To the sports media covering this week's British Open, shame on you.
You're the writers and columnists who took a jab at Tiger Woods when the opportunity arose, and continue to do so whenever he puts up a number above par. To you, Tiger Woods is the enemy after his "indiscretions" sidetracked his career and assault on Jack Nicklaus' record for major championships. Personally, I got sick of reading this drivel week in and week out, mostly because Tiger's personal affairs belonged only to Tiger.
But after Thursday's first round, there were no bullets in your gun. The world's No. 1 golfer carded a 5-under-par 67 and put himself in great position, rendering you defenseless.
Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, struggled through his first round and was tied for 74th after a 1-over 73. Ranked No. 2 in the world - and although he keeps knocking at the door, he can seem to find the knob - Mickelson skipped out on reporters following his round.
Had Woods put up such a number and failed to talk to the media afterward, you would have had a field day. You would have said this round is just a continuation of Tiger's fall from grace and Jack's record is safe. Because he's the bad guy. Because he cheated on his wife.
No such words were written about Mickelson, who's been America's darling since he won the Masters. It's a double standard, and it's a bit troublesome. Tiger faces unfair criticism week in and week out, while Phil just coasts along without the fear of a scathing column.
There's a good chance Phil won't make the cut and will be home watching Tiger and company compete for the Claret Jug this weekend. And while Tiger might come up short, and he might self-destruct, giving you more fodder for your columns, at least he'll be playing.
The lovefest for Mickelson, however, will go on. Shame on you.
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2 comments:
The fact that Phil hasn't been able to take over No. 1 despite a rather off year for Tiger tells us just how much better Woods was than everyone else. I assume he'll get back to that level of dominance at some point, and perhaps this week at St. Andrews will be a big step in that direction.
Obviously Tiger's affairs were huge news in both the world of sports and celebrity news. But it's way past time to move on. In a pre-British Open press conference, a British reporter asked Tiger if the poor decisions in his personal life were worth it. Tiger blew off the question without an answer, but a simple, "What do you think?" would have sufficed.
Was it worth it? What kind of question is that? His personal life is in shambles and the details of which are all over the tabloids. His golf game hasn't been the same since the car accident at his home in November.
Was it worth it? That guy should have been removed so real reporters could ask real questions and not have their time wasted by some clown.
It seems weird to root for Tiger, with him being public sports enemy No. 1 (before LeBron's "Decision"). But as I wrote on this blog a few months back, I want to see his golf do the talking, and in the process, shut up some of these annoying critics.
Mickelson has always been a class act regardless of the situation. And loyal to his wife through her cancer. Lefty deserves a little respect and if he chooses not to talk to the media one time, they should give him some space.
Tiger instead chose to disrespect himself, his wife, his kids and golf. And he did it very publicly. So no, he has lost all respect and doesn't deserve any breaks.
Athletes actions do speak for them whether they want them to or not. Sort of like a Green Bay quarterback we all know that has lost a lot of public respect by his actions.
That said, I don't care if Tiger wins or not or if the media skewers him or not. He used to be amazing to watch. Now he just has flashes of amazing. I'll pull for Mickelson anytime.
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