CNN

Jack,

Not one word beyond what I would owe if I had been the one who crashed my car.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

NO!!!...unless he wants too!!!!

He owes an explanation to the Police and Fire Department personnel. As a citizen, he should be honest with the cops. However, he doesn't owe anybody else an explanation at all. He is a private citizen, he wasn't in the midst of a golf tournament on the greens. He was at his home.

However, after he made up with his wife after she bopped him with the club.............lol

Yes, he owes an explanation to the city/town of Windermere, FLA as to why he knocked over their fire hydrant. But, to "us", no!

The media frenzy over this fender bender is nauseating. Whatever happened that night, it is none of our business. Certainly there are more newsworthy issues before us. We've become a nation of busy bodies, and the mainstream media has sunk to National Enquirer standards of journalism.

Oh the polished image he's tried to keep, now there's a glimps behind the curtain. He could stay silent and let speculation run wild or he could just come out and say the dog ate his homework and be done with it. That would be good enough for many.

I don't know, my aunt and uncle got in a car accident this weekend. Should they release a statement explaining it? If there are family issues, keep it in the family.

No really Jack ! However, the way he has handled this issue does raise questions and I think his endorsements should be reviewed.
Jack C
WA

Unless there are different laws for celebrities than there are for the rest of us, he does not. The laws where he lives do not require him to give a statement about the accident. While it is unusual, it is not illegal and we need to respect that decision.

Tiger does not owe ANYONE further information beyond the statement he made. He met Fla law by providing DL and Insurance info. Leave him and his family alone. Let them work out any problems they may have in private.

No – It's a personal matter and nobody else was involved, his insurance will cover the damages.

When the leading stories of a newsday are about the private business of a sports figure and a couple who invite themselves to a state dinner,
rahter than why we are going to send thousands of citizens to a
country whose ecomony flourishes on the opium trade and uses our
tax dollars to keep their citizens in the stone age, its time to wake up
and do what my mother advised, " take care of No. 1." Translation,
" mind you rown business. " When is the media going to start to
take journalism seriously and realize the duty they have to provide substantive, informed hard news for our citizens ?

No. Whatever happened is his private business. Unlike many celebrities, he's worked hard to maintain a private life and the media ought to leave him alone.

Tiger may owe the police an explaination, but he owes us none.
We are only eager to feed our petty starlust curiosity.

Rogers City, MI.

Of course not. It's nobodys business but his own. I'm only interested in his explanations about his golf game.

Jack: By Florida Law, Tiger Woods does not owe anyone more explanation of the accident. He gave a statement via his website. I believe the man who has never been in the spotlight except when playing or winning golf tournaments should get a break. We all have accidents in our life, and Tiger Woods is no different. Let it go!!

Tiger Woods, make them sweat and stand your ground. You harmed nobody and if you "hiked the Apalachain trail" you need to apologize to your wife only, unless of course you are a politiciian and used tax payers money to hike that trail . Leave the media hanging. Enough with the instrusion on people''s lives. No wonder the rehab business has become so lucrative.

Yeah to the police for their investigation into the accident its the law in most states.

Why does anyone give a crap? It was a car accident. He's alive. There's no indication he was driving drunk. I don't care what his explanation is because it doesn't matter one bit. Its not like he's the Head of State or anything.Get over it.

Yes!

I think he does for several reasons. First off he was operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway and struck a fire hydrant and a tree. That is destruction of private and or public paid for property. Next he has an obligation to his fan base. Without fans he would have no sponsors. He plays a great game of golf but if no one switches the TV on to watch him then he is just another man on the street. His personal life is his own business but when he strikes a fire hydrant that services other residents and local community members he should be held accountable. His striking the Fire Hydrant may have caused others to go without publicly paid for fire protection should they need it. He certainly owes an explanation to police and his neighbors.

Unless there was a crime involved...absolutely NOT. We do not have to know everything about everybody, Americans have become nosey peeping toms, we have insatible appitites with what others are doing. I think there is more to worry about other than Tiger Woods fender bender.

Only to his insurance company.

Well, I have a feeling that explanation to the wife got him clubbed in the head. Mr. Woods should tell the police what happened. It is not our business.

Only to his insurance agent. It's none of our business but he's a celebrity and everyone wants to know what really happened. That's why TMZ is around.

The public is hungry for juicy news and the media is obedient to public's request. Tiger wood did what the law is required (give drivers licence etc.)He does not have to say anything more.
I wonder how many of us have walked out of the house and slamed the door behind?
And besides he was in private property not in the busy street.
LIVE THE FAMILY ALONE

Unfortunately with fame and fortune comes shame and misfortune. All public figures must realize this while they're raking in the dough.
It's apparent that this was a domesric dispute gone awry. To this point, Woods has lived in a bubble of privacy. It's no coincidence that the rags reported infideity a few days earlier. Tiger may be innocent but he has alot of "splainin" to do at home and to his legions of fans.
Tiger's stubborness only adds fuel to the fire.

