Tiger Woods' Apology Elicits Predictable Responses

(Feb. 19) -- In the hours following Tiger Woods' choreographed apology for serial philandering, a slew of commentators, corporate executives and average Americans offered a range of opinions on the effectiveness of Woods' performance. The vast majority of them seemed as scripted as the nearly 15-minute apology itself.

"Tiger has apologized and made his position clear," said Nike, one of Woods' biggest sponsors. "Nike fully supports him and his family. We look forward to him returning to golf."

Just as eager to see Woods get back to winning golf tournaments, EA Sports President Peter Moore also released a statement supportive of the man who helps move the company's video game titles. "It was good to see Tiger address the public today, and we're supportive of his focus toward family and rebuilding his life."

PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem, whose organization also stands to gain by Woods' eventual return to golf, saw the no-questions-asked media event as a positive step. "His comments were heartfelt; he clearly recognizes that there has been serious impact to a wide range of people and organizations," Finchem said at his own news conference. "He is taking the steps that he and whatever professional assistance suggest."

But Rick Cerone, a former public relations director for the New York Yankees, was not about to cut the golfer any slack. "This was a public relations disaster," Cerone said on CNN. "This will be shown in colleges in the future of how not to conduct a press conference."

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough also saw cynicism over sincerity, and he had a one-liner ready when Woods stopped speaking. "Tiger's apology included some of the worst acting since 'Ishtar,'" Scarborough said.

Two of Woods' fellow golfers expressed hope that he will be able to walk the talk.

"His actions will speak more than the words for how he conducts himself over the rest of his life," Mark O'Meara said after listening to his longtime friend. "He's sincere by what he's saying. I think he was very genuine; that's Tiger."

More Coverage:
- 'I'm So Sorry,' Woods Says
- Reactions to Apology
- Let's Leave Him Alone Now
- Agent Says Timing Not Deliberate
- Golf Writers Boycott Talk

British golfer Nick Faldo told the Golf Channel, "It's all down to actions. I personally think if Tiger wants to be a family man ... [he should] get out and play some golf and bring the whole family out with him."

On Twitter, a great many users were prompted to type messages about how they didn't care about the Woods story.

"So is Tiger Woods' statement tonight really so interesting?" a woman who goes by the screen name jaxsk tweeted. "I thought we were done caring about this."

A user named Ryan Kilpatrick concurred. "This is one of the worst days in journalism history. Tiger Woods' statement is not the only news of the day, people!"