Tiger Hides His Tale

Once upon a time, I looked up to Tiger Woods. I admired his focus, his concentration, his dedication to golf, his unprecedented talent, AND his ability to be a celebrity while seemingly keeping his head on straight and his priorities in order. Then November 2009 happened. Ironically, on my very birthday, the news of Tiger's infidelity shook America with earthquake-like devastation to golf enthusiasts, pop culture lovers--even Joe the Plumber. The headlines were printed and reprinted with the unveiling of each adulteress...the New York Daily News wrote "Tiger Hides His Tale." Then began the most contrived, manipulated public relations strategy in decades as Tiger stayed absolutely, completely silent, did not speak with the media, and "admitted himself" to a Sexual Addiction Recovery program. Over two months later, and still having not spoken even a word to the media, Tiger scheduled a news conference. Where? No other place than at Augusta National, home to the Masters Tournament, and known throughout the sports world as the most exclusive, old-school, predictable sports venue. Tiger had the news conference at Augusta National programmed like the timers my parents use to plan the ons and offs of each and every light in the entire house when they go on vacation. Tiger's every word was planned and scripted. He controlled the temperature of the news conference like the thermostat of a space ship traveling through the atmosphere. His performance was pristine, perfect, and likely deserved an Academy Award. He apologized, kept his pearly whites hidden at the right moments, and expressed his remorse, just as his speech writer had scripted. Then, months later, he chose to make Augusta National and the Masters Tournament his venue of choice for his "comeback." Once again, perfectly planned public relations, for he knew that were a fan to so much as whisper disapproval of Tiger, that the Masters event staff would have them driven farther than a Tiger Woods driver, or perhaps even better, smashed harder into a fire hydrant than the driver Tiger Woods. Not only that, but the Masters event staff would cancel all tickets given to that patron, forever.
Despite my disapproval of Tiger Woods, I still must confess that I was glued to the news updates, leader board, and tv broadcast of the Masters Tournament all weekend. I found myself checking online every 30 minutes to see what the score was, becoming nervous that Tiger was inching higher and higher on that leader board.
Why, you ask, do I hold such bitterness toward Tiger Woods? He is, after all, just a celebrity, and one which I will likely never meet nor see in person. I feel as though Tiger Woods is just another sad, sad story of betrayal. Tiger did not just betray his wife, he did not just betray his children, he betrayed the hope, the dreams, the wishes of the American people. What man would not love to have his athletic dominance, his charm, and his charismatic smile? What woman would not love to stand by his side? And to each of us that identify with those that looked up to him, we were betrayed. For me, however, it is not just the fact that he cheated on his wife, MULTIPLE TIMES, it is that I believe that had the rumors not begun, had the allegations not surfaced, had the women not come forward one by one, confessing to affairs with Tiger, that he would still be living the exact same life as he was previously, continuing to cheat and to betray his family, his friends, his fans.

Do I think Tiger is sorry? Yes, absolutely, no question, undoubtedly do I think that Tiger is sorry, but not sorry for what he did, only sorry for what he didn't do--he didn't cover his tracks, delete old voicemails, text messages, and emails.

Tiger, the best golfer of all-time, did not replace his divots.

And so it goes with looking up to athletes and anyone for that matter. I will continue to look up to them, to idolize them, to train to be like them, hoping all the time that they truly are men and women of character. When they fall, I will be hurt, I will be devastated, and I will feel betrayed, but I will also learn from them as I watch them fall. A wise man once said, "Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble." It would have served Tiger well had he understood this wisdom and humbled himself instead of the media and the world compelling him to be humble once his life had been driven so entirely off the right course. A wise coach of mine, LG, once told me something I will never forget--"The greatest test of a man's character is what he does when nobody is watching." Indeed, that is the true test of character, and may we all remember this counsel, constantly assessing how we are doing on that, the much more important test of life. With that being said, I now descend once again from my soapbox. Goodnight.

Steak Night Salt Lake

Last Wednesday was the second ever "Steak Night Salt Lake" at my house in Salt Lake. A fine tradition begun in the Valley known as Happy by AB, the Wooten ladies, and the rest of the crew, Steak Night represents a celebration of fine bbq, friends, and good ole non-drinkin Mormon fun. The norms of the bbq include bringing a steak/chicken/veggies and a couple bucks in return for the fine savor of AB's bbq skills, baked potatoes, drinks, and the works. I initally invited about 70 friends, R invited probably 100 or so (he's far more popular than I), and Austin probably another 70 or so. As Steak Night Salt Lake neared, the guest list began to far exceed the invitations that were initially extended, as the invitees started to invite other invitees! That's right, Steak Night had officially gone viral! On the day of the party, the confirmed facebook guest list had over 100 confirmed RSVPs, and another 50 or so "possibly attending." Unsure of the number of steak nightees that would actually show up, I began to be a little anxious about the thought of hundreds of people being in my 850 square foot house and decided to put up lights in the backyard for the masses to party. I believe the best part of this steak night, is that since this was the first BIG party I have thrown at my house, I wondered how hundreds of people at my house would go over with the neighbors. I decided that I would put my feet into the hot bath water before the actual party by checking with my elderly neighbors to see if they would mind. A dozen gerber daisies and a "I'm going to have a FEW friends over for a bbq tonight....we'll try not to cause too much raucous" later, the waters had been tested and Steak Night Salt Lake was ready to fire up the grill.

With two ping pong tables in the backyard, a dance party in the living room, a pile of meat waiting to be grilled, and enough hormones to warm up the 40 degree weather, Steak Night was a huge success, with a headcount at one point of over 110 people, and an estimation of ~170 total for the night. And, the best part is, no policemen at my house, no citations, and no beer stains on my couches. Just good ole non-drinkin fun.

While I do not yet know about the romances that may have begun at steak night, I am hopeful that steak night will prove to be the magical beginning for at least two of the steak nightees. That's right, last steak night (in February), two of my friends met for the first time, and now they are seriously dating! Steak Night Salt Lake--A Huge Success.