Although the initial story of Tiger Woods crashing his car into a post is news worthy in my opinion the barrage of continued coverage can and may be justified by news media, but what about his wife and children? What about his parents and in-laws? What about those who are not public figures who are being tortured and humiliated by all the gossip and speculation. My heart goes out to them.

I agree that the public does not need to know everything about someone's life just because they are deemed a celebrity. I'm tired of hearing reporters from ESPN, CNN, and such that say Tiger "owes" the public an explanation, that he gave up his right to privacy for fame and riches. Tiger has been blessed with a great gift to play a sport and because of that, the endorsements were made available. It's societies fault for buying the products just because Tiger endorses them. I believe that the companies he's involved with do have a right to know.I appreciate Tiger for his ability, but believe his private life is his to deal with. Those that are so quick to pass judgement and yearn for every piece of gossip need to evaluate themselves first.

Michael,

What about Tiger's character? Not that I need him for a role model, but he is the author of his own demise, and ultimately a great disappointment in this matter. And while no one, including the media, should revel in this event, he did create it. With leadership comes great responsibility and Tiger Woods chose to run with the wolves instead of flying with the eagles. And all at great risk to and apparently disregard for his family, his reputation and his career. At least we now know he is not immortal. I know he will be forgiven, but he has sacrificed the commitment to his wife and his personal integrity.

The last two he can never get back. His bad.

Tiger has not been a good role model! The media has cut him tremendous slack for years. Watching him as a Jr. Amateur, he had a bad temper, cussed a lot and threw his golf clubs. Because he was talented, he was given a wide berth for all of bad language, bad attitude, other activites including his sexual escapades that go back to his high school days. Very unfortunate that he has been held up as a role model along with countless other sports figures and celebrities. These are actions that Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicholas and others did not engage in so there needs to be a better way for the press to fete people that truly have character. I vehemently disagree with what you said above.

Tiger's character is seriously lacking in Character!!! To give the perception that you're above such immoral activites, and then to find out that you're just like all the other overpaid, self-serving clowns, you better be ready to pay the price. He's sorry he got caught, otherwise, why would he have multiple encounters? He deserves everything he is getting, but his family doesn't deserve one iota of the media scrutiny caused by his thoughtless acts. He is just another statistic, bitten by the snake of deception and greed. Alas, we are such a sorry lot, soon to forget the misdeeds, anxious to bow down to our material gods.

this commentary about Tiger Woods was very well put, thank you for stating the truth. The real truth about these kind of stories has to do with nothing more than the prospect of making money hidden behind the lie that we the public needs to know. If we step back and ask ourselves what purpose does it serve in our lives to know what Tiger Woods does in his private life we might come to a better understand about what the purpose of the media really is in filling in the blanks (lies) and reporting half truths with a few pieces of real information simply to be the first to get the story. Shame on all the media

I am sorry Mr. Josephson. I respectfully disagree.
Tiger Woods brought his own misfortune on himself for his own poor behavior. If he expects us to congratulate and follow him in his successes, we will follow him in his disgraces as well. So is the nature of celebrity. If celebrities would not like to be criticized or scrutinized for their intimate behavior, then they should think first about how this behavior would affect them, their family, or their fans outlook of them.
Your commentary made me think you are too close to the celebrity world to have an objective view point. Or perhaps you could have made this commentary/persuasive essay towards a more noble subject, and I would have more readily agreed.

What gives Michael? Why did you give a super sports star such high complements and support for his character; when a recently deceased politician got so much criticism for rather similar behaviors? Is golf that much better than Democrats?

I'm confused, it is okay to pry into your sister's diary and watch endless coverage of Jon and Kate and the Octomom, but somehow because you admire Tiger, he gets a pass???????

I agree it is none of our business. However, because he has portrayed himself as a positive role model, even developing a program for students to help develop character, his actions should match his words. He owes the students an explanation.

