5 Thoughts On The US Open

With the US Open in the history books, here's 5 thoughts from the tournament that saw a lot of stars come close, a lot of bogeys made, and one wee little Irishman standing tall at Pebble Beach.

1) The US Open Is Not Made For Primetime TV

-A big deal was made out of this golf tournament being shown in primetime on the East coast. With some of the stars in the mix, it promised to be an exciting, enthralling TV event for NBC and golf. Unfortunately, this is the US Open - where the only thrills are who makes the least amount of bogeys coming home. The Masters or the PGA would be much better in primetime, at least those tournaments have, hello, birdies! That was perhaps the least exciting, least dramatic final round to a major in recent memory. Blah. If you don't believe me, look at these numbers of the leading contenders:

*McDowell (E) - Final Round 74, 3 bogeys 0 birdies on Back 9

*Havret (+1) - Final Round 72, 2 bogeys 0 birdies on Back 9

*Els (+2) - Final Round 73, +5 on final 10 holes including 40 on Back 9

*Mickelson (+3) - Final Round 73, 3 bogeys 0 birdies on Back 9

*Woods (+3) - Final Round 75, 2 bogeys 1 birdie on Back 9

*Johnson (+5) - Final Round 82, 0 birdies, 6 bogeys, 1 double, 1 triple

Combined, the final 3 groups tallied 17 bogeys, 2 birdies, and 1 double bogey on the Back 9 Sunday. +17! The winner of the tournament shot a Back 9 39 to lift the trophy... and he was down by 3 coming into the day!! I hope the USGA is happy that they got the tournament they wanted on Sunday - a bogeyfest where a player is merely left standing amidst the carnage.

2) Tiger Woods Isn't Back

-El Tigre "sucked the air out of the golf course" with a 66 on Saturday according to NBC. Well, the only thing sucking on Sunday was Woods' play (insert cheap prostitute joke here). Thankfully for Tiger, Dustin Johnson's evaporation hid another final round disappointment. Like I've said throughout this whole process, it's not so much Tiger's troubles off the course, but his loss to YE Yang in last year's PGA that may slow down his assault on Jack's record. Tiger just doesn't look like he has it when trying to win a major since that massive upset. Watching NBC's Sunday coverage was pathetic, with Mark Rolfing and others still thinking this was 2000 and not 2010. Maybe Gregory Havret intimidated Tiger yesterday causing him to 3 putt 1, hit it in the ocean on 6, or the junk on 10... these days that doesn't sound so ridiculous.

3) Dustin Johnson's Choke Was One of The Worst Ever

-His final round 82 was the worst score by a 54 hole leader in the US Open in 99 years!! That's not the sort of history that you want to be making in a major. The shocking thing is that Johnson looked on track to becoming the next big thing - he's improved on the money list each year, won at Pebble the last 2 years, and could break through to the big time with a major win leading by 3 entering the day. But the swiftness of his choke was stunning - a triple on 2 after two duffed chips, a lost drive and double on 3, and a bogey after finding the hazard on 4. I don't care how much of a "flatliner" he is, Johnson will need something special to recover from such a huge choke.

4) Phil Mickelson May Never Win a US Open

-Again, Lefty finished in the Top 5 of a US Open for the 7th time. But, let's face it, Phil just doesn't have the type of game you need to win a US Open. Look at some of the recent winners - Michael Campbell, Jim Furyk, Lucas Glover, Graeme McDowell - not exactly the flashiest players in the world. The US Open requires hitting fairways and greens and making pars, which aren't exactly the strength of Phil's game. Mickelson has trouble with his putting in US Opens as well, which I think shows the pressure he puts on himself to win the tournament. He'll always be close, but the US Open might elude Phil Mickelson for the rest of his career.

5) Graeme McDowell Was A Deserved Winner

-However, when all is said and done, the story should focus on a deserved winner - Graeme McDowell. Perhaps just the 3rd best golfer from Northern Ireland (Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke), McDowell emerged as the last man standing like other unfancied winners this decade. McDowell only had 1 previous Top 10 in a major prior to this week and this is his first PGA Tour win (he only had 5 previous European Tour wins as well). Isn't it amazing that Euro studs like Garcia, Westwood, Casey, Poulter, and others can't get the job done - but Graeme McDowell can?!

McDowell is only 30, and he has some pedigree as an All-American at UAB as well as a 2008 Ryder Cup appearance, so maybe he isn't a one shot wonder. What struck me about McDowell was that he was the only player that didn't melt under the pressure. Yes, he made bogeys coming in while shooting a Back 9 39, but the moment wasn't too big for him. The defining moment and lasting memory from this tournament was McDowell cooly talking to the camera all the way up 18, wishing a Happy Father's Day after his drive and noting his dad in the crowd, openly talking about nerves on the way to the green and even pumping himself up yelling "Come On!" knowing that a 2 putt would win him the title. It was that determination and coolness under pressure that led McDowell to a career changing victory.

The Tiger Project: How Tiger Can Get Back to the Top

With the news today that Tiger Woods has been dumped by swing coach Hank Haney, things seem to be at an all-time low for the once king of all sports. Tiger is injured, his personal life is a mess, and now he's without his trusted mentor since 2005. You might say, this is the lowest point of Tiger's career. So, what steps must Tiger take to get back to his dominant form? Here's a five point plan Tiger's handlers should be following to get his career back on track.

1. Get Healthy

-Even an athlete as great as Tiger Woods is susceptible to injury, and it's abundantly clear Tiger is not in peak physical condition. True, the skepticism of the golf media may be warranted, and who would have ever thought the golf media would be so untrustworthy of their Golden Goose? But, I think you have to take Tiger at his word, because, since the Masters, he's looked a shadow of his former self. Over the last two years alone he's dealt with a severe knee injury, Achilles issues, and now a bum neck. Not even the greatest golfer in the world can survive that run of injuries. No matter how long it takes, TIger needs to get healthy.

2. Settle His Marriage

-In the history of golf, there is no harder obstacle to overcome than a troublesome home life. For a game that's played in the space between your ears, it's incredibly important to be completely at peace with your whole surroundings. And with constant rumors of his wife moving out and an impending divorce, not even Tiger Woods is immune to distraction. Before Tiger can get back to 100% focus on golf, he has to sort out his personal life. Whether that means a divorce or not, he has to find closure before he can compete again consistently.

3. Sit on Oprah's Couch

-In the world of public opinion, there would be no greater healer than having an hour-long chat with the Queen of Daytime TV. While there are many diverging opinions on Tiger's infidelity and the effect it's had on his career, there is one unanimous sentiment, his PR team has been atrocious. From contrived statements on his website, to awkward public statements, to five-minute interviews, Tiger's inner circle has still kept him at arm's length. And while he's begun to give news conferences to the sports media, he needs a larger vehicle to open up to the general public. Thus, Tiger needs to bite the bullet and open up to Oprah and her millions of mostly female fans, beg for forgiveness again, and draw a sympathetic ear. It would be a major boost to the rehabilitation of his image, and might cut down on the number of fans who have to be tasered.

