Posted on 12/13/2009 8:25:24 AM PST by AmericaTalks
It certainly did not take a long time for one of the world's greatest athletes to fall from grace. Just a few weeks ago, the only news Tiger Woods made was on the golf course.
Then suddenly, everything changed. In one incredible, tragic moment, Woods became persona non grata. How did this fall from grace occur? Why did this shining star in the world of professional sports virtually destroy his career and marriage in one fell swoop?
Because he could.
Propped up by celebrity, ego massagers and roadies, Woods could get anything and everything he wanted in an easily accessible manner.
And apparently what he wanted, was women. Many, many women. Some of whom he may have paid for. In so doing, he destroyed his marriage and tarnished his reputation as this squeaky clean, all American guy who just loved the game of golf.
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Whether it be in politics, business, entertainment or sports. When one reaches a certain stage where God-given talents become an enabler of undesirable behavior, temptation is irresistible. And it doesn't help that those that Woods surrounded himself with probably didn't try to stop his self-destruction.
The fallout from this is that his wife Elin will probably divorce him, and take him to the cleaners in the process. She has reportedly already spoken to a divorce attorney, while at the same time purchasing a home on an island in Sweden only accessible by boat.
Big sponsors such as Gillette and AT&T are deserting Woods and rightly so. They cannot be associated with a philanderer, perhaps even a sex addict. It will be interesting to see how his behavior will affect his career, such as it now stands.
It is theoretically possible for Tiger Woods to rebuild himself. Other high profile individuals have recovered from scandals involving sex, drugs and alcohol. But the degree to which Woods sank, especially with the number of women who have come forward to say they were involved with him, including some with whom he reportedly engaged in sex acts in exchange for money, means he has a tough road to hoe.
And this may require him to disappear for a long, long time.
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I’ve always thought he was a bit of a douchebag—wondered a bit about the ‘roids, etc. but of course, I didn’t know about this side of his life. He is a damn good golfer, but I always have rooted against him.
I first got turned off by his dad comparing him to Buddha and Gahndi after he won one tournament, and all the hypnotized jock sniffers talking about how they can’t wait for him to beat Jack’s record, like it’s something positive (you know, like the same asshats who salivated at the thought of a black president and voted for BO solely for that reason)
If anything, it may teach some people to grow the hell up—you can admire a guy’s golf game, and even think he’s an alright guy, without going overboard and fitting him for a halo-slobbering all the while like some teenage groupie.
Minor point: I read that he would ask at restaurants for free meals and never left tips. I would guess these restaurant owners made far less money than he. A cheap skate except when it came to hookers. (A madam in FOX yesterday stated that he once spent $60,000 for working girls. Must have been then one where he had around a dozen at the same time.)
Looks like Tiger, the Obama supporter, rode to many hoes.
You might know dozens that can cope, but the world is filled with ones that didn’t. VH1’s Behind the Music found out the story of blowing up a person’s success to be so standard you could pretty much MadLib the script (”and then _lead singer_ discovered _drug_ and things took a turn for the worse”). There’s a reason there’s are more rehab centers in LA than movie studios. Then there was the report earlier this year about how most retired NFL players are in bankruptcy court in a couple of years. Getting everything you ever wanted puts the zap on a lot of people’s heads.
I see your points and would like to add that favorable press ALSO enabled a good general public opinion (excluding the fans) of these athletes. If memory serves me well, Jordan took a few years away from the game, and who could be move lovable than Joe Namath? Women swooned in his presence, and with a twinkle of his eyes, he hooked generations of fans, even those who didn't like football.Final point: As a female observer of groupies following the handsome tour professionals, and there were plenty of both, I can understand from a man's point of view the inconsistent will to resist. Wives who otherwise would stay home (Arnie's comes to mind) usually succumbed to walking the course to thwart potential temptations.
Regards . . . Penny
Penny
don’t surprise me none its like blinde following a blind never been a fan of either of the two I just sit back and wait for them to fail. Ha ha ha popularity will get you some where. Think its called destruction or something
Apparently, he doesn’t even tip in restaurants and also often tries to get his meals for free because he’s Tiger Woods.
That’s an interesting insight and one that rings very true.
But this wasn’t some creation totally of the media. Tiger was actively out there telling stores about his commitment to his family, how wonderful his relationship with his father was, and so on.
I always thought it was 'toe the line'; if so, then it makes a lot more sense. I agree 'tow' would be confusing.
Because he has children, I wish the articles about him would slow down...If he didn’t have a family I wouldn’t care but the kids don’t deserve all the articles about him.(I don’t mean just F R but all the new outlets) Its not that interesting anymore....
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
* Glibness and Superficial Charm
* Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
* Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”
* Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
* Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
* Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
* Incapacity for Love
* Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
* Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
* Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
* Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
* Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
* Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
* Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
* Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
OK, I’ll bite.
The other golfers right now, while dreading the financial and ratings impact on the sport, are happy to see the phony Tiger Woods image finally put to death, and have Tiger get what he has coming to him?
You know, I can actually see Phil’s face smiling, and chuckling, while looking at the sports pages while drinking a cup of coffee.
Worked for Clinton, so it should work for Tiger.
Tiger and his wife just need to go dance on a Caribbean beach and then Elin can run for the Senate and all will be well with their world.
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