Whitewater
The Tale of Tiger
February 20, 2010
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
In the Special Report news media arena previously reserved for information that affects the entire country, like the health of a president, Tiger Woods had the spotlight. For one brief shining moment, he shared his thoughts about the controversy surrounding him in a staged monologue on Friday morning. In front of family, friends, and the entire country via a television news Special Report, Tiger Woods began with an apology and ended with hugs of his mother and other people in his inner circle.
One question remains -- What didn’t Tiger say in his prepared statement?
Tiger’s explanation/apology/promise left out five items that do not seem to interest the news media for one basic reason -- sex sells. Tiger Woods is an icon. Naturally, the story about multiple affairs with young ‘tigresses’ is a titillating story. Sex stories sell papers and boost ratings. President Clinton’s affair/dalliance/indiscretion with Monica Lewinsky got more media coverage than the Whitewater topics of Ken Starr’s investigation.
Nevertheless, some issues remain open for clarification.
First, he did not address the issue of recreational or prescription drugs. Was he under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol when he crashed his vehicle into a tree on Thanksgiving Weekend? In his statement, he mentioned that he never used performance enhancing drugs. Not the same thing.
Second, he did not address the issue of the accident. How did the window get broken on the SUV? What caused him to crash into the tree?
Third, he did not say that he loved his wife. He praised her. He admonished the media for invading his family’s privacy. He sought to protect his kids from the harsh spotlight of the media. He said, Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. But he never mentioned his feelings for his wife, nor did he specify his treatment or therapy. Some media accounts say the treatment or therapy concerns sex addiction.
Fourth, he did not say why he repeatedly refused to meet with police to discuss the accident.
Fifth, he did not explain why he waited nearly three months to talk about the controversy surrounding him.
By not addressing these topics immediately after the accident or at any time up to and including Friday’s appearance, Tiger Woods leaves them open for continuing interpretation, deliberation, and investigation.
One mistress wants a public or private apology dedicated to her. High-powered lawyer Gloria Allred represents the mistress, former porn actress Joslyn James. At a press conference on Friday following the Tiger Woods appearance, Ms. Allred went before the cameras with her client and demanded an apology. However, I’m not aware of any legal basis for requiring an apology to a mistress. Also noteworthy was the lack of an apology from Ms. James to the wife and children of Tiger Woods.
david@davidkrell.com
In the Special Report news media arena previously reserved for information that affects the entire country, like the health of a president, Tiger Woods had the spotlight. For one brief shining moment, he shared his thoughts about the controversy surrounding him in a staged monologue on Friday morning. In front of family, friends, and the entire country via a television news Special Report, Tiger Woods began with an apology and ended with hugs of his mother and other people in his inner circle.
One question remains -- What didn’t Tiger say in his prepared statement?
Tiger’s explanation/apology/promise left out five items that do not seem to interest the news media for one basic reason -- sex sells. Tiger Woods is an icon. Naturally, the story about multiple affairs with young ‘tigresses’ is a titillating story. Sex stories sell papers and boost ratings. President Clinton’s affair/dalliance/indiscretion with Monica Lewinsky got more media coverage than the Whitewater topics of Ken Starr’s investigation.
Nevertheless, some issues remain open for clarification.
First, he did not address the issue of recreational or prescription drugs. Was he under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol when he crashed his vehicle into a tree on Thanksgiving Weekend? In his statement, he mentioned that he never used performance enhancing drugs. Not the same thing.
Second, he did not address the issue of the accident. How did the window get broken on the SUV? What caused him to crash into the tree?
Third, he did not say that he loved his wife. He praised her. He admonished the media for invading his family’s privacy. He sought to protect his kids from the harsh spotlight of the media. He said, Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. But he never mentioned his feelings for his wife, nor did he specify his treatment or therapy. Some media accounts say the treatment or therapy concerns sex addiction.
Fourth, he did not say why he repeatedly refused to meet with police to discuss the accident.
Fifth, he did not explain why he waited nearly three months to talk about the controversy surrounding him.
By not addressing these topics immediately after the accident or at any time up to and including Friday’s appearance, Tiger Woods leaves them open for continuing interpretation, deliberation, and investigation.
One mistress wants a public or private apology dedicated to her. High-powered lawyer Gloria Allred represents the mistress, former porn actress Joslyn James. At a press conference on Friday following the Tiger Woods appearance, Ms. Allred went before the cameras with her client and demanded an apology. However, I’m not aware of any legal basis for requiring an apology to a mistress. Also noteworthy was the lack of an apology from Ms. James to the wife and children of Tiger Woods.