4. Get Back with Butch Harmon

-The departure of Hank Haney basically leaves Tiger as an orphan in the golf/swing coach community. Heck, if Hank Haney can stick with Charles Barkley for months, what does that say about the disarray of Tiger's game? So, where can Tiger go? As much as it might humble him, the best move he can make is reuniting with Butch Harmon, with whom he had his greatest success at the beginning of the 2000s. Although Butch has moved on to Phil Mickelson, there's no reason he wouldn't go back to Tiger if he was sincerely asked. Why not try to recapture that perfect swing that saw Woods hoist the Tiger Slam, or at least get back closer to it? It'd be better than playing out of the wrong fairway consistently, wouldn't it?

5. Remember One Thing, You Are Tiger Woods

-As bulletproof as Tiger Woods once seemed, he has perhaps endured the worst six-month stretch of any great athlete in history. It's completely understandable that Tiger would feel a lack of confidence right now after his missed cuts, scandals, and now the loss of his coach. But, through it all he has to remember one thing, he's Tiger Woods. For much of the last 10+ years, he has been the most dominant athlete in any sport, maybe in history. Even after his six month layoff, with some nagging injuries and a poor excuse for a swing, he still competed at the Masters. Although the road ahead will be difficult, if Tiger can show the determination to get his body, marriage, and swing healthy, there's no reason he can't be that dominant force again.

Well, there you have out five point plan to get Tiger back on track. What are your thoughts? Can Tiger make it back? Can he still break Jack Nicklaus's record? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Also, stay tuned for our continuing coverage of the NBA/NHL Playoffs. Until next time, it's bye for now!

RSS Roundtable: Tiger, Big Ben, and Morality in Sports - Part II

It's time for Part II of our RSS Roundtable. Where our 3 main contributors come together to talk about the biggest issues in the world of sports. Today, we continue our conversation about the importance of character in sports shifting our attention to athletes as role models in society, Big Ben, Dez Bryant, and much more. Here's Part II

We've talked about these different morality and character standards with athletes and role models. So, then does it depend on sport, position, and other factors what we expect of our athletes and their character?

It'd be great and easy to say yeah, everyone should adhere to the same standards of excellence on and off the field. But the truth is that's only for fantasy land. Everything these days is situational.

It's fantasy that we should expect our athletes to be role models for the countless people that look up to them?

I don't agree with the whole role model athlete concept all together. It doesn't matter the sport, it is ludicrous.

Yohey, you looked up to athletes just like everyone else. You're telling me you wouldn't be disappointed if Bernie Kosar was taking 20 year old girls into bathroom bars? Granted he sounds drunk announcing Browns preseason games, but still...

Honestly, no. Because I don't have unrealistic expectations of other people. Aren't they human just like us?

How is it unrealistic to not expect your favorite athlete to NOT sleep around with 15 women or have 7 kids in 5 states?? They are human and deserve second chances, but they also need accountability to their fans, teams, sponsors, and the leagues they represent.

Sponsors yes. Sport yes. But fans? I'm not so sure. I'm sure Wilt Chamberlain was an idol of many kids, but we don't hear about him being shamed because of his records. How about people who have actually accomplished something that has meaning in the world to be role models?

It's fantasy to expect every athlete to follow the same guidelines. A star QB is going to face different responsibilities as the face of a franchise than the 4th string center on the Phoenix Coyotes. The same is true with the discipline each athlete faces. It's much easier to cut someone who's barely on the roster after a DUI than cut a $100 million franchise QB. Not to be preachy, but the problem is with society in general that we exalt these guys like we do. Kids should have parents or other people in their lives worthy of being role models. The days of your favorite athlete being a "role model" are long gone.

But we're the ones fooling ourselves if we think people don't look up to athletes as role models. The truth is that athletes are respected no matter how many hundreds of them are charged or arrested.

We should admire these athletes for their incredible talent and hard work, but realize their faults as well. But, as we heard with Tiger, there's becoming a sense of entitlement with athletes these days that they deserve all the spoils that come with being rich and famous. Just because we admire their ability and skill, that doesn't mean athletes should get a free pass to do whatever they want.

Along the same topic, Oklahoma St. WR Dez Bryant is reportedly being taken off of some team's draft boards because of - you guessed it - character issues. Thoughts?

His issues got him suspended for the season and cost his team, of course that will give some teams concerns.

A guy with bad character can ruin a team, put an entire franchise at risk, cough... Milton Bradley... cough. A team that screws up a draft pick doesn't get a mulligan, so I can understand not wanting to take the risk.

I think Bryant's gotten a bad rap. He made one mistake and has been placed with an X that you wonder if he'll ever be able to shake the character risk label. And, it's not like he's committed/accused of a crime or done something terrible like others we've talked about.

Agreed. Bryant has overcome a lot to get where he has, if anything it's Deion's fault!

If he produces, the issue is gone. That's the view that free agency has instilled, people no longer root for players or care about them - they root for a uniform.

So then why is the bad character tag a factor when talking about Dez Bryant when he hasn't even done anything? It seems a GIANT case of hypocrisy when compared to Woods and Roethlisberger.

The bad character tag is paramount in team sports because you have to trust your teammates.

To me they're separate issues. Scouts and GMs are trying to project Bryant's behavior at the next level, which is next to impossible. Meanwhile, we know the sins of Tiger, Big Ben and the like. I agree with Yohey that guys won't look at Big Ben the same anymore until he wins their trust back on and off the field - don't forget the concussion story last year.

For whatever reason, especially the NFL, character has become paramount to team success. Look at the Saints who have almost gone exclusively with good character guys and won a title. So in the end, we're saying that character and morality does mean something at least in team sports.

You can thank Lawrence Phillips and Ryan Leaf for that.

Of course it means something, it means something in all sports. Tiger was a role model for millions and represented million dollar corporations. Big Ben and other NFLers represent organizations and cities. Is it too much to ask for these guys to set a good example? No, but apparently the burden is too great for some.

And Tiger Woods is the most recognized athlete in the world... shouldn't character count for him too regardless of if he has any teammates?

Yes. We always remember the on-field first, but at some point we remember the man too. For instance, how long until you think of Ty Cobb as the racist fan-beater and stop remembering him as the greatest baseball player of the early 20th century? While we ultimately will remember Tiger first as the greatest golfer ever, eventually this messy chapter will play a big role in his legacy.

So in the end, should we view athletes as role models and expect good character in the post-Tiger world?

No. The age of innocence is gone in this 24/7 news and information world. There are no celebrity role models anymore. Back in the day, when we didn't know everything and there was separation between fans and players we could... not anymore. In the Twitter age, we know better.

We shouldn't view athletes as role models in the first place. If you base your drive and determination on a false image you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

To take a positive spin - it should raise the profile of the real good guys in sports like Kurt Warner just to name one. But I think there will always be seeds of doubt as to who these athletes really are.

I think if we can't expect our favorite athletes to be role models, then sports loses a lot of what makes it so great. If we watch sports and can't invest ourselves with the athletes themselves, then we're just watching some sort of fake sitcom.

I disagree. I invest myself with the team if anything. We root for the uniform and colors in the free agency age, not the persons.

