Comments on: Reflections on a Scandal

By: randy choura

randy choura — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:45:13 +0000

Eric: Well said, as always. What is also troubling…as a multi-ethnic athlete in the white-washed elite world of golf; he has let down so many kids of many colors. Eric, do you see a connection between anyone who has seemingly so much talent, that what comes so easily to them, is not valued as much as the great gift they have been given? In my own case, I know how hard I had to work to achieve a “solo” level in pro skating, when other kids had skated since they were 6 years old at 6 in the morning, financed by their parents. Even my mother, when she was in her last year of cancer, asked me if I was enjoying skating at Cypress Gardens. Her advice: (as you would well expect)…enjoy every moment, savor it because it can or does go so quickly. I remember going out that day, and really, really listening to
the fantastic applause we got for our number…and thinking this is NOT going to last my whole lifetime, so I’m going to remember what this sounds like, feels like, looks like. Football players, who come back to camp..so out of shape totally baffle me. You?
Even Mario Lemeux…and I’m a fan, had an epiphany that one year, when he thought he should start lifting weights.
Huh? Then, there is Big Ben, with all his talent, but lack of responsibility to his comrades, coaches and fans decides to ride without a helmet. Huh?
I’m just saying sometimes, the hard work put forth provides a better foundation for survival in the sport..and as a person. I wasn’t just looking at this whole Tiger issue as a sexuality thing, but as another athlete,
who, feeling at the top of their game and invincible, did not feel enough responsibility to those that should matter. In a sense, Eric, they
“were playing God:” thinking “I got this way myself,” sort of thing…and they forgot how and who gave them sight to see the ball, strong arms to swing the club, and such amazing coordination and grace to excel. True, though sad for me, and so many fans, now that it has come out..that this was Tiger’s behavior, he
does now have an opportunity to become a better person…though perhaps slightly poorer financially, much richer spiritually. Let’s pray for that redemption for him.

By: Beej

Beej — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:48 +0000

Praying for Tiger’s family here as well, and praying that God will use this brokenness as a doorway. It will take time for the hurt to go away, but I believe he is sincere and is going to give the matter the attention it deserves and try to make it right. If he becomes as focused on this as we know he is capable of, and does not simply turn inward, the relationship will be healed.

By: Jaye

Jaye — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:24:41 +0000

I feel very sad for him, because this reveals some deep-seated needs in his emotional life. I would not suppose any of us can imagine what it is like to be inside Tiger’s head and his heart…but I wonder….
He had such a disciplined and performance-oriented childhood, shaped by his Dad’s passion for the game, could this be a secret rebellion/release of the pressure to be the best by misbehaving so spectacularly? Since his father’s death, he may not have the external input he was used to, and while one could argue that he thought he was above the rules, I don’t see that as much as I see someone in need of professional help to sort out the mess he has made of his personal life. There but for the grace of God go all of us…we just don’t have the temptation of millions and billions of dollars to pay for our sinful desires. For his sake and for the sake of Elin and the children, I pray they get the kind of psychological and spiritual help they need.

By: Floyd

Floyd — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:51:05 +0000

This was fantastic. I wish *these* words would be picked up by the mainstream media. Thank you Eric.