I generally agree with your assertions above regarding privacy. I would also add that the fact that celebrities do things in private should not be a shocker to anyone. After all, "If you prick them, do they not bleed?" However, there could be a discussion about one small comment you made in the story. When you say "...after one of the truly great sports figures and role models of the century: Tiger Woods." If any of what has been speculated is true and he somewhat admitted as much, is he really a strong role model - in sport and in life? I grant that what he represents for minorities, young golfing athletes, the sport, his philanthropic work and striving for excellence is awe-inspiring. But can we also say that he is a role model? Character does not begin and end with your feats on a golf course. You also have to strive to make moral and character decisions off the course, and as you have said, sometimes it is not easy. Clearly he has not made good off-course family choices, which could potentially have crushed his family, embarrassed a wife and left two children confused. I am not suggesting he is perfect or that these transgressions are not forgivable, but if my child wants to grow up to be Tiger Woods, I hope they show more character in the choices they make in personal relationships.

I can never figure out why someone's sexual escapades seem to trump whatever good that person has done in their life.

The American people did not buy it when the Republicans tried to get rid of Bill Clinton.

It's ironic that some of those Republicans who so self-righteously said Clinton should be removed from office are now caught up in their own very public sex scandals and are indignant at the notion that they should resign.

If we take this far enough, what does it say about Michael Josephson that he divorced his first wife and remarried a younger woman?

On that basis, the Clintons have a lot more going for them than many of the self-proclaimed family values crowd, many of whom are divorced.

Michael,

I was a bit surprised by your comments on Tiger's situation. No comments regarding his character, and making it almost seem like he's the victim here.

Yes, the media's perverse use of the right to know is wrong, but isn't Tiger's indiscretions more so?

I guess I was expecting a broader perspective from your analysis of the situation.

Mr. Josephson, I must admit for the first time listening to one of your commentaries, I'm disappointed. I can't for the life of me figure out why you said Tiger Woods, a man who is having affairs with several women, deserves better than to be blasted by the media. Tiger is getting what he deserves. He is merely reaping what he's sown; it's as simple as that. He's cheated with several and for extended periods of time. Fame is not a one-way proposition. He gets praised in the public eye for the good things he does; and now he's getting lambasted in the public eye for the stupid things. You have to take the good with the bad; even if you're a really good golfer.

Michael:
I am confused and disappointed by your commentary on Tiger. To claim that celebrities may be selective about the level of personal access they grant -- where the products and services they endorse are tied to their persona -- is to be an apologist for celebrities like these who seek to reveal personal information only when it suits them. And I am surprised that this purported request for a special zone of privacy around Tiger comes from a commentator on character, where the privacy sought is nothing more than a shield for the moral indefensibility of infidelity.
You argue that celebrities don't owe us unrestricted access. You ignore, however, that Tiger, like many celebrities, built his endorsement empire upon an image of ethical wholesomeness. The creation of this image makes the truth of his character entirely relevant to the public, to whom he owes his substantial success over and above trophies on the wall.
You further argue that we make celebrities rich because they give us pleasure. This statement fails to acknowledge that celebrities -- particularly professional athletes -- attain wealth by allowing the public to to incorporate celebrity image into their own identities through the purchase of products and services bearing their names and likenesses. Tiger made it big with endorsements from Buick to Nike by inviting people to adopt both his athleticism and cleancut lifestyle via products with his name on them.
If Tiger had cancer and wanted privacy, I would agree. But for Tiger, a racy text to a lover outside marriage is just as relevant as a text claiming Buicks are bad cars. Such is the consequence of celebrity.

Michael,

Care to take a Mulligan on your comments regarding Tiger's situation? If this was your only post about the situation, then why focus on the media and its excesses and not on his character?

Besides, hasn't Tiger used the media to gain millions? So why is it wrong for the media to try to earn theirs? Maybe you have some thoughts on this perspective? Thanks.

I agree with George & Rita. I also would like to add:

When a celebrity accepts money to endorse products, he/she opens themselves up to public scrutiny. No one forced Tiger Woods to go outside of golf and reap the rewards of sponsorship. He reaped what he sowed. Don’t want the media attention, stay out of it. His character is damaged.