I think that's a step too far as well. Sports has changed with the times. Just because guys are cheats or drunks off the field doesn't change the game itself. If Babe Ruth played today, TMZ or ESPN would follow him around 24/7 to find out all the dirt in his personal life. Instead, he played in a simpler time where athletes personal lives weren't under the microscope. But, nothing on the field has changed since them, it's just that athletes have a different place in our society and popular culture.

Is that the sports world we're in now? Where we can only trust the uniform and protect the shield?

Yep, and to think otherwise is naive.

Call me old fashioned (and probably naive), but for me there still has to be at least some mystique with athletes and a responsibility to be role models and recognize their position in society. I want my kid growing up wearing his favorite player's jersey without fear that he might be dealing drugs, having affairs, getting arrested, or whatever. I want my kid to think the guy he roots for on Sundays is one worth rooting for on and off the field.

Sure there'll be guys that come along and inspire us, but I think we'll have to stay detached from athletes in the post-Tiger world. Ironic, but that's the price we pay for more access to our athletes. We'll always be a forgiving society, but the time of placing athletes on pedestals as great human beings is over.

Athletes are now recognized as role models for what they do off the field (Drew Brees and his work in New Orleans as an example). That is how the role model concept should be built upon, but we have to keep in mind that they will make mistakes too.

Maybe we're in an age where real role models like Tony Dungy will have to really earn their place in society as crossover role models for things outside of their athletic fields.

Exactly. It won't be automatically bestowed on someone just because they throw touchdowns or hit long drives anymore. We have to be realistic that atheltes aren't mythical figures anymore - they are real people with real faults just like in real life. Some athletes are exceptional role models and some are really creeps. It's just that now we have the ability to distinguish the two like never before. In the end, maybe that's a good thing that has come out of the new age.

RSS Roundtable: Tiger, Big Ben, and Morality in Sports Part I

With all of the news surrounding Tiger Woods and Ben Roethlisberger, we thought it would be a perfect time to get back to the roundtable to hit the hard issues and talk about the character issue of sports. How do recent events with Tiger's return and another Big Ben accusation make us view morality and character in sports? Is the coverage and attitudes towards these athletes appropriate? Should we expect our athletes to be role models? Only RSS tells you like it really is. Here's Part 1 of 2...

What did you make of the Masters? Should the character of Tiger and Phil enter into the story?

Y2: Of course it should. While the history books won't show how many times Tiger cursed on the course or how often Phil helped an old lady cross the street, in the present character matters - especially for Tiger, who presented himself as a brand and was proven to not live up to that crafted image. He said he was going to be a new person on the course and ended up to be the same surly Tiger after finishing 4th.

Y1: If you missed the character issue (not presenting Phil vs Tiger as good vs evil) then you were watching something else or wanted to see something else. Tiger's character is the biggest sports story of the year and to be unwilling to make that part of the story in contrast to the guy who won being met by his cancer stricken wife is being blind to what is going on.

BY: Should it? No. Did it? Yes. Tiger said he'd try to cut back on his on-course swearing, but isn't that part of Tiger when he's playing? His raw enthusiasm and drive is incomparable. Besides, everyone knows about the character issues going into the tournament. It does seem a bit odd how Amy shows up at the point in time when Phil won; maybe the Masters wants to show their winner is a wholesome family man?

Y2: It seemed rushed together. Like the Masters people realized, oh crap, Phil's sick wife is here and he's gonna win, let's trot her out and make a Kodak moment.

Y1: Maybe it was a little put together as some have suggested, but it was a real scene, heck they showed a tear running down Phil's face. We don't see that kind of moment in sports often. But, to completely ignore that part of the story (which I highlighted in a column earlier this week) is ludicrous.

Y2: I don't doubt the feelings were real, but the Masters and CBS were all too eager to hitch their wagon to it.

BY: Exactly. They were pushing it hard.

Y2: It wasn't a story in the buildup, until Phil was going to beat Tiger. If Tiger wins, the story is the redemption of Tiger.

Do you guys agree with Mike Wilbon's sentiment that it was "lazy" and "lame" and poor journalism to draw the contrast between Tiger and Phil and the morality issue?

Because something is obviously a story doesn't mean it's lazy. Even if it was contrived by the Masters it's true. But it does show the fickle nature of the media.

Lazy more than lame. You could do that in any sport really. There would be no contrasting if Phil finished 50th and Tiger 4th. Only by Phil winning was it good for golf, or a victory for women everywhere as Rick Reilly moronically stated.

I think to call it lazy is misguided at best and utterly stupid and ignorant at its worst. Journalists are supposed to report stories - Tiger's fall from grace has been on par with steroids as the biggest sports story of the decade. To not enter that into the equation during his comeback tournament and focus exclusively on his on-course performance amidst the scenes that unfolded would be insanity.

All week we heard nothing about Tiger's misdeeds though. Nothing about the trauma he put his family through, the disappointment he caused his millions of fans and kids who saw him as a role model. The story was all the warm receptions before Phil won. Then, when a perceived good guy wins, Tiger gets thrown right back under the bus.

You know why we heard nothing about his misdeeds? Because CBS are the little nerds of sports television who are too scared to tell the real story.

What was lazy was pretending Tiger was coming back from some mysterious adversity instead of his own transgressions.

I think the TV coverage was more the suffocating control that Augusta has over what is covered or not at Augusta. But, let's not kid ourselves - the network's and sports media's bread is buttered with Tiger Woods. They've always been his biggest cheerleaders.

Why shouldn't the networks be his biggest cheerleaders? He's increased PGA ratings on his own and brought more noterity and money to the tour than anyone ever. If there was no Tiger the PGA would be neck and neck with MLS and poker.

So going forward, should Tiger's morality and character remain in the spotlight, or should it be cast aside now that he's back to playing tournament golf?

It shouldn't but will. Only when he starts winning again will people forget about what he did to Elin.

But in the TMZ/National Enquirer world I don't know if it will ever go away. Even this week a huge story was his behavior on the course. There were videos of him swearing all over the blogosphere - you never would have seen that before the scandal dropped.

I do think the Tiger story will have legs unlike any other sports scandal seen before because the celeb media has caught onto it. He'll certainly be placed under a bigger microscope than before... and let's face it, he got a pass for his poor on-course behavior because of his performance, and people still considered him a role model because of his image. Now that his facade has been broken, he's open for more scrutiny in every aspect of his life.

Let's shift to Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes - should character issues take on a different form in a team sport?

No. And this is where Goodell deserves some credit, because football players no longer get a pass for being knuckleheads because they play a violent game.

It depends on who the player is. I think we clearly saw a difference and procedure and punishment depending who you were on the Steelers. Roethlisberger is still on the team and the Super Bowl MVP is gone for a 5th Round pick.

Agreed Yohey. Because Big Ben is a franchise QB, he's going to get a lot more chances and a longer leash than Holmes, no matter how many MVP's he's won. It shows an incredible double standard, but that's the reality of the situation... in spite of the absolutely terrible light that the new reports put him in.

But, it's not like this was Santonio Holmes' first run-in either. It's also hard to say which offense was worse or who "deserves" more punishment and accountability. They both screwed up.

