Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tiger Woods’ Failure

When the story first broke about Tiger Woods’ car accident, we all knew there was more to the story than we were being told. Tiger has now admitted to having affairs with several women. This is very disappointing to many who viewed him as Mr. Clean. Unlike other sports, golf is relatively free of scandal, so this was especially surprising.

Think about what these affairs are going to cost him as his all-American image is now severely tarnished:

-His endorsements will dry up for the most part.
-He hurt the ones he loves the most.
-He disappointed his parents and fans.
-He embarrassed his children (once they are old enough to understand what happened).
-His legacy as a great athlete is compromised by his personal failures (similar to Billy Rose and Kobe Bryant, among others).

Some will say something like, “He’s only human, like the rest of us. Give him a break.” Of course he’s only human, and yes, he’s subject to probably more temptations than the rest of us. But that doesn’t excuse his behavior, because he arguably has more to lose than most of us. Moreover, celebrities and especially sports figures are role models for our children and youth, so they have an extra responsibility.

You can tell that this has been a painful ordeal for Tiger and his family. I wish him all the best in restoring his relationships and his image. I hope good will come out of this, such as people will see the effects of such behavior and will renew their determination to resist temptation in whatever forms it presents itself. The cost is just too high and pain just too great. Look at former NY governor Spitzer and South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, who is in the process of being impeached.

I encourage you to pray for Tiger Woods and his family, and pray that you don’t fall into temptation as well.

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