Tiger Woods, the world’s number one golfer gave his first full-fledged press conference to the media following his car crash and cheating scandal, which erupted last November. Woods, looking relatively relaxed after the first few minutes, fielded mainly soft ball questions from a friendly media and answered most of the questions that were asked.
Asked by a reporter how he was able to live such a secret life, Woods said that he was able to rationalize his behavior by lying to himself and to others around him. Woods said what he had done to his family was “just terrible” and that he takes full responsibility for his behavior.
“Unfortunately what I did to my family, kids and going forward I would have to explain. I take full responsibility,” Woods said.
Wood referred to his 45 days in rehab in January, saying that he would be continuing with treatment. However, asked by one reporter what he was being treated for, Woods replied “It’s personal”.
Asked why he did not speak to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers investigating his car accident last November, Woods said that he did get a citation for $166 and that it is a closed case. However, Woods did say he sustained injuries of a busted lip and a sore neck from the accident, but declined to say whether Ambien played a role.
Woods disclosed he had on occasion taken prescription drugs following four knee operations and when his Dad had passed away. Although he has been treated in the past by Dr. Anthony Galea, a sports medicine specialist arrested for dispensing performance-enhancing drugs, Woods said that he had never been treated with HGH nor had ever taken an illegal drug in his life. He did admit however, that federal investigators had been in touch with his agent regarding a drug probe.
When a reporter asked Woods if his wife Elin would be at the Masters and whether his family was supportive of him returning to golf at this time, he responded, “Elin is not coming to the game.”
Projecting himself as a changed person, Woods said that he is determined to show more respect for the game and his fans. In the past, he said he hadn’t shown appreciation for his fans and “that was wrong of me.”
“I wouldn’t get as hot when I play … but I won’t be as exuberant either,” Woods said. “I made a conscious decision to tone down negative outbursts.”
Woods said that “winning golf tournaments is irrelevant to the damage I’ve caused,” but added he missed the competition and it felt great “for fans to want to see me play again.”
