Golf superstar Tiger Woods delivered a public apology today in front of a massive worldwide television audience, once again admitting the numerous past marital affairs that erupted in scandal in November.
“I am deeply sorry for [the] irresponsible and selfish behaviour I engaged in,” the 34-year-old athlete said in a 13-minute speech at the TPC Sawgrass Players clubhouse in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida, before a live group of around 40 people. “I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did was not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame. I brought this shame on myself.”
His wife of more than five years, Swedish model Elin Nordegren, was not present, nor were their two children.
Woods added that he’d thought he “deserved to enjoy the temptations” that his unprecedented success had put in his path. But he didn’t reveal any new facts about his affairs, or about where his marriage to Nordegren is heading. “Every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me, issues between a husband and wife,” he said, referring to his marital issues. “Elin never hit me that night, or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence [in the marriage].”
The golf legend also said that he had been in therapy for about a month and a half and would likely return. Of the likelihood of his returning to the PGA Tour, Woods remarked: “I do plan to return to golf one day. I just don’t know when that day will be. I don’t rule out it will be this year.” Woods has been taking an indefinite break from golf since December.
After the apology, Woods hugged his mother, Kultida Woods, who whispered something into her son’s ear. “I said, ‘I’m so proud of you. Never think you stand alone. Mom will always be there for you and I love you,'” the elder Woods told the Associated Press.
Nordegren’s parents, who reportedly watched Woods’ apology on TV in Sweden, declined to comment on it, according to AP.
The speech was broadcast on numerous TV networks and online streams all over the world.
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