He does owe an honest answer to law enforcement, as does his wife. Would any of us have any other option? I dare say no!

He has slipped into a verbal sandtrap and cannot golf his way out of this.

He is a role model. Honesty is the best policy.

In a word. No. To be blunt, Jack, it's really none of our business what happened. He had an accident, only he was hurt. Leave him alone, his private life is his business. Just because he's famous does not open his life to us.

To who?? Definitely not the press, who have lept this story going for days now. And, there's no requrement for him to talk with the Florida Highway Patrol. His personal life is none of his fans' business - he plays golf, let them enjoy that for entertainment. This man is being scrutinized like no other citizen would who wrecked their car at their own house. Move on to the next piece of news, and make it truely noteworthy!

Of course not. The publicity on this is outrageous. The only explaining of the detail of his crash is only to only his wife.

Just his wife and insurance company.

Not to me. He seems the type of guy who would have apologized to anyone he thought needed one. That isn't me.

He owes no one an explanation – except maybe his wife and neighbor. The accident happened in his yard to his car. He is embarrassed and wants to keep it private. The rest of us need to show a little class and mind our own business.

Jack, Tiger Woods is not OJ. He did nothing that merits an explanation. If it had been anyone else, the media would never have known about it.

No, but the media needs to sell their product, so he will be hounded until he gives in or another big story breaks.

Hell no jack! i dont just know why the authorithy and the media are trying to make something out of nothing. they should go ahead and charge him for any damages if warranted and move on.

He really only owes an explanation to law enforcement if he broke any laws. His personal life really isn't anyones business except his. But as long as people buy the print & media coverage of celebritis, it will continue. I personally am sick of hearing about it already.

The feeding frenzy and misinformation by the MSM on this simple one person car accident is absolutely breath taking and not deserved.

The apology is owed to Tiger Woods not the other way around for this massive intrusion on personal privacy.

The only thing he owes is the cost of a new fire hydrant. He may owe his partners in his charity tourney an explanation, but he owes nothing of the kind to the public.

No he doesn't owe a public explanation...just like you and I won't owe a public explanation for a car accident or a parking ticket. Out of his own goodwill, if he wants to satisfy the morbid curiosity of the reality TV fan clubs, then sure let him tell the story when he's ready to.

If he was cheating on his wife she should have wrapped the golf club around his neck before he crashed into the fire hydrant and tree. I don't care if he never tells the truth. This is what happens when you put these athletes up on a pedastal they always let the air out of your bubble.

No. I watched CNN (as much as I could Saturday). After a few hours, I realized that the only thing they were talking about was (a) White House crashers (b) Black Friday shopping and (c) Tiger Woods. During the rest of the day, I bet myself which story I tuned into at any given time. It was ALWAYS Tiger Woods, with one person actually saying that "he owes us an explanation because of his squeaky clean image."

Even Tiger Woods, "with his squeaky clean image" deserves privacy.

Absolutely not. Not to the public and DEFINITELY not to the "news" hounds who can't seem to find anything substantial going on in the world to report on. Tiger Wood's private life is none of my business and it's none of yours.

Well Jack, people may think Woods doesn't owe no explanation and I think Tiger Woods doesn't have to explain a thing to the people, however since he is not differente to any other American.......he MUST talk to the police. When we run into a car accident....WE TALK TO THE POLICE.
Fred
Indianapolis, IN

At 2:30 a.m., what he does is his business; however he might have saved himself some adverse thinking which might affect his billion dollar income had his neighbor minded their own busines and let his wife take care of the problem. He obviously fell out the car door so someone had to help him and maybe the 911 was helpful in keeping him alive. He is squeaky clean. The problem is the lady in New York and Gloria Allred. Takes some of teh squeaky away.

off course Jack, like everyone else Tiger Woods is not above the law, no matter how famouse or how much money he has. Yes he may think he does not own anyone alive any explaination... what about the tree? it is alive.

These people are put up on ivory towers by a lot of people and should just be left alone to live their life of luxury, presitege and fame. Of course he owes the same explination that the rest of us do in a similar situation. The rest of us would be in front of a judge and receive a big fine, but these people have the money and power to buy their way out. There really is a double standard in our society.

No. I know everyone and his dog is listening to rumors and innuendo and presuming the worst ... but this was an accident ... he wasn't drinking ... it could happen to any one of us. Just because he's a celebrity doesn't mean he has to explain his private life to anyone! Leave him alone already!

An explanation of WHAT? The guy plays golf for a living and, while some people prefer the excitement of watching paint dry, others like to watch people play golf. Those who are not his family or close friends but are still interested in anything else about the man – assuming he's not a child molester or animal abuser – should find some business of their own to mind.

Susan
Tuscaloosa, AL

no, Jack! Private is private – he isn't a public servant that has to answer to the tax payer. More media hype!!