It is fascinating though to hear how those character issues "affect the locker room" and that Big Ben might lose his leadership mantle, placed his career in jeopardy, etc.... when the same media does its best to remove any relation between Tiger's character and on-course performance.

Those are two completely different areas with Ben and Tiger. In football you need the other players to trust you. If they don't than the team won't perform as good as it could and you won't win. However, Tiger only has to worry about himself on the course. You don't need to be concerned with the conduct of others in golf, just yourself.

In all honesty though, golf needs Tiger a lot more than the NFL needs Big Ben. If Big Ben continues to act like a spoiled frat boy instead of the face of one of the league's premier franchises, he'll be dumped because nobody in the NFL is above the shield. Meanwhile, Tiger has to be protected to some degree because if the country turns its back on Tiger, it turns its back on the sport of golf at the same time.

I think that's it. Since Big Ben is the face of a team, franchise, and city that identifies with him, character becomes a much bigger issue in a team sport than in an individual sport. Tiger has no home fan base to answer to.

As with everything else, winning cures all. If the Steelers win then character issues go out the door, but if they start losing you'll see the Big Ben leadership questions start to rise again.

Coming up in Part II we'll take a look at some more tough questions regarding character in sports as we shift to focus more on Ben Roethlisberger, Santonio Holmes, Dez Bryant and many more hard-hitting topics. Bye for now...

A Tale of Two Worlds - Phil vs Tiger

What a final day of the Masters. Phil Mickelson shot a flawless, bogey-free final round 67 to win his third green jacket. It was a day of incredible shotmaking, exciting golf, fascinating stories, but also stark contrast. The 2010 Masters showed the day and night difference between golf's two biggest stars - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

On the course, Phil Mickelson is known for his swashbuckling style. Phil would always make enough shots to win tournaments, but usually always make enough bad shots to lose them too. Remember the infamous meltdown at Winged Foot in the '06 US Open? It was a collapse so epic we never thought he'd recover from. Even last year at the Masters he ruined a historic run by putting the ball in the water at Amen Corner. But, this year there was Mickelson shooting a clutch, bogey-free round on his way to 67. There were all the typical Phil highlights today, but also the short putts and up and downs that he would usually let slip away. Today, he was as clinical as Tiger Woods.

On the course, Tiger Woods is known as a cold-blooded assassin. Tiger never gives away cheap shots. He's the gamiest gamer that has ever gamed. Nobody makes less mistakes or more clutch shots. But, this year there was Tiger popping up drives, leaving shots in bunkers, hitting trees, and 3 jacking 8 footers. There were tremendous shots as well - the hole out from the fairway on 7, another eagle on 15, and 4 other birdies. It was a roller coaster ride like we've never seen from Tiger Woods on the way to a memorable 69 (*insert own joke here*). Today, on the golf course, he was Phil Mickelson.

Throughout this week, and let's face it, everywhere Phil Mickelson goes, he is greeted with thunderous applause and support. Not since Arnold Palmer have we seen a golfer as loved by fans of the game (and yes, I refuse to use the word patrons). Roar after roar went round Augusta due to Mickelson's heroics. Whether it was the Saturday eagles or his heroic scrambling and shotmaking on Sunday, the fans were always there for Mick. Why is it that the galleries love Mickelson - is it his go for broke mentality? His years of coming so close to winning? His interaction with the fans around the golf course? That he looks like he enjoys playing golf for a living? Likely, it's all of the above.

Throughout this week, Tiger Woods was met with "generous applause" or "warm receptions" wherever he went. Nobody knew what would meet Tiger, but at Augusta, it's no surprise that he got a generally positive reception from the fans and the media. But, even before the sex scandal that crashed his career, Woods was never loved like Mickelson. Yes, Woods was a trailblazer, a role model, a corporate juggernaut, and maybe the best that we've ever seen - but he has never been loved. Maybe it's the cold demeanor. Maybe it's the temper-tantrums and swearing on the golf course (Eldrick still has some work to do in that department). Maybe it was the robotic image and the fact that his yacht was called Privacy. Maybe it was that he has never let any of us past the red shirt and the Tiger Woods brand. Likely, it is all of the above.

Right after Mickelson made birdie at 18, the storybook ending unfolded as his wife Amy embraced him on the walk to sign his scorecard. We heard the broadcasters talk about the distraction in Mickelson's life. About his troubles off the course. And, about how he hadn't played his best golf in recent months. We heard the Mickelson family story. Mickelson's wife and mother have both been battling breast cancer for several months, and it was Amy's first time to see her husband on the golf course since her fight began. It was a touching, heart-warming moment for the viewers at home as the slow-mo cameras even caught a tear running down Phil's face. It was something we'd see from the Hallmark Channel.

On the other hand, there's Tiger Woods, cutting a solitary figure throughout the entire week. There was Tiger after Sunday's round looking like the same old combative Tiger that we've always seen. We heard the broadcasters talk about the distraction in Tiger's life. About his off-course issues. And, about how he hadn't picked up a golf club in 5 months. We never heard the words sex, rehab, affair, family, or anything like it. Tiger's wife Elin stayed away from Augusta and rightfully so. Tiger Woods is trying to rebuild a broken family life due to the four month HydrantSexRehabGate that has haunted him. And, while we should all pull for the best for Tiger's family, you couldn't help but notice that there was nobody waiting for Tiger as he walked off the 18th green. One had to wonder what was going through Elin's mind through all of this.

One has to wonder, would either man think about trading places with the other. Would Phil give up the love and adoration of the masses for 10 more majors... to be like Tiger? Probably not. Would Tiger sacrifice all the historic victories, being the global icon, and now all of the turmoil to be loved like Phil? Now, after seeing the first tournament after golf was changed forever, I'm not so sure he wouldn't.

They said that this year's Masters would be the most watched golf tournament in history. And, we were rewarded with a golf tournament that will be remembered for several reasons. We saw some of the best shots in Masters history. We saw Tiger's comeback from his dramatic fall begin. We also saw the two best players in the game battle for another green jacket. Ultimately, we saw two men linked as the best in their field so crystalized in two different worlds that it shined through like the Azaleas in HD. Sunday at the 2010 Masters was such a memorable day because it painted such a remarkable picture that only sports can deliver.

What To Watch For Sunday At Augusta

Yesterday's action at the Masters was incredible. It was maybe the best Saturday we've seen at a major in many years. The famous roars were reverberating around Augusta National. Phil Mickelson's back to back eagles at 13 and 14 have him one behind the lead of Lee Westwood (-12). Tiger Woods and KJ Choi are 4 back with some work to do and Freddy Couples is 5 back and hoping for perhaps the miraculous major win of all-time. Here is what to watch for Sunday at Augusta...

*Can Lee Westwood Close The Deal?

-With Sergio Garcia's disappearance from the leaderboards of majors, Lee Westwood has taken the mantle of best player to never win a major. Consistently one of Europe's best players, he only has 1 PGA Tour win to go along with 20 on the European Tour. But, he's been close to getting a breakthrough major win finishing 3rd at the 2008 US Open, 2009 British Open, and 2009 PGA Championship. Each time, he had a chance to win late but could not close the deal. Now, with the lead for the first time, can Lee Westwood close the deal? He hasn't yet proven that he can, and with the Augusta stars behind him, it'll be a tough ask of Westwood.

