Tiger Woods' wife, children not only victims

Editor's note: This is a personal opinion and it does not speak for foodconsumer.org.

By Jimmy Downs

MSNBC.com cited a couple of sources as saying that Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren may soon make it public that they are separated or that there may be a decision prior to Merry Christmas to make that they will be officially permanently split.

One sign that may give people some hint is that Elin did not wear her wedding ring when she showed up in a gas station pumping gas into a SUV.  MSNBC cited a lot from its unnamed sources as saying that a fairy tale may soon come to an end.

Too bad for Tiger Woods, his wife and children!  No one would think a divorce or split or separation or whatever like this is something desirable even though an ending of a problematic marriage may well be a good start for many people including Tiger and Elin.  Only marriage counselors may not agree.

Too bad for the family also because there is too much media coverage on the negativity of Tiger's personal life.  Something that is happening in the family may more or less have something to do with the media, which should take some responsibility.  I can only imagine that Elin may be more tolerant and may try something that is more constructive to her marriage life if the scandal is contained within the family.

I am sympathetic with everyone in the family including Mr. Woods for I understand not only that his personal life is overly exposed by the news outlets, but also that he as a young and rich athlete has been in a very difficult position to defend himself against the temptations from other women.

It is easy for fans and commercial sponsors to blame the man.  They condemned his conduct and labeled it as irresponsible or abnormal. But we need to remember the fame and wealth this young man has enjoyed.  What I am trying to say is that Tiger Woods does not have to chase women to be a womanizer or philanderer.  He can be pursued by others because of his fame and money even though in reality we do not know who chases whom.  This is not to say that this man has an excuse.  It just means that he is in a very difficult position.

I'd say Tiger Woods is a victim of his fame and money.  Men who do not enjoy the fame and money this man has may not understand how difficult it is to reject pursuits from many women who would die to have relationship with him.  The temptations are just way too much for this Tiger.

Of course, the women who alleged to have had romantic relationship with Tiger Woods are not to blame.   Women like rich men. At least most or the majority do.  If two men are the same except for their money, I would venture to guess that most or at least the majority of women would pick the rich man.  Those who prefer rich men are not to blame.  There is a biological background: Women need money for themselves and their offspring.

Many fans and sponsors are disappointed with Tiger Woods now.  They view him as a role model and sponsors want from him a positive public image.  They have a right to being angry about the unwanted drama.

I hope that many people can give Tiger Woods some understanding.  He has lots of fame, money for sure and likely loads of testosterone as well.  In a sense, it's not all the world greatest professional golfer's fault when things like the sex scandal occurred. Of course Tiger Woods needs to take responsibility for whatever he did or did not do.

I also hope the news media will soon stop spreading the sex scandal that has hurt Tiger Woods' family.

Best wishes to Tiger Woods’ family and everyone else.