The Top 10 Things Tiger Woods Said/Didn't Say in His Press Conference

For the first time since the Thanksgiving weekend crash that sent his life into a shame spiral, Tiger Woods sat in front of a large press contingent for a free-for-all press conference Monday.

It was a 45-minute barrage of questions that touched on his game, his family life, his injuries, his treatment, and more.

His responses were not as deliberately measured as his February press conference, but Tiger did a very good job of being focused and still somewhat deliberate in his word choice.

Inside are 10 specific quotes that give a good overview of what Tiger spoke about and the instant reaction to those responses.

Following the Letter of the Law

Tiger says he didn't speak to the media for the months following his accident because he "followed the letter of the law."

I understand not speaking about an on-going police investigation, but to not address the media at all gave off the appearance that Tiger had something to hide. That is not a good public relations position to be in when you are the world's most recognizable athlete.

Changed His Perspective

Tiger said one of the most difficult things about his life since the famous Thanksgiving accident is that he "had to look at himself in a light that he didn't want to look at."

Tiger essentially said he had to look at himself as a adulterer, a conniver, and any other adjective thrown his way in the last six months. But the fact is Tiger was all those things and he knew he was all those things during his years of shady behavior. Being busted by his wife and the public in general didn't cause him to realize this for the first time.

Thankful to Fans Still Cheering for Him

Regarding being more personable on the course, Tiger said, "In practice rounds, just acknowledging the fans and their support for me, especially since what transpired in my life, for them to still cheer for me is incredible."

What Tiger should add is that he is very fortunate that the fans are willing to stick by him. That's because he still exemplifies greatness on the course, and ultimately that's what fans want to see.

Rehab

When speaking about his stint in rehab, Tiger said he "was in rehab for 45 days, and I'm a much better person having done that. Does that mean I'm going to stop doing that? Never."

Hopefully Tiger's pursuit of personal improvement means a great amount personally and not just for public relations purposes. However, those steps to improve his image are all part of his handlers' desire to restore his image for sponsorship sake.

Containing Emotions

"I'm going to try and not get as hot when I play. But then again, when I'm not as hot, I'm not going to be as exuberant."

Tiger offered that quote when answering how he will improve his image on the course. Tiger described how he will tone down his outbursts—both good and bad—but between the lines he left the message of, "I'm still going to beat everyone's collective rear end."

Elin's Not Coming

When asked if his wife would show up for The Masters, Tiger said, "Elin is not coming this week, no."

What Tiger meant to say is that Elin wants absolutely no part of the three-ring circle Tiger will participate in during his return week to golf. Her trip to Sweden with their kids during the week also indicates that their marriage may still be quite frosty.

Missed His Son's First Birthday

Tiger acknowledged that his life is unalterably different now that his personal story is all over the headlines.

"I can't go back to where I was. I want to be part of my son and daughter's life. I missed my son's first birthday and that hurts; it hurts a lot. I vowed that would never happen again. Something I regret and probably will for the rest of my life."

We can summarize that statement in one brief phrase: "Boy, I really screwed up." Tiger expressed disappointment in that his behind-the-scenes actions have possibly wrecked his future relationship with his children.

HGH Rumors

Tiger was asked about the rumored relationship between him and disgraced Canadian doctor Anthony Galea, who is charged with providing human growth hormone to many professional athletes.

Currently, there is no test for HGH, so no one can prove whether Tiger took drugs or not (he denied that he had). We can only hope that this is one subject about which Tiger is telling the complete truth.

Fatherly Advice

Tiger said he currently looks at a message from his father that was reinforced during his therapy treatment. "My dad said in order to help people, first you have to help yourself," Tiger said. "I wrote that down in treatment and looked at it every day."

Regardless of what one thinks of Tiger Woods, or his delayed response to his personal day, going in front of the press corps for a free-flowing press conference does help himself and help heal some wounds.

OK with Media Treatment

Tiger was asked whether he was surprised by the response and methods of the "mainstream media."

Tiger briefly answered and/or deflected the question by stating, "It's the sign of the times with 24/7 news coverage and everyone looking to break news. They wrote some bad things about me, but I deserve it because I've done some bad things."

Tiger avoided picking a fight with the media, which was far different after damning the media during his February press conference. It was a good sidestep by Tiger, who did not want to give the "mainstream media" or tabloid news any more fodder.