*More Mickelson Miracles

-Phil Mickelson's 9 strokes on holes 13-15 yesterday was perhaps the best stretch of 3 holes we've seen in a major championship. In spite of his poor record recently, Phil always plays well at Augusta. As was noted on the broadcast yesterday, Mickelson has had a lot to think about off the course in his personal life with his wife and mother battling breast cancer. Believe it or not, Phil is going for his 3rd Green Jacket, but it's been 4 years since he last won a major! He seemingly has never recovered from his disaster at Winged Foot in the '06 US Open. Phil's key today will have to be to keep the bogeys away (he had a good run last year before blowing up at Amen Corner). He's clearly the crowd favorite, and should be the odds-on favorite to win with Tiger 3 strokes back. Speaking of...

*Tiger Watch

-Interesting that yesterday during a run of bogeys was the first time we heard talk of Tiger not playing a competitive round in 5 months. Funny how the excuses weren't mentioned when he shot his best ever 1st round at Augusta. I think 4 strokes will be too much of a mountain to climb, even for Tiger. Unless he shoots a 64, it's not in the cards - I don't see Mickelson and Westwood coming back to the pack today. Keep track today of how many times you hear the words Elin, sex, scandal, affair, mistakes, regret, shame, embarrassment, etc... Richard Nixon would be proud of the cover-up that CBS and ESPN have done this week treating Tiger with kid gloves. If you've been under a rock since Thanksgiving, you would have zero idea what exactly he's "coming back from." On the course today, Tiger will play a solid round, but he'll fall just short.

*Augusta Magic

-If yesterday was any sort of preview to what we'll see today, we'll be in store for an incredible 4th round. It wouldn't surprise me to see Fred Couples make a charge up the leaderboard for a while... or several young guns just behind (Mahan, Kim, Barnes). There's perhaps nothing more enjoyable than hearing the roars on the Back 9, Sunday, at Augusta. Enjoy today because it only comes around once a year.

Special Comment: Tiger-Rama at Augusta

My friends, yesterday was a day of sheer anticipation, happiness, and yet, disapointment and befuddlement. One of sports greatest events got underway today and that is the Masters Tournament, held at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. A course that has made names during the illustrious history of golf, greats such as Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Faldo and the man of the decade, Tiger Woods. I will not go into detail of why Tiger was the focus of the tournament's attention because being a sports fan you already know. However, I felt there were some things done the past few days leading up to the tournament as well as the tournament itself that were either disapointing or slightly peeving.

1. Nike Commercial - To me this was a case of too soon for Nike to put Tiger out there in an ad campaign. The ad is in black and white showing Tiger just staring straight into the camera lens with audio of his father playing in the background. His dad, it seems, is lecturing Tiger about the healing process and mainly why he did the things he did with the allegations of marriage impropriety. However, I HIGHLY doubt that is the true intention of Earl's comments toward his son. Not only did Nike put Tiger out there too soon but they seemed to use Earl's comments, although with Tiger's approval, inappropriately and out of context. It was just too soon for Tiger, Nike and the allegations. At least Nike didn't say, "Just Do It."

Maybe this ad would have been more appropriate...

2. Billy Payne, Augusta National Golf Club Chairman - This was the part of the news leading up to the Masters that got me angry. Payne comes out and chastises Tiger for his actions and how he disapointed many who considered him a role model. Now I have waxed poetically in the past regarding the use of athletes as role models, where we are supposed to idolize them and think that they are uber-human and incapable of doing anything that is "human", such as make mistakes or bad decisions. For Payne to come out and publicly chastise Tiger, who has put golf back in the mainstream and brought golf back from the edge of obscurity (think about it, if there was no Tiger, golf may be on par [no pun intended] with MLS). Payne better re-think his statments about the skeletons in Tiger's closet because Augusta has a few of their own (racism, discrimination towards women, Hootie Johnson v. Martha Burk, etc..).

3. Tiger coverage - Thankfully I was too busy yesterday with commitments to watch the live coverage, otherwise I would have been sickened. ESPN was giving Tiger the Tebow/Duke/Tom Brady treatment; constant coverage even when Tiger was not involved. There was a "Tiger Tracker" on the side of the screen giving hole-by-hole updates. Really?! I also saw a breakdown on the ticker regarding Tiger's hole-by-hole performance, including past history on the holes (i.e Hole 2 - Birdie. 6 of the 7 past tournaments Tiger has birdied this hole in Round 1). NOBODY CARES!! At least Tom Rinaldi won't be there to give some sad, sobby story, much like Jimmy Roberts in ANYTHING NBC does!! The incredibly warm receptions throughout the day was just uncomfortable considering everything that has happened during Tiger's fall from grace. Focusing on the unanimously positive reactions while ignoring what precisely Tiger is "coming back" just makes ESPN look like the cheerleaders they usually are.

The Masters is one of sports great yearly rights of passage, and for me to say that I expected nothing different after Tiger's past year would make me clinically insane. But to have a "Tiger Ticker", coupled with the Nike Commercial and Billy Payne's dumba** comment have tarnished the greatness some. Therefore, I give a big "Shame On You" to Nike, Billy Payne and ESPN for their lackluster and inappropriate conduct. I only pray that CBS can reeclaim the greatness, decency and sensibility that the Masters stands for. Taking a page from Jim Nantz, "Goodbye, friends." Be careful out there.

What are the Odds? - 2010 Masters Preview

It's time for another edition of our fake gambling feature, What are the Odds? Here, we'll preview the upcoming Masters to give you the odds on all the favorites, longshots to keep an eye on...and that Tiger fella. So what are you waiting for? Come on, follow me!

The Favorites

Ernie Els - 5 to 1

-The big South African has seen a career resurgence after an injury spell over the last season. He's the only two-time winner on tour this year (the WGC at Doral and the Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill). Before Els's knee injury in 2005, he was a perennial contender at Augusta finishing in the Top 10 every year between 2000 and 2004. But, he's also missed his last 3 cuts at the Masters. So, which Ernie shows up? My bet is on the revamped 2010 Ernie, there's a look in his eye that resembles the Ernie of old, look for him to contend in a big way.

Paddy Harrington - 8-1

-The three time major winner also doesn't have the best history at Augusta, finishing no higher than T5, but he has placed in the Top 10 two of the last three years. Although his majors have come with Tiger either out of action or not at the top of his game, Harrington shouldn't be dismissed as he leads a strong European contingent this week.

Phil Mickelson /Tiger Woods- 10-1

-Only fitting that these two are placed at the same odds, as the rivals will undoubtedly still be compared to each other, even after all the scandal that has surrounded Woods (which I think we can finally ignore unless pictures of Tiger surrounded by farm animals shows up). We've already seen Tiger win on one leg at the 2008 U.S. Open, so nothing would surprise me. But, it would be foolish to list him as the favorite when we don't know how his off-course transformation will affect his on-course persona. Lest we all forget, he lost the lead in the final round of a major for the 1st time in his last one, the 2009 PGA. So, while he is likely to be in the picture, he's not the favorite.

