Observations on Tiger Woods

Ernest DelBuono, ND&P crisis management expert, was asked by local media for his take on the February 19, 2010 conference held by Tiger Woods. In addition to the press coverage (links below), Ernest offers a few items to consider: 

• As is fairly typical in any interview, most of what you share with the reporter never makes it into the story. Here are a few comments I shared with the reporters:
  • Who was Tiger’s primary audience?  He certainly mentioned all his audiences – family, friends, fans, employees, business partners, his foundation, young students, etc. However who did he mention first and most often? – his wife, Elin.  She was certainly number #1 on the list. And perhaps that answers the question: why did he do this apology in the first place?
  • Thank you Tiger for stating that when, with whom and how many times he cheated is none of anyone’s business. Those details are between Tiger, his wife and his mistresses.
  • As far as denying domestic violence, why bring up a negative like that? Especially since his denial probably isn’t going to change anyone’s mind. We have a photo of an SUV with the windows knocked out, witnesses claiming his wife had a golf club in her hands, and Tiger’s refusal to talk to police about the incident. Seeing as how there were no questions during his event, there was no reason to mention it.

I’ll ask my own question now and invite you to share your opinions – What is going to happen when Tiger makes his first return to the golf course?  Will he be able to duck reporters questions? Will he be forced to have a real press conference where he actually has to answer questions? Will he continue to be a diva on the golf course, throwing clubs and staring down reporters whenever they get too close or make noise? (Ernest DelBuono)

For more of Ernest’s take on Tiger’s conference:

Richmond Times-Dispatch Article: 

http://bit.ly/alM2JV

Critique on WDBJ-TV in Roanoke:

http://bit.ly/acytP9