The media has done exactly what every meddlesome consumer always ask for: What is Tiger "really" like? And now, your criticizing the media? TMZ.com, Deadspin, and TheBigLeague.com are doing their jobs promoting self-exposure and highly regarded news. Plus, why are "you" complaining when "you" are the one's buying the magazines and going to Esquire.com everyday. The story has to play out, and fans need to let it play out.
For one to flamboyantly ridicule any piece of the media out loud -- the magazines; the tabloids; and the websites -- are completely expressing ludicrous verbal acts. Considering the circumstances -- the most recognized billionaire athlete worldwide -- Tiger Woods will never be camouflaged under any stipulations. Anything -- and everything! -- Tiger does, will (eventually) be unsealed.
So, Tiger stumbled for once, and the audience is questioning while euphoria sits into those who are the "I told you so" type. For once, he had an "Oh My God" moment not involving some incredible 63-foot birdie putt.
The truth: The majority of the audience never thought Tiger had this in him. No one would have predicted this dedicated, untouchable, transcendent athlete could do the unthinkable -- cheat on his wife. As most fans tend to think professional athletes like Tiger do no wrong, we are constantly reminded that these athletically, crafted professionals that make millions -- in Tiger's case billions -- of dollars are just like any other human being. Don't believe me? See: Kobe Bryant (accused with rape), Ray Lewis (once indicted for murder) Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez (steroids), Ron Artest (The Palace Mele), Chad Occhocinco, both Michaels (Vick and Phelps), and so on. All of these guys are more popular than ever. Tiger, in essence, hit a fire hydrant.
Truth number two: The majority of fans have been suffocated with obedient sports news. (Note: it's the reason why I love sports so much. 75 percent of sports news is on the positive side.) From ESPN's essays on Sportscenter to heart-warming columns Sports Illustrated, the endowment of watching, listening, and reading about sports is what makes all of us fans. But once we are out of our comfort zone -- example: athlete X executes a poor act that fans are suddenly shocked by or news comes out about player Y that fans find offensive -- we are vulnerable.
So many questions ponder into the floating minds of not just sports fans, but non-sports fans.
Did Tiger do wrong? Of course. Is Tiger a terrible person after his alleged affair allegations? Depends on your views of the situation. Is Tiger's legacy ruined? No. Not at all. Should fans question Tiger for who he really is? That's your own choice. Can Tiger get over this? Yes.
An unconventional amount of questions will be answered in the matter of time.
The gratifying part of the story to me is how Tiger's world has spiraled in less than two weeks. For a guy who is the most charismatic athlete in the world (and the most recognized), we, as humans, should respect what Tiger has done for us. He's captivated our attention while we enjoy watching his gravitate to The Best Ever on the golf course. For someone to question the media is foolish and inexplicable.
If you don't like reading, watching, or listening about the Tiger Wood's saga, then turn your television and/or radio to a different channel, put down the magazine, don't go to the websites, and delve into something else.
Yes, it was a surreal moment that captured the world's attention. But the "This is getting old!" argument is one that should quit circulating throughout schools, work pods, and home.
You can ignore the story. That's fine. Just remember, the story has to play out. So, let it.