Tiger Woods is as entitled to privacy as anyone else. Respect that privacy.

He should talk to the police, even though legally he does not have
to. They were there to help him and his family, and he is being
rude to turn them away three times. However, they are the only
ones he should talk to. It really is nobody else's business.
Thank you.

No Jack, I don't think he does owes anyone an explanation of what happened other then his family. But when rumors fly the vultures circle, looking for juicy gossip that pushes ratings up and sells newspapers. I guess I am among the minority, because I am more interested in how he plays golf and is able to take it to another level. I never played golf or hardly ever watched it on TV until he came on the scene. People love to see someone brought down a peg or two by having their private life exposed for everyone to see, especially from a person who is very protective of his private life. I'm willing to wait for a tell all book from Tiger when and if he writes it. I hope the news media will not drool over this and go overboard forgetting about soldiers losing their lives and people losing their jobs.

he does and heres why Jack. Once an athlete signd those huge endorcemement contracts he becomes part of the public domain. That goes with the territory. Sorry about that but it's not so easy to run and hide when things goe awry when Nike is paying you 100 million dollars

But, Tiger is only human and makes mistakes just like the rest of us. Therefore, if he wants to keep the majority of his fan base on his side he has to come clean with some kind of explanation. The longer he waits by hoping it will go away the worse it's going to get

Hi Jack, I say no he does not. It's Tiger's business and nobody elses.
If this had happened to a regular guy , it would not have made it to the airwaves. Regardless of what happened, it's nobody's business.
I am sure the media sees big ratings, so sadly they will keep the story alive.

Of course he does. He chose to be a public figure and he benefits from the fruits of that status. He does owe the public an explaination about his accident. He comes across as a man who believes in truth and honesty so lets have it.

Hell no Jack! Leave the guy alone. If he didn't do anything illegal, didn't hurt anyone (but himself), wasn't drunk...who cares? People are so thirsty for scandal it's ridiculous. Don't give in Tiger, I don't care what you were doing...just glad you're ok. See you on the golf course.

Tiger doesn't owe anyone an explanation but law enforcement. His personal life is just that and we the public should respect that. Fort Hood / Killeen, TX

I could care less what a rich golfer does in his spare time. It is NOT news. Really, it isn't.

Only his wife.

No one else was hurt, so he doesn't owe an explanation to anyone.

I'd rather hear news about how Huckabee gave clemency to a criminal with 95 years who then became a cop killer yesterday than all the stupid crap about Tiger. I am sure the nine children that are father/motherless would like to have us remember the heroes that their parent(s) were!

I'm not a lawyer. I'm not a PR guy. And I'm not a journalist. But I am a golfer and a big-time Tiger Woods fan. I look at it this way... If he had a fight with his wife, left in a huff and ran into a fire hydrant and a tree, just say so. Everyone would get that. He doesn't have to tell anyone what the fight was about. I don't even care if Elin was chasing him down the street swinging a golf club. It's nobody's business. But when he chooses to say nothing — and he has that right — it just doesn't feel right somehow. So I say, "Tiger, be a regular guy for once, even if you are a billionaire sports icon, and just say your wife pissed you off and you drove like an idiot because you were angry." And we'll all move on and watch you this weekend when you play in your tournament.

Tiger has a right to his privacy, but he is famous and influential, and works to stay in the spotlight. So we the public have a right to be curious about what happens to him, and the reporter's job is to discover the facts and reveal them, regardless of his feelings. That's the price you pay when you have everyone else to thank for your success.

Yes, he owes us an explanation. These rich celebrities can't have it both ways. Their lives are an open book as long as the Media has possible things to say about them. But the minute they screw up, they think their life is no bodies business. WHAT!! I think this is a domestic disturbance and I think he was the victim. If his wife did in deed assault him, he needs to come forward. I just worry about what will happen next time she gets angry.

I think he owes his wife and kids an explanation because it does appear that Tiger has been putting around with another woman.

He will never get ANY privacy by continually evading this issue–it will only escalate further. The press and public is relentless.

For a man of his previous stature I can only say that he is behaving like a Congressman. Not a compliment.

Well Jack, he is absolutely going to drive the whole world nuts if he doesn't say something soon. Heck no, he don't owe anyone an explanation.

His silence is what will not let this story cool off. Someone who has nothing to hide usually makes a statement to substantiate that. Everyone understands he is a very private man, and that should be respected, having said that, Tiger is not above the law and he should stop acting like he is. His has a very loyal fan base, but him being evasive is not helping his cause at all. Nobody wants a minute by minute account of his life, just a statement and an explanation that will make this story just go away and let him continue with his fabulous career.

Put the shoe on the other foot. Do you owe the country an explanation should you be involved in an accident?? Celebrity does not stop your right to privacy. The public does not need to know every detail of your life just because you are a celebrity.