Meanwhile, after winning his third major at the 2006 Masters, many thought Lefty might be pushing five or six by now. Alas, he's still stuck on three and has been erratic at best at the majors. But, he always seems to save his best for Augusta. Who can forget the duel Tiger and Phil had last year in the final round which saw them surge up the leaderboard, albeit briefly. Mickelson bested him that day, and last year at the Tour Championship. Undoubtedly, these are the two most talented players in the field, but can they put it together this week? If you know the answer to that, you really probably ought to legally place some money on the Masters.

The Dark Horses

Ian Poulter/Lee Westwood - 15-1

-The man with the funny pants and the big mouth is slowly proving himself as a worthy challenger to the world's best. He's already had the biggest win of his career this season at the WGC Match Play and could be in line for another. Westwood has had his chances recently in majors, missing out on playoffs twice since 2009. If he can get past his mental shortcomings in recent history, he can contend for his first major.

Anthony Kim/Camillo Villegas - 20-1

-These two young guns can either surge to the top of the leaderboard, or miss the cut completely. They've both won already this season, so they should be near the top of their game heading into Augusta.

Angel Cabrera - 22-1

-Maybe the most unheralded defending champ in history, Cabrera enters the Masters with little fanfare, which may fit the laid back Argentine just fine. He's one of the purest ball strikers in the game and proved he could roll his potato last year. It wouldn't be a shot to see El Pato compete for his 3rd major.

The Longshots

Fred Couples - 35-1

-Ok, he hasn't won on tour since 2003, but Boom Boom has won 3 Senior events this season and if Tom Watson showed anything at last year's British, it's that the over-50 crowd still has a lot to offer. Unlike most seniors, it won't be length that keeps Freddie from competing, it'll be his putting. If he can putt, he can contend.

Kenny Perry - 50-1

-Here's betting Kenny hasn't forgotten last year's collapse on the 71st and 72nd holes at last year's Masters. Leading by two, he bogeyed 17 and 18, then bogeyed the 2nd playoff hole to lose to Angel Cabrera. Perry put too much pressure on himself because he knew it was his last chance to win a major. This year, he'll prove he was right.

Louis Oosthuizen - 1,000,000-1

-Nothing against Oosthuizen, a solid South African player, but he dug his own grave by winning today's Par 3 contest. One of the most famous streaks in sports, no golfer has ever won the midweek Par 3 and gone on to win the Masters. It also doesn't help that Louie missed the cut in his only Masters last year, so, nice knowing ya!

So who are your favorites? Can Tiger get the job done? Will one of his mistresses streak onto the golf course? Keep up with our Masters coverage this week and everything else in the Wide World of RSS! Also don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RSS_Sports. Until then, it's bye for now!

Tiger Woods News Conference Live Blog

Postgame Thoughts

Tiger's Grade - B+

-His atmosphere was so much better here than any time we've seen him in public since this all went down. He was so relaxed it was shocking - but was he too relaxed? For me, the thing that stuck out was his comments about chasing Nicklaus' record. "If I win championships along the way, so be it." That was stunning. Of course, it could go either way - he relaxes and plays the best golf of his life, or he becomes too relaxed and turns into Pedro Cerrano of Major League II. Tiger's got a long way to go to repair his public image, but he seems committed to being a new person and making the most of his second chance.

The Media - C

-There were a couple softballs lobbed up, but overall the media did a solid job of asking the tough questions about rehab, PEDs, etc. However, I would have loved to see the media press Woods when he gave the typical "police report" or "it's personal" responses. They also seemed to happy to dance around the subject of sex rehab and fell into Tiger's hands. All in all, an average performance.

Barack Obama - D-

-He puts on a White Sox cap throwing out the first pitch in DC??? And his throw was terrible. Clark Kellogg would have probably put it in the dugout.

Sorry, had to comment on that. Anyways, we learned a lot from this press conference. Tiger's demeanor on the course will be the next thing to watch. Honestly, anybody trying to predict Tiger's performance this week at Augusta is guessing. All possibilities are in play. If he smiles his way to 75-74 and misses the cut I won't be surprised. If he contends like recent years without giving a scare I won't be surprised. If he breaks the course record it won't be a shock.

Thanks for joining us for another live blog. Check our Twitter feed at the upper right of the page for our National Title Game thoughts. Bye for now...

2:44 - Tirico and Rinaldi note that there wasn't a lot of anger in the room. Not great postgame coverage, I can't wait for Rick Reilly's glowing tribute. Looks like it's time to wrap up...

2:39 - It's fun to see ex-pro golfers try to play psychiatrists on TV. Only In America!!

2:37 - Andy North and Curtis Strange cite sincerity and relief for Tiger. The over/under on number of people crying is .5

2:36 - And it ends. We'll stick with the postgame coverage and analyze the analysis of a 30+ question press conference. Already we start with a double take from Tirico, lol.

2:35 - "It's all been stripped away and here I am... and it's fun again."

2:33 - It's weird to hear everyone just throw around rehab, and all of these terms that go along with it without addressing that it was sex rehab that Tiger was in. It's a giant bikini-dressed elephant in the room.

2:31 - Now we're into the hardcore golf questions. Did someone give the signal to stop the sex, drugs, and scandal questions? I would just love it if Martha Burke came out of nowhere and nailed Tiger in the back of the head with a steel chair. We need some more drama in this thing.

2:30 - The first chuckle from Tiger calling out an extremely long-winded question. Just slightly awkward.

2:27 - Great question about viewing Nicklaus' record differently, and for the first Time Tiger takes a slight pause. "It's not about the championships, it's about how you live your life... and I needed to change that." "Going forward, I need to be a better man." "If I win championships along the way, so be it." THAT is THE headline from the sporting world coming out of this. Is Tiger's drive to win still there? Who knows!

2:25 - That's followed by the Oprah how did you fool so many people question which allows a full mea culpa and right into a question about Tiger's legacy. You can almost sense the tide in the room to shift to a very sympathetic tone on the spot.

2:24 - I would have answered that ridiculous question this way - "Yes, I wanted to get caught, ruin my pristine reputation, and bring down my empire. Yes, I wanted to get caught." Dumb. D U M dumb.

2:23 - Wow. He talks openly about missing his son's first birthday in rehab. As most expected, Elin will not be at Augusta and talks about his return being a family decision. TMZ is crushed.

2:20 - Good question about Tiger's comeback date with regards to his statement in February. That man looked in no way shape or form ready for Augusta. Tiger cites working with Hank Haney as bringing back his zeal for the game. I'm sensing Season 3 of the Haney Project - Tiger & Hank Go To Sex Rehab!

2:18 - I don't think the constant affairs were the cause of his loss to YE Yang at the PGA Championship. If anything, they probably helped him on the course! Hello!

2:16 - Still very vague about exactly what type of rehab Tiger was in Mississippi for. There it is! I believe he answered that question with "That's personal" - so... he's not admitting to sex rehab. I guess he and Steve Phillips aren't going on tour together anytime soon, shucks.

