Why The World Hates Tiger Woods

Recently, word came out that police were perusing drunk driving charges stemming from Tiger Woods' recent car accident. Then further news that Elin Nordegren, Tiger Woods' wife, has taken Tiger's two young children and moved out.

Just like that, Tiger Woods, superstar and billionaire athlete, became the biggest loser in history.

Tiger can take consolation in his golfing accolades, but they won't help him sleep at night, alone, in his empty house.

For those keeping score at home, Woods just hit his fifth-straight ball into the water on the seventh hole after birdying the previous six. What else has he lost?

 

His Marriage

That seems to be over given the 10 alleged affairs. Elin Nordegren left Tiger Woods with the children, and it seems unlikely she will return.

 

His Children

Professional athletes are at a big enough disadvantage being fathers to their children, since they are on the road for most of the year. Tiger just ruined whatever chance he had.

One day Tiger's children will get old enough to figure out what their dad did, even if Elin, who will be raising them, doesn't tell them first.

 

His Reputation

My 62 year-old mother called me while furious. For five minutes straight she cussed out Tiger, calling him "pathetic," "deplorable," and "vile." She's not one to go on the Internet and write an article, but she does play golf 200 times a year. Three times a week she records it TV.

She's not a fan of golf because of Tiger, but of course, she loved watching him. Everyone did. The stuff he did was, and is, legendary. What made it even better for people like her is that he wasn't some sleazy, bleach blond, spiky-haired douche bag, flaunting his celebrity for the world to see.

She won't forget about what Tiger did to his wife. I can't imagine many married women will either. I doubt their husbands will be foolish enough to openly support Tiger given what he did.

His Privacy

The media used to ignore Tiger for the most part. It's not often the most recognizable athlete on the planet can say he has a private life, but Tiger could. He went out to night clubs with friends, and rarely, if ever, was in the tabloids.

It will never be that way again. Once the media smells blood, and gets a hold of a celebrity, they don't let go.

When Tiger lost these things he lost everything real in his life.

He doesn't have much family left, aside from his wife and children. His mother might be the only one who still actually likes him. It sounds cliche, but it's looking more and more like money can't buy happiness.

His fellow tour members dislike him now if they didn't already. He's soiling the good name of golf.

His agent, manager, etc., all must be furious. Would you want to deal with this?

As far as his fans go, they always liked him for being good role model, a decent man, and a great golfer. We have learned that he's not a decent man, and certainly not a good role model. While his golf game will always be respected, he, as an individual, will not.

Even the remaining fans, who could care less about what he does off the course, can't openly stand up for him without opening themselves up to ridicule.

Nobody in his right mind would encourage behavior like Tiger's. There is nothing to be gained by backing adultery, especially when newborn children are involved. No excuse in the world is good enough.

When you climb as high as Tiger did, the fall can be a doozy.