Of course not. If I got hungry in the middle of the night, decided to hit an 24/7 fast food, and backed over a fire hydrant in my own yard, I would be mortified. I would want to hide my face, which seems like what he is doing. My bad, and I will pay for the damages, but prostrate myselt to the millions, not on your life.

No, but that won't stop the 24/7 cable news from demanding one.

Tiger and his wife should come clean about this incident otherwise be prepared to put up with the media fest.

Steve Gaydos
Randolph NJ

No, Tiger doesn't owe an explanation. They said alcohol wasn't envolved, so it must be assumed it was an accident. Quit hyping the story up, let it go and move on. If it would have happened to me or you it may have made the police report section on page 50. You may have made page 49 though Jack as you have a few more fans then I do.

NO Jack, the only explanation owed is the 'so called' police response and the usual dispensation that appears to be given to those 'blessed with wealth' inside their protected communes !!!

No!!! If he were a regular person there would be no police investigation after bumping a fire hydrant in front of their own house while driving out of your own driveway!!! Leave him alone ... people should threaten the cable companies with canceling their subscriptions or at least changing to basic service if they don't stop covering this item. Maybe people should threaten to stop watching the cable channels that cover it!!!

Any other citizen of this country would certainly have to speak with at least the police. He was in a traffic accident, Jack. He destroyed public property. He had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. There are mutiple signs and indications that this was a case of domestic violence. Why does this man get to take a 3 or 4 day nap first? Because he's good at playing some game? It's absurd.

No, he does not owe anyone but his family an explanation. He said he is only human, that's the best explanation he could offer.

No!

Only to the extent of which the law applies. And from the looks of things, the law doesn't require him to even talk to police. As much as we're dying to know the juicy details, and even I am curious, he's still entitled to a certain amount of privacy.

No , not unless he broke a law.

I think it's a bit ridiculous how much media coverage this is getting. As long as Tiger wasn't drunk, or under the influence of illegal substances at the time I don't think he owes anyone an explanation. Just because someone is a good athlete, actor, musician, etc, doesn't give us all the right to pry into their personal lives. Why do we care so much anyway?

Well, it's obvious that he doesn't want to talk about it, and that leaves the impression that there is something to hide. He probably doesn't want to lie about it and it's rather late to attempt a full cover-up, so he's between a rock and a hard place.

We are constantly being reminded that people in high places are still vulnerable to human failings, and it would appear that this may be the case. But until he comes up with "better" answers, the majority of people will be conjuring up the worst stuff they can think of, and they'll tell it as if they actually know it. Even then, I don't think Tiger will ever tell the whole story. He's been given passes most of his life, does not like being contradicted, and is likely to "punish" any reporter who digs too hard on him. I doubt you will see any big name sports writers touching this story except to curry favor from Tiger.

This is probably not going to go away anytime soon. It just has too strong of an odor to fade out quickly. It certainly will be interesting. At least it will be a story for you media folks to keep busy with, and it doesn't really hurt anyone else (besides Tiger).

No he does not Jack. It's looks like he and wife had a verbal fight and she went after him with a golf club. However, if his injuries were caused by her, then she has some explaining do. God forbid, if he was the one wheeling the golf club, should I say .......Chris Brown.

Tiger does not owe the public an explanation. Of course the public doesn't owe his sponsors or endorsements any business, either.

Harry
Millersburg, Ky.

This country is in dire straits at the moment.
A recent report indicated that 44,000 people per year die due to lack of medical insurance.
Unemployment is rising while the economy continues to tank and folks don't have enough to eat in the "land of plenty."
Things aren't looking too good at the moment and Tiger Woods is the hottest topic of conversation.
He doesn't owe you, me or anyone else an explanation because it's none of our business.
Stick to what is important.
Tiger doesn't have to worry about where his next meal is coming from; millions do.

The rest of regular americans would have to explain, at least to our city if we demolished a fire hydrant, and we would be charged for it.

He probably owes the local police an explanation and perhaps his neighbors. It sounds like he might have damaged or destroyed public property (fire hydron). Maybe he was out to get the early bird Christmas deals, or perhaps he had an adverse reaction to ambien. Whatever, he does not owe you nor I an explanation.

An explanation is the only thing that will make this go away because your story so far is only topped by baloon boy.

"I believe that famous people have a debt to everyone. If celebrities didn't want people pawing through their garbage and saying they're gay, they shouldn't have tried to express themselves creatively.

In closing, you people must realize that the public owns you for life! And when you're dead, you'll all be in commercials, dancing with vacuum cleaners."

-Homer J. Simpson

He is absolutely right. The police had no charges to place on him and as long as he takes care of any damage to public property (like the fire hidrant) he doesn't owe anyone a hello or goodbye. On the other hand if he doesn't want the immitation journalists all over the US making up different stories he is going to have to make a statement.

Since we have a two cast system in the US he will never have to explain but if that was my husband he'd had his butt hauled off to jail for destroying municipal property.

