Tiger Won't Succumb to Political Pressure

FOXNews.com ^ | Thursday, April 25, 2002 | By Radley Balko

[rwfok]

When Tiger Woods won the PGA Championship in 2000, the mutterings began.

Like all black athletes with "crossover" appeal, whispers echoed on about "tradeoffs" and "giving back," and about it being time Tiger developed a "social conscience."

A handful of sports pundits, including USA Today

[AUgrad]

Of course I am only speculating.

[mountaineer]

I disagree slightly with your comment. Tiger's "transgressions" - in the case of the U.S. Open - stuck in my mind because they were so evident. Yes, I've heard the occasional damn or sh** from Mickelson and a few others, but not loud and very profane outbursts like those of Tiger ("g-d- f-ing s-" comes to mind). Of course, if the networks would get their cameras out of his face every once in a while, and actually cover a few other golfers' performances occasionally, it wouldn't seem so bad.

[Britton J Wingfield]

So why do athletes tend to lean right? My guess is because in sports, merit reigns supreme.

He's also an Army Brat, and soldiers tend to lean right as well.

[Doomonyou]

The left has been trying to push sports stars into politics for some time — particularly African-American athletes. But they haven’t had much luck. While Republicans continue to field world-class Capitol Hill softball teams with athletes like J.C. Watts, Jim Ryun, Steve Largent, and Jim Bunning — and have budding stars in the works with John Elway, Steve Young and Karl Malone — the Democrats have mostly struck out.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to to see that pro athletes make a lot of money and want to keep it as much as any of us do. They see the same class warfare liberal democrat idiots ranting and raving about the "rich" being selfish, screwing the poor, etc. etc. A pro athlete making 10 mil. a year gives the govmint more in a year than most of us will pay in a lifetime. Not to mention most(?) athletes have set up foundations, charities, etc. to (gag) "give something back to the community."

Hollywood actors, on the other hand, are just stupid.

[evad]

..probably didn't see them smoking either.

[Sloth]

Anyone who golfs can forgive a momentary lapse of manners. We've all done it at one or another.

If golfing causes you to lose self-control, then perhaps you should stop golfing.

[AUgrad]

probably didn't see them smoking either.

I remember Arnie smoking. I don't remember ever seeing Jack smoke. Cigars are still fairly prevalant.

[Wyatt's Torch]

Tiger is one of the most gifted athletes to ever play the game. I wish he would comport himself in a manner that upholds the dignity of the game as well as that of those that came before him.

I believe he does exactly that. Not only is he extremely talented, but he also works harder than anyone on tour. Additionally, he is stronger mentally than anyone on tour. He is extremely humble when he wins...and when he loses. A lot of people would be far better off if they adopted his dedication and work ethic. If utterances under the heat of competition are the only flaw, he is far better than 99.99% of the athletes/roll models today....nod to Milk Dud Head...War Eagle BTW.

[AUgrad]

He's a great golfer. If he continues at this pace he will be known as the best of all time. I would love for my kids to emulate his work habits and dedication, just not his use of the english language. War Eagle!

[evad]

Tiger Woods is a class act regardless of his politics.

Not really. Did you hear what he screamed on national TV as he teed off on the 2nd hole of the Masters?

He's a great golfer. If he continues at this pace he will be known as the best of all time. I would love for my kids to emulate his work habits and dedication, just not his use of the english language.

AU..which is it or what part of him having class do you disagree with. He does have a problem with his mouth at times...he's even been fined for it. But you initial response was "not really".

Probably doesn't really matter what you or I think of him...I'm sure he'll do well either way.

Good luck with your kids.

[AUgrad]

AU..which is it or what part of him having class do you disagree with. He does have a problem with his mouth at times...he's even been fined for it. But you initial response was "not really".

Just more evidence that Freeping can change hearts and minds. I guess I was harboring a little resentment because Tiger kept beating Michelson(my favorite golfer) in the majors. In the course of this thread it has been pointed out to me that he is highly dedicated, humble, consistant and gracious. I really can't honestly argue with any of those assertions. I had latched on to his language to justify my disliking of him. After conversing with a few fellow Freepers I realized my bias and backpedaled a bit. I still wish he wouldn't say those things though.

[evad]

I still wish he wouldn't say those things though.

Couldn't agree more...he's still young with a lot to learn and a lot of maturing to do.

PEACE ;-)

[evad]

...now..poor ole Phil. That's a whole different story.

I've decided what he needs is a new caddy....specifically...ME!!

[AUgrad]

now..poor ole Phil. That's a whole different story. I've decided what he needs is a new caddy....specifically...ME!!

I was actually proud of ole Mick at the Masters. He finally shot under par on Sunday of a major. That's at least progress.

[AUgrad]

Who is JJ?

[toddst]

When I cashed out of my last business ownership, writing that check to Uncle Sam for half my take from building the business, was very painful and enraging. I hate the government for that.

I would think you would more appropriately hate the liberal politicians who wrote and voted for such confiscation of your hard-earned dollars. No doubt in my mind that Tiger and other high-earnings athletes feel that way too.

[texlok]

And when President Clinton called to congratulate Venus Williams after she’d won the 2000 U.S. Open, Williams didn’t fawn and blush — she complained to him about her taxes.

I don't follow tennis (except for Anna) and don't know much about the Williams sisters, but I gotta say, I like Venus.

Tiger may in fact be a Democrat. He may be a Republican. He may be neither. I think it’s rather refreshing that, as of now, we really don’t know. We know him only as a "golfer." And a very, very good one.

And that's how it should be. Politics should have nothing to do with race, and just because somebody maybe a minority and famous, does not mean they should be pushed around and used by either side.

[Wyatt's Torch]

I like Phil too but he will never win a major. I was stunned when, after the Masters this year, that, "When Tiger is in the lead, you have no hope of winning." With that attitude, Tiger has him beaten before they ever tee off. Frankly, I hope someone challenges Tiger because it will only make him, and the game, better.