Rumors have been flying.  He was drunk.  No, he wasn’t, but the injuries came from his wife hitting him and his car with the golf club.  No, wait…

Well, today Woods released a statement: He has, apparently, and we quote, “transgressed”.  He’s “far from perfect.”  He has “let his family down.”

Here’s what he doesn’t say: “I had an affair. A big, stupid affair that was reported in the National Enquirer, that went on for a long time.”

Athletes cheat.  We imagine, honestly, that it’s a fact of life if you’re married to one, and the marriages that work are the ones that talk honestly about temptation and establish clear-cut rules.  (e.g.. Strip clubs, sure, but happy endings not so much.)  Ignoring the issue–any issue–can be toxic to a relationship, and this issue is bigger than most.

We wish Tiger and his family the best. But if Tiger thinks any woman with half a brain doesn’t know exactly what went on?  Tiger’s “personal failings” are pretty clear.

Of course, nobody wants Woods’ image tarnished beyond repair–he’s an important icon for sports as a whole and for golf (the ultimate country-club, good ol’ boy sport, except maybe polo) in particular.  And he’ll recover just fine.

Feminist rhetoric is vilifying Woods for an affair or affairs. Far be it from us to join in.  But knowing what we know about the culture of professional sports…is anyone surprised?