We should leave other people's personal lives out of the new media, but the circus has begun again, and now we have Tiger Woods in our crosshairs, so lets play it for what it is worth. This is one crazy, mixed up world that we now live in where we don't have enought to worry about with our own lives, we now have to inject ourselves into others lives. I for one don't really care what happened with Tiger Woods, it is his, and his wifes business and we should just keep our noses out of it.

Jack,

He certainly doesn't owe the general public any explanation. However, I can't get the image of a man fleeing a golf club wielding wife out of my head.

In this Internet, CNN, MSNBC, FOX News era, we have come to believe that just because we have the ability to find everything out that we have the right to know. Tiger Woods owes no explanation.

To his wife, yes. To anyone else, no. The public doesn't have a right to know what happened that night. Isn't he only required to show his driver's license and registration to the authorities? After that, he shouldn't say or do anything else publicly regarding this matter.

NO. nobody really cares. There must be no news now . Move on already.

He's owes zero,nada and nothing to anyone if he broke no law.Maybe he needs to take up some driving lessons before he gets behind the wheel again. The local police should have handle this matter and been done with it. If something other than the accident happen it will come out in the wash in the future anyway.Lets move on to bigger and more important issues.

Of course he does. Whether he realizes it or not the public pays his enormous wages. No one lives in a vacuum. Celebrity does not excuse bad behavior.

Absolutely he does! I don't think I would be given 3 chances to talk to police about suspicious car accident that involved injuries. No wonder these celebrities have big egos and heads - we are the ones who are pushing the lever on the air pump by letting them get away with not having to respond!! I HAD a great respect for Tiger until this incident.

I think we need to wait a few more days to see how this situation with Tiger plays out. Until then, I believe we have to respect his privacy.

Jack
Besides a comment to the water department about re-painting the hydrant, Tiger owes an explanation to no one, but his family.

Tiger Woods owes NO ONE anything. He did not ask for anyone to support him, he only asked to play golf. He because the best because of his skill.

Do we as a nation ask the same questions of the individual who hits the gas instead of the brakes and plows into a store front? No we don't, so why does anyone think that Tiger Woods owes anyone an explaination.

After all this could just as easily been Tiger trying to avoid a Dog or a Cat and lost control of his vehicle.

Absolutely not. It's a private matter and he is not required to explain anything to anyone.

If anyone, rich or poor, crashes into a tree and a fire hydrant in my yard or neighborhhood at 2 o'clock in the morning, I want law enforcement on the scene right away, and filing a police report!! How dare Tiger Woods leave the scene of an accident, out in public, and call it "a private family matter!"

Tiger Woods owe us all an explanation, i mean come on Jack, if it was just an innocent accident, why is he not talking? Tiger has to be hiding something and is not telling us whats going on. I think he should come clean or loose some endorsements.

No explanations please, Tiger. Your friends don't need them and your enemies won't believe them anyway. You'll just give them more ammunition.

Yes he should. If it had been me, they would have taken me in and questioned me for hours. He has a bad temper and needs to come down a notch or two. He isn't a God. You can be good in any sport but it doesn't make you a nice person. Money doesn't mean he should be able to do as he wants.

The man Tiger is an absolute arrogant, and certainly he should have explained himself clearly and right at the beginnings. Now's too late. Sorry! This fascination with utra-rich spoiled brats makes me sick!!!

Tiger Woods owes me nothing. It is in his personal life. I think it is time to stop looking at entertainers/sports figures public property. I didn't spend money creating Tiger, I have no investment at risk in his behavior. I don't expect him to act in any special way on or off the golf links. I would like to see coverage of truly public interest issues and leave private lives private.

How in the world we he be able to have his SUV repaired without a
police report...The insurance company will turn down his claim...

He doesn't owe anyone an explanation for his auto accident! Leave the man alone already!!!

Why does he owe anyone an explanation? It is his private business. Since when do people have to explain to the public why they have a car accident. Just let him pay the fine and move on.

By no means is he required to explain.

And by the same measure nor are we required to contain our curiousity.

-NK

I'm glad that he wasn't seriously injured, but this definitely falls into the "I don't want any more information" category for me.

NO.
If it were me or some other middle class
schmuck no one would give a hoot.
Let the guy alone.

Tiger Woods may owe an explanation to the legal authorities but he does not owe anything about his private life to the public.

Fred
Livingston, AL

I'm writing from Bloomington, Il
If Tiger didn"t commit a crime everyone should leave him alonr. I thought curfrew was for 18 yr olds. He doesn't have to explain why or where he was going. Leave him alone.

He doesn't owe me one. I like the mystery and I like my own privacy.

No. Personal Matters should be left alone....however, media will have fun with this matter.

Does he owe anyone an explanation? no – SHOULD he explain? if there is nothing to hide then yes – if for nothing else than to stop all the rumor mongering.

No explanation needed. All you wanted one are simply nosey!

