Poor Dana Jacobson never had a chance. The clock was ticking the moment the interview started, she needed to drive the length of the field in 90 seconds, and she was up against Tiger Woods’ seasoned defense. He smothered her with two quick sacks.
Play #1 - Dana opens with a question about the appropriateness of Woods’ level of anger. (23 seconds off the clock)
That level of anger that you showed and the profanity has been questioned by some since, so what’s your response to that.
Tiger
Well, it’s been frustrating because that’s what’s been happening lately. Oh, we’ve gotten it four times so far this year and each time its happened, well I’ve made 3 out of 4 holes I’ve made bogey on.
And more bla bla bla that had nothing to do with her question. Super evasion tactics, a master at work. (40 seconds off the clock)
Play #2 - Time is growing short so Dana goes for the long bomb:
What do you say though to those who question not that you were angry about it. They understood the anger, but the level of anger and your choice of words.
(6 more seconds gone – Tiger’s only got to run down the final 21 seconds and its game over.
Tiger
Well, you have no idea what’s being said out there all the time on the golf course, in any sport really. I was in the heat of the moment, I was frustrated, …”
And more bla bla (good stuff, but just not an answer to the question) until the clock sounds, ending the interview.
I got to give Dana credit for asking the same tough question twice. She didn’t get a straight answer, but her interview did set of a firestorm than continues to rage at ESPN where over 2,000 fans have weighed in on the subject. And yes, they are debating two sides to this. Dana of ESPN wants answers, while Jason Sobel of ESPN thinks it “Much ado about nothing.”
Meanwhile, over at AOL’s Fanhouse, 14,295 voters are split 50/50 over on the issue of whether or not Woods “crossed the line” with his behavior.
The majority of the mainstream media who cover golf have paid this story scant if any attention, but it is most definitely a story out in the real world. The public’s voice is being heard, and it’s time golf, the MSM, and Woods open their ears and listen.
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1 response so far ↓
1 MikeSD // Mar 29, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I remember when my father taught me golf.
It was not just the swing mechanics and how to think my way around a golf course. He also taught me rules of conduct on (and off) the golf course.
I guess that was back when golf was still a “gentleman’s” game.
Tiger has worked hard to be where he is, and he has the potential to be “the greats golfer ever”. That remains to be seen.
But one thing is for sure, Tiger will never carry that title with as much class as Jack.
No stat can reflect the importance of this fact.
Tiger should be used to it by now and grow up and show the millions of kids watching out there how a real man handles himself when frustrated or angry.
There is one thing that makes golf different and better than all the other major sports. That is the level of class with which the game is played.
I hope that tradition of class can survive the “Tiger Era”.
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