2:14 - 1st prescription drug question - Tiger says he has taken them because of his knee injuries... and also was on medication when his dad died, no mention of addiction or treatment. No real surprises so far, except for how relaxed Tiger looks. I'm really stunned by how different he looks compared to when we last saw him in public.

2:12 - 1st softball question about how he feels being out there from Steve ____ (sorry couldn't get the last name)... CBS and Augusta are going to pull out all the stops to make this seem like Ben Hogan's comeback - make no mistake about it. We're going to see 100% positive coverage this week from most of the major media outlets and Augusta.

2:11 - 1st PED question... this is a big test... he flatly says that he never gave him any PEDs. Tiger's not getting caught in a giant sex scandal and a performance enhancing drug scandal within a year people... then again, we never thought we'd see Tiger in a giant sex scandal...

2:10 - "The fact that I've won golf tournaments is irrelevant" "I'm going to have to explain all this to them" "Winning golf tournaments is irrelevant to all the damage I've caused." Wow.

2:09 - "I'm going to try to not get as hot when I play" "I've made a conscious decision to try to tone down my negative outbursts" sounds like we'll have a neutered Tiger on the golf course. Sorry for all the people that expect Tiger to get booed off Augusta National. He might as well be Cal Ripken playing in Baltimore... 2 Cal Ripken references in 20 minutes... hey give me a break we're live!

2:05 - Here we go! 1st question... 5 stitches in his lip is a new detail... followed his lawyers advice... talking about finding strength and peace inside. Again going to the well trying to defend his family's privacy.

2:04 - Good opening statement to put his fellow players first. Tiger looks so much more relaxed in this setting than either the 5 minute interview or his public statement. Heck, he's even smiling!

2:02 - OK, forget that... Tiger is taking the podium at 2:02 sporting a scary new goatee... or goat as Jim Rome would say.

2:00 - And here we go to Mike Tirico. The ads said the news conference starts at 2. The over/under on the actual start time will be more like 2:24.

1:49 - Currently watching regular 30 min ESPNEWS. JW Stewart is like the Cal Ripken of ESPNEWS, always coming to play every day. What an inspiring figure.

Another day. Another Tiger Woods News Conference Live Blog. Last time, we gave you the play by play of his prepared statement. Today promises to be a little more exciting now that Tiger will actually answer questions from reporters. My guess we'll hear the words "private", "Elin and me", and "police report" more than anything. Oh well, it's always fun to translate Tiger!

RSS Quick Hit: What Tiger's Return Really Means

Unless you've been living under a rock this week, you have heard by now that Tiger Woods will make his triumphant return at this year's Masters. All the talking heads and pundits have had their say, but we here at RSS have always been about cutting through all the crap ot give you the straight answers in the world of sports...Tiger being no exception. So, here are five observations on Tiger's return and what it really means for sports fans.

1. Tiger's #1 priority is and always will be golf...specifically majors.

-For all the talk of Tiger's therapy and work on family issues, everybody who knows a golf ball from a football knew Tiger Woods wasn't going to miss the year's first major. Tiger might claim he has an addiction to sex, women, money, whatever...his real addiction is major championships. His sole goal in life has been to break Jack Nicklaus's record for majors, and nothing will stand in his way, not IHOP waitresses, failed endorsements, family instability, or lack of preparation, which leads us to our second point...

2. For all of Tiger's shortcomings the past year, he is still supremely confident in his abilities on the course.

-Let's not forget that there would be questions about Tiger coming in to this year's Masters without the entire sex scandal he's been embroiled in since Thanksgiving. He failed to win a major last season, including his shocking loss to unheralded Y.E. Yang, his first loss when in the lead on Sunday. Still, without playing a competitive tournament since Australia in November and facing more scrutiny than any athlete this decade, Tiger feels he'll be ready to win in just a few weeks time. Tiger's always competed against a field of one, and if he believes practice alone will get him ready for the Masters, who are we to doubt him?

3. There is no cocoon in sports like Augusta National.

-Doubting Tiger though is what I did in December when I predicted he'd need a warm-up tournament before diving in at Augusta, which is why I thought he'd return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. What I didn't give enough weight was the protection returning at Augusta would provide Tiger. I mean, Augusta has shown in the past it knows how to keep controversy at arm's length (speaking of which, I think I saw Martha Burk working at my local Target the other day). Magnolia Lane isn't just a picturesque driveway to the most famous club in America, it might as well be a transport to an alternate universe. And you can bet the beefed up security will keep all the photogs and TMZ's light year's away from Tiger all week. Oh, and forget about the "patrons" causing a ruckus...there won't be a peep while Tiger's on course, let alone any heckling.

4. The happiest people to see Tiger back are TV executives and his fellow pros.

-The pros and CBS Sports head honcho Sean McManus have already said as much. Of course, the reason isn't because of missing Tiger's companionship, or because he's just such a swell guy. It's about the almighty dollar. Ratings have plummeted this year without Tiger, and the fellow pros know their bread is buttered by Eldrick. I'm not saying it's a good thing Tiger Woods is bigger than his sport, in fact, I think it's unfortunate. But, in the present it's true, and you can bet the rest of the tour and the networks that cover golf will treat Tiger with the utmost care upon his return.

5. Despite the odds, Tiger isn't the favorite in this year's Masters, or any other major.

-The most baffling part of Tiger's return is the fact that he's been universally installed as the favorite for the 2010 Masters. After all, if the events since last year's PGA have proven anything, it's that Tiger Woods is human after all. In this ultimate age of "what have you done for me lately", what has Tiger done lately in the majors? He hasn't won since the 2008 U.S. Open and his reconstructive knee surgery, and even Tiger has to be susceptible to the stress and changes in his life the last few months. Although Tiger has dominated in the past at every 2010 major championship site, he has to prove that he can still rise to the occasion before I'll truly consider him back at the top of the golf, and sports world.

That's my 5 takes on Tiger, what's your opinion? Don't forget to follow us throughout the madness of Tiger's return as well as the actual March Madness on the hardwoods. Until next time, it's bye for now!

Yoders' Live Blog - Tiger's News Conference

The world will stop at 11 AM this morning where Tiger Woods holds a "news conference" without any questions. And what better occasion for the return of the live blog! He'll make a statement into a camera and not take any questions. We'll try and pick out the important messages of Woods' statement and translate Tiger. Will Elin be absent? Will fellow golfers be there? Will Tiger actually show remorse and emotion? Are the rumors true about Michael Jordan showing up?!? Everything you need to know about El Tigre's return to the public light live at RSS!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Y2: It was a very uneven statement, at times contrite and somewhat human, other times robotic, other times angry and indignant that his wall of privacy has been broken. But, the big question out of this is will Tiger ever be the same golfer he was before? After 45+ days of rehab... maybe missing the Masters... can he ever be the same? For the first time his surpassing of Nicklaus isn't a sure thing.