He owes us all an explanation because if he had nothing to hide than he should prosecute his wife and publicly explain why!

Tiger owes everyone an explanation, yes.

We are his fans, he has built his life and income around us.

Christy

He's not required and would be better off not giving any comment. It's foolish and as he said on his site, nobody's business.

NO!!! What more do you want from this man? He has God given talent, tained hard and not squandered it and now he has marital problems. So what? Why does he owe any of you an explanation and why is the media still hounding him? Go away!

Absolutely NOT. The only thing Tiger Woods owes the public is to play a great game of golf. I'm not interested in what happens in his private life and I absolutely HATE the idea that the media is trying to make it sound like he owes us more. He doesn't. Whatever happened, as long as he didn't break the law and it sounds as though he did NOT, is his business, not ours.

I don't see why we're making a big deal about this. He's not dead, he's not crippled, so leave it alone. If it's a private issue, then stop making a big deal about it. We're not in high school anymore, mind your own business. You're not going to be on the news for a random car accident, so why should he?

no, he dosen' owe a explanation to nobody. Is nobody's business if he crash his car. Is his property .
Leave them alone to resolve their problems.

If Tiger Woods still wants our financial support, he owes us an explanation. However, the media should leave him alone.

I do not think so in any way. He is trying to keep his business to himself and he is not winning and the more innocent he acts the more people feel owed something because most people are busy bodies. Let him be.

no he does not. no one has a perfect life there are always moments in your life that should be kept private. It was an accident we need to leave it at that and focus on the real problems in our society. Leave tiger alone, man has been entertaining the world for years.

He doesn't owe anyone anything. What difference does it make to us if he was tired or drunk or if he sneezed or whatever could have caused it? My life isn't affected by it, I wish the media would find something worth reporting and leave the man alone.

Private matter...he owes noone an explation

Does he owe anyone an explanation? Hell no! In fact, it's disheartening that so many people have nothing better to pay attention to in the world than the private lives of other people.

He said it was a private matter, and he should leave it at that.

Tiger doesn't owe the public anything. The guy has been in the spot lite since he was a child. No one else was hurt. Let him work it out with his family. Move on....

Tiger owes no one an explanation (except, maybe his wife) and that is no one's business. He is not the balloon boy.

No Tiger Woods does not owe an explanation to anyone. What happens between him and his wife is their business and no one elses. On the issue of the accident, they happen. Accidents happen all over the world on a daily basis and nobody thinks anything of them. Why should Tiger have to explain what happened? He is never put in a negative light and the minute something happens the media has a field day and jumps all over him.

Heck no! But I do think it's time I start a business that tracks every media personnel to show what a hypocrite they are when covering private matters. This is not our business even if there was a domestic dispute. After all, how could you help either of them if it was?

herman

What Tiger does at his own home is his business andnone of ours unless he has broken the laws that apply to all of us. Yes, he is a public figure and makes lots of money, but he is still a human being and does deserve his space. Let the man alone. the press and the public don't need to know all the personal things about him. Tim Rayner Camino, Ca.

No, Tiger doesn't owe us an explanation. Although, it does sound like he owes his wife one.

Jack: Keep it simple. On the left side of a page list the tree and the hydrant. On the right side of the page list the millions of dollars Mr. Woods has raised and/or donated to charities and what benefit has been gained from that. The equation is quite lopsided that Mr. Woods deserves respect and thanks, not criticism.

Does Tiger Woods owe an apology? No. Is it correct for us to be interested? Absolutely. Tiger makes his money by being a public figure. He doesn't get to control what we find interesting. So, he doesn't have to talk about it, but he can't expect us not to ask.

I believe Mr. Woods only owes an explaination if he cares to give one.
It is true he is human and has faults. Family situations happen in every household and you do not hear about it on CNN.

No, Tiger does not owe an explanation. No one else was injured, there was no drugs or alcohol involved and his car is either insured or paid off. Our facination with celebrities is ridiculous. If it were me or my husband I highly doubt that the police would keep coming to my house and calling for details, if they even showed up in a timely fashion. Leave them alone. It is a private matter with he and his wife.

No he should not. Unless of course he was impaired. If he was not deemed to be intoxicated at the scene and in Hospital and then subsequently released, and the law states that he does not need to talk to police, then it is a very expensive private matter that needs to be respected.
In life and especially in married life, unexpected and non intentional moments happen in the heat of the moment. None of us are perfect. Not even Tiger.

Tiger has always been a private person. He may have been sleep driving for all we know. Why dont we leave the guy alone. Next we will be asking is he regular or does he need laxatives.

If the situation involved golf (except for the golf club used to break the window), then maybe Tiger would owe an explanation. But if everyone who had an argument with a spouse and did something stupid–or just did something stupid–had to publically explain, we'd all be in trouble.

