TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA Tour. “I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position. I have a lot to atone for.”
A select group of family, friends, business partners and others were on hand to watch Woods’ attempt to make amends for his actions.
“Many of you in this room are my friends many in this room know me,” Woods said. “Every one of you have reason to be critical of me. I’m aware of the pain that my behavior caused. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners and to everyone involved in my foundation.”
His wife, Elin, did not appear to be in the room. Seated in the front row were his mother, Kultida; PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem; and Stanford roommate and fellow pro Notah Begay.
In her absence, Woods praised Elin for how she handled the whole ordeal.
“Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal,” Woods said. “She deserves praise not blame. The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful, I had affairs I cheated and I am the only person to blame.”
He also denied that there was a domestic incident on that fateful night.
“Some people have speculated that Elin hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night,” Woods said. “There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever.”
“I understand that people want to know if Elin and me will stay together,” Woods said. “As far as I’m concerned every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me – between a husband and a wife.”
He blamed in part the trappings of fame and success as a factor in his infidelity.
“I convinced myself that normal rules did not apply to me,” Woods said. “I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and felt that I could I thought that I had worked hard and could enjoy all of the temptations around me.”
Woods said he had attended therapy for a 45-day period “to receive guidance for the issues I am facing.” Woods said he will return to therapy on Saturday.
“I have a long way to go,” he said.
Woods said he does not know when his indefinite break from golf will end, adding he would not rule out playing at some point in 2010.
“When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game,” he said.
