What Does Tiger Owe Us?

Stephen A. Smith writes that Tiger Woods has been cowardly in his approach to facing the media. According to Smith, Tiger owes us the answer to a number of questions while conceding that Woods' private life is none of our business. Come again? What are these burning questions that inquiring minds want answered that don't concern the golfer's personal life? Where does Tiger stand on steel tariffs, or funding the United Nations? McDonald's or Burger King? Paper or plastic? Smith and his brethren, in playing the public's "right to know" card, are putting the arrogance and self importance of the media front and center.

Tiger Woods parlayed his wealth and fame into a life of personal excess. Maybe there are complicated Freudian explanations for his descent. Maybe the devil made him do it. Who cares? But he was hardly breaking new ground. Many athletes, past and present, have gone down the same path, as have nonathletes, perhaps even some sportswriters. Numerous politicians have made a second career of it.

Woods is one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world so everything he does is, not surprisingly, put under a microscope. But why his transgressions should merit lead story status on the evening news, as opposed to just "Entertainment Tonight", is puzzling. The irony of the mainstream media piggybacking on the reporting of "The National Inquirer" is more newsworthy than the story itself.

We may be disappointed with Tiger's behavior, we may choose to root against him. Those who have elected to make Tiger a hero may feel angry or betrayed. Corporate sponsors who feel Woods' tarnished image redounds to their products or services have every right to pull the plug on promotional contracts. And Tiger's family clearly is due a big fat mea culpa, and a whole lot more. But he certainly doesn't owe the general public an apology, nor do I want one. And, aside from a few comments on his golf game, he doesn't owe the media anything.

A Tale of Two Cups - Ryder and Davis

The European team opened its defense of the Ryder Cup today in Kentucky. Over the past 10 years or more, this international competion has been transformed from a rather obscure event into one of golf's more compelling showcases with large, enthusiastic, flag-waving crowds and strong television ratings. Even without the presence of Tiger Woods this year, there is still a significant buzz leading into the latest chapter of this American-European rivalry.

Contrast this with another international sporting event taking place this weekend in Madrid - the U.S. vs Spain in tennis' Davis Cup. Even finding mention of it in the sports pages could pose a serious challenge. Quick. What is the Davis Cup? Who won the last Davis Cup? When did the United States last win? What is the format? If you answered "I don't care" to any or all of these questions, go to the head of the class. The Davis Cup was once a venerable tradition dating back to the amateur days of tennis when the men played in long white trousers. It continued to be popular in the golden era of tennis in the 1970's and early 80's. However, as tennis has declined in popularity over the last 20 years, so has the Cup. Now, it is a dinosaur sandwiched into a crowded schedule containing too many nondescript events. To make matters worse, the matches are dragged out for months.

The tennis powers-that-be should take a lesson from the Ryder Cup. A format for the Davis Cup should be devised so that the entire tournament could be played over one weekend. Otherwise it will continue to be a variation of the witness protection program - athletes with unfamiliar names playing in exotic places.

African-Americans in Golf and Tennis

A couple of generations ago, Arthur Ashe was one of the best tennis players in the world. He won numerous titles including the U.S. Open and the Davis Cup. In one of the greatest upsets in tennis history, he defeated the heavily favored Jimmy Connors to win the Wimbledon final in 1975. Ashe was graceful, articulate, and admired and respected as a sportsman and a citizen. More recently, Tiger Woods has displayed his own brand of heroics in another sport. Many believed that these exemplary role models would draw more African-Americans into pro golf and tennis. It doesn't seem to be happening and I haven't heard a persuasive explanation as to why not.