I just wonder...if it was his wife who had the bloody face, bruises and scratches on her face, and was in a mysterious "car accident", would he "owe" an explanation to anyone? Would it still be a private matter? Something just isn't right, maybe it's not my business but neither was the Rhianna and Chris Brown incident...

Tiger has complied with everything that the state of Florida legally requires for such an incident. Beyond that it's NOBODY'S business. INCLUDING CNN!

in an age when all our freedoms are being stolen from us i would have to say no absolutly not why would he have to explain anything to anyone? its his property ,his auto he wasnt endangering his kids or the public i say hell no he has to answer to noone ,im sure the cops are just mad because they think they have a right to know and poke thier nose in peoples business but this is one for freedom......dont tell them anything tiger based on principal not because you done anything wrong not that u did

No he doesn't, Jack. It's unbelivable how no one is safe from the claws of the media these days.

By the law of the land, he does not have to self incriminate. Also, by Florida law, he does not have to give a statement. By general rules of just being human, he should not say a damn word. He owes nothing to any fan, that's golf, this is his personal life. Anyone who thinks he does is simply delusional.

He was going out for pickels and ice cream as Elin was having cravings – heh, could be the stork again and he was so nervous.

NO, absolutely he does NOT need to let us into his personal life.
This man does so much good in helping others, not to say what he brings to the game of gold.

All we need to know is that he is OK and not seriously hurt.

Leave them alone. Sad thing is the media will never leave them alone. So, I go for the pickles and ice cream.

Congratulations Tiger! Hope it is twins!

That's tiger's business. What happens between him and his wife should stay between him and his family. Personally, if the theory is that his wife was taking the club to him I applaud Tiger. Just imagine the conversation would be if he was the one doing the swinging. Obviously, he was trying to get away from her for whatever reason. You the man tiger. Get healed, clean yourself up and take care of your home. See you on T.V. when your done. Jack, I think your real question should have been "How much of an impact is the clemency of Mark Clemmons will have on Michael Huckabee's political career?"

Peace...

No he does not owe us any anything that his private business. No body really cares that much. The media is trying to blow this out of proportion. Duh!!!!!!!

Not to the public. And he has probably satisfied all legal obligations to his local law enforcement agency.

Tiger Woods dont owe no one an explanation,this is a private matter beetween him and his family.Leave the guy alone.The media have lot more important works to do somewhere else.

Of course he owes the police an explanation he destroyed city property. I am so tired of stars and athletes thinking they are above and beyond the law. He screwed up...own up to it.

No, he does not need to offer up an explanation to the general public. He has a right to a private life. The media and advertising "experts" all say that Tiger needs to come clean to protect his "image" and keep his sponsors. Well, I think Tiger can make that decision himself – not some so-called "experts" who wish they were Tiger, or that they were representing Tiger. Why doesn't the media focus on the troops in Afghanistan – do some human interest stories about our troops? Instead we get to hear speculation – and CNN, NBC, CBS, and ABC citing sources such as TMZ!!!! What would Walter Cronkite think, or for that matter, what does our Jack think of citing the TMZ website as a newsworthy source? Remember, in America, we have the right to not answer the questions of police officers – we have the right to have counsel present. The last time I looked, this was still the United States of America.

Only to his insurance company and the police..

I really wish the media would give this story a rest and MOVE ON!! There must be something more important happening in the world to tell us about. Tiger Woods has no obligation to give an explanation to the media or to us.

No! I don't think he owes anyone an explanation except his wife and maybe his neighbor. He strives to lead as private a life as he can and I respect that. He IS obligated to behave within the law and maybe within his endorsement contracts but that is about it.

I do not believe that he owes any one except his family and the law an explanation for what happened. Thank the Lord he is okay, but there is so much more in the world going on now that we all need to be made aware of. Nothing against Mr. Woods, but getting our troops home and pressing that issue would be a much more interesting subject. Also, what about our homeless families in America living on the streets. We should be getting more information in that area on how we can help these families get through their financial hardships during this time of year. Most importantly, how to keep their kids warm and fed.

Hi Jack,

The moment Tiger's SUV left his residence and hit public property 'literally', yes, this becomes a matter for the authorities.

What if he slammed into another vehicle with one or more individuals in it?

The mistake that was made from a legal standpoint, is that a breathalyzer test was not done on the spot. If he was not in a state to have the test done, one should have been done immediatley at the hospital on his arrival. If this test was not conducted...it is too late.

The bottom line is that fans and the public at large are not buying the explanation of "this is a private matter"!

Alan

Absolutely not! The media has become a devouring animal trying to eat into the private lives of both celebrities and the everyday person. It's no one's business. Ever since Princess Diana's death, the media has gone "ape." I can remember when their worst offense was asking the victim of an untimely death "how they felt." Now they seem to want to create a story if they can't get at the real one!

I would not hold Tiger to any different standard than I would hold anyone else to. Whatever happened that night is between Tiger and his wife. Why must we all pry? Leave the man and his family alone!

