Tiger tells his tale

I've been one that's been a bit critical of Tiger Woods. I'll admit, I was antsy to hear what he had to say.

I wanted to see Tiger, physically. Not in a picture, but live. I wanted to hear him speak. Not on a voicemail, but live. I wanted see his facial expressions.

First, I'll take you back to my thoughts before we heard Tiger's statement.

In his statement, which some of the contents were leaked, Tiger was to talk about his past issues. He would apologize for his actions, talk of his future and speak of his return to rehab.

But something struck my as extremely consistent, the control. Tiger was once again attempting to control the situation, going so far as to not have a Q and A session, inviting only select individuals and even having some form of security on the grounds. As it always is with Woods, he and his camp went more than out of their way to control the environment.

Most were being denied access to the "event". They weren't given the secret password or handshake in order to be permitted into the club. This issue alone sparked the Golf Writers Association of America to boycott attending. Part of the very fabric that's made Tiger who he is, refusing inclusion. That should resonate loudly.

The more things change, the more they are the same, I guess.

Now, after watching Tiger's statement, a few of his words struck a chord with me. Before I get too deep here, I want to voice a couple of things.

Tiger did appear to have emotion, be it sadness over his poor judgement causing harm to his family to anger in the pursuit of the paparazzi to obtain every single detail regarding his family. He also expressed anger over "fabricated" stories that trickled through the media that were mostly linked to his wife.

I understand both, but by dragging the paparazzi into this statement, it will most likely make matters worse. We've all seen how prowling the newshounds can be. I pray it doesn't because the children are innocent. His wife is innocent. They really should be left alone. The issue is Woods himself.

The major issue most fans of Tiger or golf or both were most wanting to hear was when would he return. Tiger addressed that by saying that he was going to return, but he was not sure when that would happen. He did not rule out his return would be this year. I bet PGA commissioner Tim Finchem was silently dancing on that. He's made no secret that the tour needs Woods.

He admitted to needing help. He admitted he has a "long way to go". He admitted that he will "continue to receive help". This is a critical step for him. Admission of the problem and reaching out for support will only aid in Woods' recovery.

Tiger wants to regain his balance. He states of his religious beliefs and how he strayed from those. I rarely, if ever, delve into religious aspects, but if Tiger feels he needs this to assist in his recovery, I have no problem, and neither should anyone else. Let those of faith within his camp direct him. I know some religious circles will say he needs to do this or he needs to do that in order for him to receive true forgiveness. Let it go. This isn't the place for it.

The one admission that stuck with me the most was stated early on in his statement. Tiger confessed that the "same rules that apply to everyone, apply to me". He referred to himself as "selfish". Most high profile athletes view it as they should get a pass on these "rules" because of who they are. Some never understand this simple concept. He now does. This admission is just as important as confessing of his problem and that he needs help.

Bottom line here: Tiger admitted he is human.

That's pretty much all I've ever wanted to hear.