by Jeff Vidrine

Created on: April 10, 2010

Tiger Woods behaved badly. He cheated on his wife, his kids and his fans. As far as is known, Tiger did not commit any criminal acts. He did not shoot someone or himself, drive while intoxicated, or embezzle funds. Woods is not under indictment or investigation of criminal behavior.

The greatest uproar seemed to be about his commercial endorsements.  Which endorsements will Tiger lose? Which will he retain? Great copy for the gossip columns. While important to those advertisers, and to their and Tiger's bank account, being a poor role model as a spokesman for a company is not golf. So, the golden boy is tarnished. So what? "Let him without sin cast the first stone."

Can you imagine if everyone who cheated on their spouse could not work? Kobe Bryant played through it. And he was charged with rape. Director Roman Polanski, guilty of having sex with a 13 year old, continues to amass a fortune and accumulate awards for directing movies. He is fighting extradition to pay for his crime. Tiger Woods did not commit a crime.

Playing golf is Tiger Wood's job. Nowhere in the rules of golf are personal, family matters addressed. Tiger is a golfer. Scandal is bad for golf's image but does not preclude him from playing. The idea that personal scandal should prevent him from going to work, doing his job, and playing golf is unfair, promulgated by those who are jealous of his enormous success and popularity.

Scandal has not deterred many in the public eye from performing their jobs.  Bill Clinton lied about what he did, was impeached, and lost his license to practice law. Yet, he didn't miss a day of work. Brittney Spears, Paris Hilton, Hugh Grant, Barry Bonds, and many others in the spotlight have done scandalous things. Would anyone ask if Hugh Grant came back to acting too soon after his indiscretion and arrest with a hooker in a parked car?  

Tiger Woods apologized, sought professional help, and voiced his commitment to his wife and family.His serious lack of judgment has cost him untold millions of dollars. While "all that glitters is not gold" for Tiger, he is a golfer. He should be playing, doing the work he has trained for his entire life. It wouldn't surprise me to see him win this weekend's Master's Tournament. I hope he does. Leave the gossip to the tabloids and be glad that the world's best golfer is back at work.

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