I find myself listening to you when I'm stuck in traffic and usually at the end of your commentary I can take someone away that makes me want to try harder to be a better person. I have to say you lost my respect with your comments on Tiger Woods. He does not deserve respect, he does not deserve privacy, and I would wager his wife would say he doesn't deserve much of anything. I am not a jaded women. I have a wonderful husband and great marriage and I know people make mistakes, but how many more women have to come out of the woodwork for us to decide that Tiger Woods is a bad person who doesn't respect his wife, his children, or his fans? Character Counts...remember that, well he has surely shown us his character.

Michael is certainly right about one thing: Tiger Woods is “one of the truly great…role models.” He has promoted golf, the PGA, his charities, and his sponsors’ products not just with his athletic accomplishments but through his public persona projecting good character. As such, his personal life is open to inspection. My nephew, for one, now wonders if Tiger’s stance on mandatory drug testing is just a smokescreen for his own PED use. I live near the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, CA, and many of the kids are confused by what is happening. Someone who has preached keeping it on the straight-and-narrow path has wandered way off and does not seem to be answerable for his actions. Certainly Woods owes answers to anyone who relied upon his character to support his charities. This is a person who has relished being a role model, unlike Charles Barkley who once stated, "I don't believe professional athletes should be role models. I believe parents should be role models.” It looks like Tiger had much better role models than his kids will have. It also looks like Barkley is a much better role model for honesty and forthrightness than Woods. Who woulda thought?

I, for one, am surprised at Michael's silence regarding the above criticism. Could it be because protecting someone due to their celebrity is just as bad as vilifying them for the same reason? Maybe he has the same handlers as Tiger.

The initial car crash was a news event. As soon as it was public that Tiger was all right, that should have been the end of it. The media, TV, radio, print have forsaken real journalism for tabloid trash a long time ago. They seem to be too lazy or just incapable of actually pursuing real stories. All of the alleged trysts are just that. Unless you were the one in bed with Tiger, you don't know whether any of this gossip is true. It doesn't make a difference to his golf game, and that's why he is a celebrity. Looking for heroes? Look at a soldier, a teacher, a fireman, an elected official (well, scratch that), hopefully your dad or grandfather.

As a former professional athlete of 16 years, I disagree with your position on Tiger Woods. Character is the key here and Tiger has failed the test. He will pay dearly for his character flaws with his family, fans and business dealings. I work with youth daily and speak to thousands every month. What do I owe them? According to you, I owe them nothing!
When I played, I was available to the media any time they wanted access to me. They could call me and or even visit me at home. I found that my open life and desire to be a good role model made them accountable to me. They respected my family and time. In Tiger's case, everything about his private life has been kept secret from the media by his handlers and business associates. Why? Because they knew of his indiscretions and lies. What can a father of a young athlete tell them now, be like Tiger! No way!
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. Ecclesiastes 10:1

Regarding Tiger Woods, I don't understand the viciousness of the attacks on him. There are many men and women who cheat on their spouses and are not treated that way. His actions are definitely deplorable and unacceptable; however, I do believe it is his wife and his family who have a right to be upset with him and it is a private matter. The expectations that those in public life need to be holier than thou is not realistic. I would like to see how many men and women would be able to handle the ongoing onslaught of people attracted to them every day, day in and day out. I wonder how many would have the character to say no when people attempt to seduce them every day. It should be private if only to support his wife and family to deal with this rather than having them be part of the circus. I don't follow that kind of smut very much, but I thought he had apologized and acknowledged that he was wrong. That is all you can expect from anybody. I would not have a problem in telling my child that here is a man who has done great work and who has also done things that are not so great - maybe my child can learn from this, that this is what happens when you show lack of integrity and honor.

When did Tiger say he was a role model? Tiger only said he is a professional golfer. Endorsement of products is a business deal and was based upon his sports play. "Drink this and play golf well!" Not "Drink this and you will be a good person!"
The public has made an assumption of character based upon commercialism. He is not a politician whose character we may have a right to know about to determine what kind of integrity he has for decisions about our lives.
What does it say about our society to beat him while he is down and reflecting now on his behavior and what the results have been and what his future holds? Does this make us feel a little superior to be able to beat him down? That is pseudo superiority!

