SportsIllustrated – The Tiger Woods DUI: Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Monday morning, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Woods, a resident of Jupiter Island, Florida and was booked into jail at 7 a.m. Monday morning. Woods, a resident of Jupiter Island, Florida and was booked into jail at 7 a.m. Monday morning. Records show that Woods was released from custody at 10:50 a.m. under his own recognizance.
By now, we all know about the Tiger Woods DUI. As an outsider, it’s easy to sit and judge Tiger Woods for all of the recent mistakes he’s made as his golf career seemingly winds down. The difference between his mistakes, and our mistakes is that his become headline news. He’s been in the spotlight since before he could legally drink an alcoholic beverage. I think most would agree that, for the most part, he has dealt with it all pretty well. Better than most, I would guess.
Obviously, he messed up when had a bunch of affairs that ultimately ended his marriage, and forced him to become a part time dad. I mean, clearly he was leading a double-life, and let his power go to his head. Like most at the time, I didn’t think too much about the parenting side of it all, and was more interested in all the women involved. But, this past weekend, when news broke of the Tiger Woods DUI, I couldn’t help but put on my dad hat. At first I was mad. What if he hurt someone? Can he not afford an Uber account? Then I thought about how I would feel in his shoes.
Like I said, we’ve all made mistakes, but his are examined under a huge microscope. Whenever I look at another dad, I try to consider their situation before I’m too quick to judge. After all, most of us are just trying to survive the dad shift given the tools at our disposal. It’s not always easy.
He’s filthy rich, plays a game for a living (when he’s healthy), and yet he still struggles in many of the same ways many of us do. It’s not yet clear what exactly caused the Tiger Woods DUI (pills or alcohol), but it is becoming pretty clear that Tiger could use some help. He’s falling down on the job while the rest of us just get to watch. Despite all his heroics on the golf course, he’s just another dad trying to juggle his family, his career, and his health. Coming to terms with retirement at such a relatively young age, cannot be easy. He’s been identified as a golfer since he was three years old, and his body is letting him down. Focusing on what really matters is easier said than done.
Now, I’m not going to pretend I know anything about Tiger’s family life, or anything about the real man behind the microscope. All I can say, is that while most are quick to call him a villain, and focus on the negative, I feel bad for the guy. It’s hard enough raising kids, and being the “head of household” without the type scrutiny he’s under. I know I’ll never have the fame, funds, or golf game that he has on his worst day. But I’m good with that, if it means keeping strong relationships with the people that matter most.
I hope Tiger can turn it around, and even get back on the golf course to prove everyone wrong. Obviously, that’s not the priority right now, but I hope he knows that he hasn’t lost all of his supporters. We still want you to be the best man, golfer, and dad that you can be.
