Scandal hits golf
Source: Splash Cam on Unsplash
Tiger Woods to take 'indefinite leave' from golf
Tiger Woods is taking an indefinite break from professional golf to tackle problems in his private life.In a statement on his website, he said he was aware of the disappointment "my infidelity" had caused to his family.
The world's top golfer said he wanted to "try to repair the damage done" and asked for privacy.
Woods' biggest sponsor, Nike, said it would continue to *stand by him, but his agent said it was too early to discuss the impact on any other business deals.
On his website, Woods said he was "profoundly sorry" and asked for forgiveness.
"I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding," the 33-year-old said.
"What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.
"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person."
In a separate statement, he also indicated he would be taking some time off from his responsibilities with the Tiger Woods Foundation - a charity he set up with his late father to help young people.
He said he knew his staff would continue efforts to maintain the foundation's work during his "absence".
Woods has been married to his wife, Elin, for five years and they have a two-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son.
In a statement, Nike said: "Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade."
"He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf."
"He and his family have Nike's full support."
'Thoughtful conversations'
Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, also voiced his support for the golfer's decision but said it was "premature" to discuss particular business deals.
"Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue," he said.
"Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept."
In a statement the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour said it supported the golfer's decision.
Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said the celebrity's "priorities are where they need to be".
"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him," he added.
In London, Woods' lawyers obtained an injunction on Friday preventing certain information purportedly about him being published.
It was granted by a judge at the High Court, and concerns alleged information which cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
Last week, Woods apologised to his family for "transgressions".
Speculation about his private life has been intense since he was involved in a car crash outside his Florida home two weeks ago.
Newspaper allegations followed about extra-marital affairs.
Woods has not been seen in public since the accident, in which his car hit a tree and fire hydrant.
The golfer, who was found bleeding and semi-conscious, was later charged with careless driving, which carries a $164 (£98) fine and four points on his driving record.
Woods has become an international sporting icon since winning his first major in 1997 at the age of 21.
He is just four short of equalling Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major victories and is regarded as one of the world's all-time great golfers.
Source: BBC News
What are your views on the scandal? Should sports stars or other famous personalities have the right to privacy?
Phrasal verbs:
"Woods' biggest sponsor, Nike, said it would continue to stand by him."
If you stand by someone, you don't abandon them but support them when they are in a difficult situation.
Examples:
- She stood by her brother during the trial and has stood by him since he was found guilty.
- Friends should stand by each other in times of trouble.
Comments
Everyone knows the scandals of Tiger Woods. He carries on the usual now. It’s curious that he said in 2009, -as we can see in this post- that he wanted to “try to repair the damage done”, however he has not changed. He was driving and hit a tree and fire hydrant. It was an important accident.
I think Mr. Woods has to stand out always, as top golfer as his scandals. I remember Maradona who could be the most important person in the world’s football, but he pulled to pieces his professional life for his scandals. They destroy themselves. There is a universal law of organization for that everyone organizes itself. (As I told you a lot of times, sorry). This is the reason for that these people don’t want to be happy. (Happy in ordinary sense because everything is personal).
In my opinion, everyone should have the right to privacy. Stars and other famous people should have privacy life, but could they live without propagandise? I don’t know, sometimes, it’s as if they look for it.
See you.
I don't have much sympathy with celebrities who use the media to earn their fortunes. They invite the public into their lives just to make money, so why shouldn't the public find out when their carefully created image contrasts sharply with the reality.
Everyone knows the scandals of Tiger Woods. He carries on exactly the same now. It’s curious that he said in 2009, -as we can see in this post- that he wanted to “try to repair the damage done”, however he has not changed. He was driving and hit a tree and fire hydrant. It was a serious accident.
I think Mr. Woods has to always stand out , as much for his golfing talents as for his scandals. I remember Maradona who could be the most important person in the world of football, but he pulled his professional life to piece due to his scandals. They destroy themselves. There is a universal law of organization so that everything organizes itself. (As I told you a lot of times, sorry). This is the reason why these people don’t want to be happy. (Happy in the common sense of the word because everything is personal).
In my opinion, everyone should have the right to privacy. Stars and other famous people should have a private life, but could they live without publicity? I don’t know, sometimes, it’s as if they look for it.