I recently observed a youth basketball coach wearing a "Character Counts" T-Shirt make a totally adverse spectacle of himself during a 12- to 13-year-old tournament. I remarked to my family that I didn't think you would appreciate his advertising your movement. With the pass that you give Tiger, obviously I was wrong.

Feels like, with your description of Tiger's travails with the press, you've lost your license to give free advice on ethics. The press will eternally be there to prey on celebrities. Try decoupling the press from Tiger's known behaviors -- then make it a lesson in ethics, not spanking the press.
With the Josephson Institute’s mission "to make a better world for you, your children, and your community, and we hope you value what we do" -- you really dropped the ball on this one. Your best move now would be to acknowledge it, the lessons you've learned, and move on.

I admire all people who excel in whatever they do. However, the character of the man or woman who always does their best and then does the right thing in a situation are the real heroes to me.

I think we need, as parents, to use this as a teaching moment. Yes, we admire his dedication to his sport. We admire his excellence in golf. We admire what he has done for the sport and his many charities. But we can also talk to our children that he is human and capable of making mistakes. It is up to his wife, children and families to forgive him for his mistakes. Just as it has been with many famous people. We need to stop putting them up on a pedestal to say, "Look, they can do no wrong!" or "We need to be just like them!" We need to take our children aside and say, "Cheating on a spouse or partner is unacceptable, even though there are many out there who will do it. They are weak and lacking in moral judgment. They need help and hopefully will get it. I think the media puts the immoral news out there so much that we begin to think it is the norm and we are to accept that kind of behavior. Don't accept it because it is wrong and hurts others."
Please everyone start helping your children to understand what is right and what is wrong. Let the media keep reporting the news and help your children understand that it is not being reported because it is right.
On another note, I think the media needs to give us the whole story or at least more facts before they put it out there. There was so much speculation with the Tiger story, who knows what is truth or fact?

I've followed your commentaries over the years and share and use them with my family. This is the first time I disagree with you, and honestly, I'm very disappointed. You call him a role model of the century? What kind of role model is a person who puts his family through all that, as Tiger did? He may be a role model, but not as a father and a husband.

Please comment on his character. You seem to focus on the media but not Tiger Woods's character.

An insightful commentary I once read sought to remind readers of the difference between heroes and celebrities. Heroes are ordinary people who, because it was the right thing to do, perform an extraordinary act. Celebrities are not heroes, but we as a society elevate them to that status. We admire some talent they have and on top of that admiration we heap attention, make them ever more wealthy, and attach qualities that they may or may not have. The legend of perfection grows and creates an image that almost no one could live up to. Eventually, many of these celebrities falter and we, in our anger at being deceived, lash out with recriminations. The reality is that the person was never what we thought they were in the first place. Tiger didn't create his image, he just figured out what we wanted and exploited those desires. He is who he is, not who we want him to be. He is as fallible as any of us and deserves to be treated with the same respect and empathy that we would want to be treated with when we falter, and we will falter.
Many of the responses I have read contain the "yea, but.." mentality. They criticize Michael for taking Tiger's side. I don't see Michael taking sides at all. I see him asking us to look inside ourselves and our motivations and ask "Is this how we should act as people?" If there is one thing I have learned from reading these commentaries, it is that doing the right thing is usually the hardest thing to do.

Live by celebrity and wealth, die by the same. Woods and other celebs are entitled to a certain recognition and wealth due to their unique talents. But in our society today, endorsements, sponsorships, etc. that bring the really huge wealth are not due to the initial talent. They are the result of the exploitation of the business of being a celebrity - not the business of being an athlete or actor, etc. As such, they are playing a role in public about their own lives. They can either live up to the role, or they can forfeit its benefits. But the idea that you can use your personal life and your family image to enhance your wealth and not have it crash when it is revealed as fake is just a psychological Ponzie scheme, and will bite them. As is appropriate.

