Tiger Woods spoke in public for the first time since revelations of marital infidelity rocked both his marriage and his golf career. Read the full transcript here.
Golf star Tiger Woods has broken his silence this morning, delivering a 13 minute statement to a small group of media, family, friends and associates at the TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA Tour.
"For all that I have done, I am so sorry," an emotional Woods said in a statement captured by a single fixed camera. It was the first time he had spoken in public since he crashed his SUV outside his Florida home on November 27.
The incident sparked a tabloid firestorm which, by the time it had reached its peak, had seen Woods' personal and professional lives fall into complete disarray.
"I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame," Woods said of the sordid allegations of extramarital affairs levelled against him.
Reactions to the apology have ranged from kind to critical.
"One of the most remarkable public apologies ever by a public figure," was how ABC's George Stephanopolous saw it.
"This is a man who thought a lot about what he did."
ESPN columnist Rick Reilly agreed, saying "He sounds like a guy who's been in therapy for 45 days."
Rick Cerone, former chief publicist for baseball's New York Yankees, took a different view. "What I saw was arrogance," he told CNN.
"It was basically an infomercial."
Woods said he took advantage of the temptations that were offered to him because of his celebrity status.
"I felt I had worked hard my entire life," he said. "I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply."
"I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behaviour."
Woods said he will return to golf, and although he would not set a date, he would not rule out a return this year.
"When I do return I need to make my behaviour more respectful of the game," he said. "I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course."
Woods struggled to keep his composure as he turned his attention to the media's hounding of his family. He said his wife, Elin Nordegren, did not assault him on November 27 or at any other time in their marriage.
"It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that," he said. "Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame."
Woods refused to speculate on the future of his marriage, saying "these are issues between husband and wife." Nordegren was not in the room when Woods delivered his statement.
"For the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone," Woods said in a message directed to the media. Nordegren and the couple's two children, Sam and Charlie, have been frequent targets of the paparazzi since the infidelity allegations surfaced.
Woods confirmed he had spent 45 days in therapy, and would be returning to complete his treatment.
"I have a long way to go, but I've taken my first steps in the right direction," he said.
- NZ HERALD ONLINE