Y1: I was surprised that Tiger addressed the 9 iron rumors, the Accenture tournament, his behavior on the course, and the sex rehab. Tiger was surprisingly open and apologized to a number of different people. He appeared to open up, even talking about his spirituality. He did apologize directly to the fans. But, we still saw flashes of the old Tiger - the coldness, still holding onto what's left of his privacy, attacking the media, etc. It doesn't look like Tiger is ready to come back to golf any time soon. The Masters better prepare for life without Tiger.

I'm not surprised at the tears and glowing nature of the postgame reports on the sports networks. They need Tiger back at the top as much as anyone, and unbiased journalism is dying across the country anyways. It was a B- from Tiger. He said what he needed to say and was more open about his past. As he said, he will be judged by his behavior going forward. The Tiger Woods comeback is just beginning and will dominate the sports landscape in 2010. I wonder what Brett Favre will do to reclaim the spotlight...

POSTGAME

11:27 - Good Lord! Now Hannah Storm looks like she's tearing up on the air! What the F*&^ is going on here?? "Such a touching moment after... the embrace" as he hugs his mother. He's not dying of cancer people, he ran into a fire hydrant and got caught banging porn stars!

11:25 - Brandel Chamblee on Golf Channel saying we can expect Tiger on the course within 3-4 months and that Tom Watson's comments of etiquette hit home. Golf Channel not surprisingly calling it a "home run." Would you expect the Golf Channel to criticize Tiger Woods? Would ESPN criticize Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer?

11:24 - Broadcast networks off the air. Fox showing some replays talking about a difference of opinions regarding the statement. Not surprsingly, Fox straight shooting here, they're fair and balanced, right?

11:20 - Some egghead on MSNBC talking about Tiger taking his time during the press conference and coming off sincere. Jim Gray also slurping up what we just heard on Golf Channel. We've heard reports of someone crying on the Golf Channel as well, that'd be hilarious.

11:17 - Andy North saying it's not different than what we expected. Reilly says it was really from the heart (I guess he didn't see the ice cold stares and defensiveness). David Feherty on CBS thinks that Tiger & Elin will reconcile and talks about underestimating Tiger Woods as an "extraordinary human being." Ummm... no.

NEWS CONFERNCE

11:15 - "I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again." A sniff as he leaves the podium and hugs his mother. An awkward silence in the room. And that's a wrap! A ton of interesting dynamics here.

11:13 - This is really interesting, Tiger now talking about his Buddhist beliefs. OK, maybe this is a new Tiger after all. "Starting tomorrow I will leave for more treatment and more therapy." Thanks the players and Accenture for understanding of the timing. Talks about needing to regaining spiritual balance and relying on others for help.

"I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game." Folks, that's what golfers and golf fans needed to hear, but it doesn't sound like Tiger is coming back anytime soon.

11:11 - Tiger, now is not the time to attack the media and sound like a victim! "Please leave my wife and kids alone!" Wow!

11:09 - Surprised he has said "sorry" so much, would've lost that prop bet. Says he's been in rehab for 45 days and he has a "long way to go." Marriage issues are between Elin and he... so it looks like Tiger will return to his shell when this is over? Although he is trying to sound remorseful, it looks like the same old Tiger...

11:08 - Y2: He looks so uncomfortable... voice going up and down... looking to and from the camera, awkward pauses, he looks like Colin Montgomerie trying to win a major.

11:07 - He does sound contrite and apologetic so far, but doesn't this sound a little intense and stern for an apology? Still hasn't spoken directly to the fans yet.

11:05 - Whoa! Going right into the rumors of domestic violence! And now sounding angry about those rumors! This is coming out of nowhere, and an icy stare into the camera like it's Phil Mickelson!

11:04 - Talking about business partners, sponsors, etc. at the moment. Sounds like a State of the Union address at the moment! "Let you down" leading the word count by the second.

11:03 - "Elin and I have started discussing the damage caused by my behavior" - looks like the marriage may be getting back together. Again going out of the way to keep privacy.

11:02 - It's go time! Sadly, no scars from a 9 iron to the head

11:00 - How 'bout some prop bets on the verge of the most infamous statement in sports history!

UNDER Tiger saying sorry 5.5 times

3/2 Tiger says "family" the most

EVEN Tiger doesn't announce his specific return date

-260 Tiger doesn't wipe a tear

PREGAME

10:58 - Andy North commenting on American society. Talking about Tiger's statement making more news than stuff that really matters. As we have a PIP showing Tiger's presidential podium currently on ESPN. This might be the most exciting and bizarre live blog in the history of Randall Simon's Sausages.

10:55 - Finally we see the timeline on ESPN. CNN covering Lysacek v Plushenko (we'll talk Olympics this weekend), MSNBC and Fox with talking heads, nothing yet from broadcast networks

10:52 - Funny that only now are we hearing criticism of Woods' on-course antics, which trouble greats of the game (like Tom Watson who recently spoke out) more than anything. His swearing and club throwing disrespect the history of the game, but nobody noticed before. That will be one thing to watch if and when Tiger comes back. Y2: If fans heckle Tiger will they throw condoms at him ala the syringes at Barry Bonds? Will we finally see Steve Williams go Brock Lesnar on a patron??

10:50 - I think CNN has a guy reporting at a Damon's

10:48 - College Gameday commercial - honestly, outside of John Wall and UK, what has happened this college bball season? Has this not been one of the most underwhelming bball seasons in a long time? At least the regular season will mean more with a 457 team tournament.

10:45 - Colleen Dominguez at the Accenture Match Play, wait there's golf tournaments going on? Our other least favorite sports journalist Colin Cowherd now talking about whether or not Tiger will cry. "Because he's educated, educated people tend to be more educated than Cooter (mocking redneck voice)... educated people look inside." So Tiger will cry because he's an intellectual?? Great analysis. This is why I'm boycotting this moron like the Golf Writers Association of America. You know, if Tiger is so educated... why sleep around and cost yourself millions of dollars and your position as the most popular athlete on the planet?? Oh yea, sorry, that's actually using my brain to analyze things...

10:40 - Checking in on the major cable news networks...

CNN - Student shot at NIU, Tiger's apology among top stories

MSNBC - Is Rush Limbaugh the leader of the GOP? (For the liberal network, MSNBC's love affair with Rush Limbaugh is bizarre, he appears more on their network than Keith Olbermann)

Fox - Live on the scene at Sawgrass

*Evidently all 3 broadcast networks will also break into programming with the news conference

10:36 - Interesting that we are hearing Tiger Woods is still in "rehab" and not "sex rehab." It's a big difference in the public light to leave out . Steve Philips was in sex rehab and he's universally thought of as a sleazy creep. But is sex rehab more seemly or more sympathetic than alcohol or drug rehab? Will the public see it as a man fighting a true addiction, or a guy who got caught sleeping around and wants to protect his image? Coming back from sex rehab is not a bridge the sports world has crossed before.

10:34 - Is Rick Reilly trying out for The Marriage Ref now? Save the marriage advice for the professionals... like Alec Baldwin and Jerry Seinfeld!

10:32 - The unofficial 1/2 hour pregame starts with... Rick Reilly, great. I read Reilly's "column" on curling this past week. If anyone is mailing it in for a big paycheck it is this guy. He's like the Jerome James of ESPN.