As human beings, being in the limelight and celebrity status that Tiger Woods is part of is not natural. This affects a celebrity's behavior as the psychological mind may find it hard to grasp the admiration, expectations, money, fame, status that today's world can grant a sports figure or movie actor. Celebrity status is like drugs - it creates chemicals and emotions that cause unnatural behavior in my opinion.

Some are able to handle it (those with high self-esteem) and some are not. Tiger is human.

I'm so surprised to read so many of the follow-up commentaries by your audience that are so full of judgment and harsh criticism of an extraordinary athlete and role model. I don't support his actions and it's not anything I could personally see myself engaged in, but I also don't judge a situation that I am personally involved in nor am I aware of the facts. The truth is that when you engage in judgment of others' characters and look to criticize for the sake of criticism and gossip, then one's own character is more in question than that of Tiger Woods. I am shocked to have read such harsh comments from an audience that thinks it has high moral standards. I completely agree with you, Mr. Josepheson, and hope those who made such judgmental commentaries take the time to continue to learn what you are teaching and preaching and expand their own minds. I wish Tiger Woods happiness in whatever form he can find it. Hopefully it will be with the support of his family and loved ones.

Ed, those people you are criticizing for passing judgment on others includes you.

To Dan, Ben Carson and all the others who claim Tiger has not held himself forth as a role model, you must have absolutely zero knowledge of his charity and the appearances he makes in front of youths or the fundraising he does for these groups. He DOES hold himself forth as a role model. He has raised millions of dollars for these causes by marketing his squeaky clean image. Thus, he IS answerable to anyone who has contributed or depended upon him as a role model. If you had voted for Hilter based upon his infrastructure improvements, would you not feel deceived and owed an explanation for his killing of 6 million Jews? Same basic problem, just a difference in the degree of deceit and impact.

Mr. Josephson, I've read some reader comments about your Tiger article, and I cannot totally disagree with them because your commentary does not hold Tiger Woods responsible for his actions. However, I want to give you credit for the point you made in the article, which is the cruelty and boundary-less behavior of the media. As we saw with Sarah Palin, they are unfair, bigoted, and downright evil. As with President Bush, they were malicious, hypocritical, and liars. And with Tiger, they are cruel, over their boundaries, and simply mean. So in your defense, I believe your point was to rebuke the media for the constant repulsive behavior, not to let Tiger off the hook. I will give you benefit of the doubt regarding your picture of Tiger being a great man, that you are simply having mercy on him for all he has accomplished. And although he is very wrong, I commend you for choosing mercy and forgiveness. We must remember... God through Christ forgives us. We must do the same for one another.

Thank you for comments on Tiger Woods.

Tiger didn't just happen to slip up a time or two. His cheating, deceptive lifestyle was planned and ongoing. Don't make excuses for him. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

Sleeping with another woman outside marriage if she seduced you, realizing it was a mistake and learning from it, taking action to fess up your mistake to your spouse and vow to never do it again, and to take that vow to heart and really never do it again can be qualified as a mistake.

Sleeping with several women and texting them racy comments is not a mistake, it's consciously and aggressively cheating on your spouse. Tiger Woods sleeping with several women is not a mistake, it's an intentional act. Tiger Woods views the world (including his wife and maybe children) as an extension of himself (this is a psychological disorder), not taking into serious consideration that these other people living in the same world as him are human beings who will be affected by his actions. His acts of intent of having sex with multiple people is animalistic at best and reveals how he perceives life and the people living in it: disposable and of less value and quality. He did not make a mistake. He knowingly acted in secret against the very values of human civilization.

Are you asking us to ignore the elephant in the room? Do you want us to believe the publicity agents and not allow media reports of contrary conduct? I believe that to ignore bad behavior is to condone bad behavior. Your website has been a wonderful source of inspiration for me, but the point of view expressed in "My Sister's Diary and Tiger Woods 647.3" seems totally out of character with the morals and standards I've come to expect from Character Counts.