“The whole thing is getting messier. There is another woman, a 24-year-old cocktail waitress from L.A., who tells US Weekly that she had a three year affair with Tiger. 300 racy sext messages, that is sexual text messages, over 20 moments with Tiger alone. Here is the cover of US Weekly where they are saying, ‘Yes He Cheated’.” (MSNBC)
We are continuing to compile the developing story for you, and examining what this last week means for Tiger’s reputation.
Woods responded to the allegations of multiple affairs with a statement on his Web site. ESPN has the first part of his statement.
“I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.”
Before woods released his statement, US Weekly posted this voicemail given to them by Jaimee Grubbs, one of the two women stepping forward. Although it is not confirmed, the voice is believed to be Woods.
"Hey it’s Tiger, I uh, need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and uh, may be calling you. If you can, please take your name off that -- and uh, what do you call it? -- just have it as a number on the voicemail, just have it as your telephone number. You gotta do this for me. Huge. Quickly. Okay. Bye."
Grubb’s also released intimate text messages to The New York Daily News she says are from Woods, sent during their two-year relationship.
"Send me something very naughty," "I will wear you out," Woods reportedly wrote…[Grubbs said,] "He told me just last month, 'Quietly and secretly we will always be together.'"
USA Today brings the perspective that the disclosure of such private information is wrong, and the media and public are crossing the line.
“Ever since the TMZ's of the world succeeded in mainstreaming themselves onto the landscape of acceptable media, we the public have slid down their slippery slope to a place where it's OK to probe with impunity the private lives of public figures… That's not journalism; that's stalking.”
But some are less sympathetic; an analyst on The Golf Channel says that Woods shouldn’t be blaming the media for his own actions.
“…He makes $100 million a year and I’m not sure you can buy a lot of privacy for $100 million. His behavior was exposed… he had illicit relationships that exposed not only himself as a big fraudulent but his marriage… That’s a sad occurrence, but it’s not the media’s fault.”
So what does all this mean for his reputation and endorsement deals? Entertainment Tonight says nothing.
“Based on the recent news surrounding Tiger Woods it is unlikely that his bottom line will be impacted all. This isn’t the first time we've seen an elite athlete surrounded by controversy.”
But this is the first time for Woods, and an analyst on MSNBC says that we shouldn’t be surprised.
“Look, who his is core audience? Men who love sports. They know big time athletes cheat on their wives and girlfriends. So where is the surprise in this story? This is expected almost. Look at a guy like Kobe, cheats gets a way with it, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan. This is an expected known narrative.” (MSNBC)
So what do you think? Has your impression of Tiger changed? Do you think Tiger will lose endorsements and fans?
Writer: Charlie McKeague