Woods's Remark Insensitive, Not Meant to Hurt

Woods crushed him on the golf course the following day, and when asked about Ames' pre-match comment, he would only say "9 and 8," the overwhelming margin of his victory. No vitriolic name-calling, no public putdown. Simply "9 and 8," which spoke volumes in its own right about his fury toward his impertinent foe.

When Vijay Singh's caddy at the 2002 Presidents Cup wore a hat that said "Tiger Who?" before Singh played Woods in singles, Woods was asked about it after the match. His only response was "2 and 1," the score of his victory over Singh that day.

This is not to say Woods is always a choir boy in public. We've all seen and heard his expletive-laced reactions to lousy shots or missed putts up close and personal or on television over the years, and occasionally they've been picked up by microphones and aired around the globe.

He clearly would be wise to clean up his language, and I believe he's actually made an effort to do so. Woods use of the word "spaz" was obviously inappropriate, as well, but I can't imagine it was meant to denigrate or humiliate anyone.

Not from a guy who told "60 Minutes" he had a stuttering problem as a child. Not from a guy who has felt the sting of racial intolerance. Not from a guy who's own father is now physically incapacitated as he battles cancer. Not from a guy who's foundation has raised millions -- many of them from himself -- to reach out and help disadvantaged youngsters worldwide.

I believe Woods has a huge heart, great compassion and a genuine social consciousness, and I'd like to think his offhand comment in Augusta not long after being in the heat of competition ought not be held against him.

Another fine writer from the United Kingdom said it best. "Woods did not deliberately attempt to offend," wrote Mike Aitken in the Scotsman. "The world's most high-profile athlete is a man of integrity for whom this comment was out of character. He was wrong, but his track record suggests he deserves the benefit of the doubt."

Questions or comments? E-mail Len at Badgerlen@hotmail.com.