Tiger Woods Offers Apology, Sans Direct Admission, Via Web Site

Tiger Woods was the center of scrutiny today as US Magazine released a voicemail from Jaimee Grubbs, a cocktail waitress and reality television "star" who claimed that she had a 31-month affair with the golfer.

In a shocking development, Tiger essentially admitted to SOME things -- without directly mentioning any particular item and/or transgression -- in a statement on his Web site this morning (the full text of which is after the jump). It should be noted that Tiger's statement is not directly an admission but an apology, as well as a somewhat emotional plea for privacy.

Sadly, he will probably not be granted that wish (yes, I realize my own hypocrisy here) because of the role that tabloid media plays in our society today but as the saying goes, it takes a big man to admit a mistake.

More coverage: Grubbs' Alleged Voicemail From Tiger | Ravenous Media Storm Engulfs Tiger, Us | Tiger Talk of Tournament | Full Tiger Coverage

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.

Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.

But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.

Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.

I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.