Tears Of The Black Tiger

Unlike many other sports superstars Tiger Woods has never been a man to be surrounded in controversy. It does not end with the paparazzi who follow him. It is not shedding tears on national television over other players. It is not to give his opinion about Tom Cruise or Britney Spears to the tabloids, and he certainly does not give advice on race relations in professional golf or whatever.

Woods has never been particularly vocal about his opinions on anything other than the game of golf. Indeed, when he was about to make history at the Buick Invitational, Tiger Woods remains an enigma to many that view it as a cultural icon that could make a greater impact on social issues.

In recent weeks, Woods has been subject to scrutiny by the media and other stars in the light of some culturally insensitive "lynching" remarks by Kelly Tilghman Golf Channel anchor and also by the recent controversy "noose" Golfweek magazine cover.

Woods appeared to be virtually untouched by the incident and called Tilghman's remark a "non-issue. To the chagrin of those waiting for a racial powder keg to explode Woods remained calm, composed and cool in both events, pausing only to take account of the public when prompted several times by the media pressure and candid commentators athletes across the country.

Jim Brown, former professional football star of Afro-American, said he believes Woods should stand up not only for himself but for black athletes in general, but Woods is not moving. He accepted the apology and Tilghman said that the two are old friends and he knows it meant nothing harmful in his remarks.

Many, like Brown have suggested that Woods could have done more to be socially responsible. Woods is fully aware of those who would be a champion of racial injustice. He has said previously that it is not in this way and feels that the controversy is known in regard to its position on racial issues in modern golf is shaped by the media.

We forget that Woods is only part African-American and, even if fully known, it has never been an honest person on any matters other than those directly affecting his swing. They forget that just because he is a superstar, he never signed to be the political voice of anyone. It has and will always be a handsome man who tends to let the crush of media and burn in their own controversies.

In this case Woods handled the situation both professionally and calmly. It is obvious that what Kelly Tilghman was deplorable and that the coverage of Golfweek was unpleasant. Everybody can see that. There is no need to be melodramatic about this because in the end it all himself prepared, minus any protests, boycotts or the Rev. Al Sharpton visits. Woods treated the incident as a man, even if it is calm. Especially bring them back to class.

Woods knows all too well that racially motivated incidents not derive their power from fear, ignorance and undying media attention. Woods did not rule against the absurdity of the media using words like "lynching" or putting nooses on the covers of glossy magazines - they are so absurd on their own.

Woods is like any other sports superstar who is paid huge sums of money from sponsors to support a certain image. The people in this world in general does not support social issues. If Woods is not African-American would there be such a pressure to make a stand? Of course, Jack Nicklaus has never been asked to speak against racial injustices in the world of golf, Tiger, why?

Woods is no stranger to the influence or power, especially in the world of professional golf. Certainly, he had pressed the issue, Kelly Tilghman is fired. Whatever.