Tiger Woods: Another Spoiled Superstar Sponsored By Nike?
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Even
after Tiger Woods engineered a dramatic comeback to defeat Padraig
Harrington in the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, Sunday, he
nevertheless stormed in front of the media about the PGA officiating
that he insinuates figured in the final outcome. Woods’ criticism of
tour officials, in spite of winning, will lead to a deserved fine.
Woods’ reckless remarks angered PGA brass, especially when Woods told
Harrington: “I’m sorry that John got in the way of a great battle.”
Tiger’s immature and inappropriate remarks are not unlike another
spoiled superstar in the Nike arsenal, LeBron James. The
self-proclaimed King James has been castigated justifiably in recent
months for his petulant behavior in several high-profile incidents.
When James’ Cleveland Cavs were unceremoniously escorted out of the NBA
playoffs this past May by the Orlando Magic, James refused to shake his
conquers’ hands and got ghost when it was time to address the media. A
few months later, James reportedly had Nike officials confiscate video
tapes of being dunked on by an unheralded college player during his
basketball camp in Akron, Ohio.
Now Tiger, feeling immunity from retribution as the greatest player of
this generation, wrongly condemned and alienated a respected PGA
official who was actually executing his duties correctly.
According to the Associated Press, PGA Tour chief referee John Paramour
told Woods and Harrington they were being timed because they were
behind schedule as they were coming up the par-5 16th hole. Woods
whined that, despite his four-shot victory over Harrington, being put
on the clock induced Harrington to rush three difficult shots, leading
to a triple bogey that turned the tournament in Woods’ favor with two
holes to play. The turn of events helped Tiger secure his 70th PGA
victory, which is third on the all-time winning list. Woods was
trailing Harrington by one shot before they were told they were being
timed.
Perhaps Woods should have swallowed his urge to strike out at
officials, putting his spikes in his mouth in the process. If he had
taken the time to procure an explanation for the official’s actions,
Woods would have seen that the PGA was in the right. He and Harrington
were way behind schedule and needed to be “encouraged” to catch up.
–terry shropshire