Derek W.,
Chicago, IL

I don't believe Tiger Woods owes the media any explanation as to what happened. It happened in his private life and should stay that way. If something like this had happened to someone out of sports/show business, the local news media may do a quick 2 minute piece on it and it would be forgotten about it within moments after being aired.

The fact that it happened to someone famous, the media is hovering around until they get an answer. And even then, some media won't necessarily accept it and twist statements made, making it a more sensational story that what it really is.

No, he absolutely does not owe us an explanation. He was in an accident, and now he is fine. That is the end of the story. Why do we feel that stars owe us an explanation for every detail of their lives. Knowledge of the details of his accident do not enhance my day to day living. Let it go...

no, he does not. this is a private family matter.

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Most of us value our privacy. Just because that sleeze of a paper, that many people believe what's written in it, comments to the alleged negative activities of high-profile people. These folks are human and have feelings. They deserve to have their privacy respected just like the rest of us. Tiger, until now has been a class individual. Just because he went out at 2:25am, everyone wants to start speculating there was something bad going on. If it was, that's between Elin and Tiger. Not for the media and the general public to make judgement on.

Absolutely not! The fact that Tiger makes millions from playing golf and endorsements is not his fault. It does not give the media the right to know everything there is about him. The matter is personal and effects no one but his family. Members of the the press needs to get a life and perhaps focus on issues more important than a golfer's fender bender.

He owes nothing to the public. It's a personal issue and the media gossip mongers only make something out of it to boost ratings. I am a fan and he owe's me NO explanation, what the hell do I care what he does in his private life?

We all know what happened ... for the most part. Do we really need to hear Tiger tell us that his wife beat him for having an affair?

If it was me or you it would not even make the paper. Leave the man alone. If a was in the lime light, it would be the only time i could get out and relax and be human. Who cares.

Does he owe anyone an explanation? Maybe his wife, although she probably knows exactly what happened.
Otherwise, NO. Just because he's famous and worth a lot of money to some people does not mean he owes anybody details of his private life.

Arguably the best golfer who ever lived? I'd like to argue that. Ben Hogan was arguably the greatest golfer EVER. Does Tiger owe anyone an explanation? I would say so. First, his wife, then his fans, then his endorsers, then the police. He's been going off the rails for a long time. You could tell from his temper tantrums on the course. He didn't used to do that. The woman he's supposed to have been having an affair with is no better than a whore. He has a wife and children. His endorsements are largely due to his squeaky-clean image. Yes, an explanation is in order.

Absolutely not! Whatever happened is between Tiger, his wife and the police. Leave well enough alone.

No he dosen't. The press will dig and dig untill they come up with somthing to make news. No matter what he says it won't be over untill the Press lets it go. I say to him "keep quite and let them dig and when or if they are wrong sue the paints off them.. If they find dirt go on with your life and ignor the public who think they have to know..

I don't think so! He hit a tree in his neighbors yard.It was a single car accident, no alcohol was involved,he was released from the hospital.
End of story.He doesn't owe anymore explanations! Although he might want to talk to his neighbor.

Since no one else was involved in the accident, the only one I can think of that he might owe an answer to would be to his insurance company! Other than that, how many people do you personally know that have fender-benders on their own property also have the police hound them for detailed explanations? Did I hear you say "none"?

All he has to do is provide the information required by law to the Florida police, and it sounds like he has done that. As far as the rest, its no one's business what happened. rumors are he and his wife were fighting, so what you dont fight or argue with your spouse?

No No No. No more than you would owe an explanation about your personal life Jack. We "the public" don't need all of the juicy details. Leave the man alone.

Billie

Yes, I believe he definitely owes an explanation for the simple fact that he is a public figure, a role model to many children and sports fans, and he is selling products for companies who believe he is good publicity.
He has been a sports figure for the last several years who has seemingly not been involved in any impropriety. When Charles Barkley was arrested for DUI, he came out the next day and explained, said it was his fault, and conveyed what would happen if you drink and drive. Also, he did his time in jail. I think people respected him for coming out so soon. Tiger should do the same

No he doesn't owe me or anyone an explanation; however, he would have been better off if he had said more because the media are like "rats knawing on your bones." He should have done a "David Letterman" and came out with the truth up front. The more time that goes by without an explanation, the more the media will make of it.

The only people that should really be concerned are Woods' endorsers and his immediate family. Everyone makes mistakes and we should remember that these famous figures are still human. We should respect the privacy of celebrities and athletes on issues like this.

I know Mr. Woods has entertained me for years and has injected an energy into a sport that very few people have been able to do. I hope to continue to watch Woods pull off the impossible for years to come.

Come clean Tiger and show your human side. Maybe we can learn from your mistakes. On the other hand if I had the means and money, I would keep my private life private.

The stronger the club, the weaker the flesh.

He owes us nothing beyond what he gives us on the golf course. Jack, show you have some class and be the one guy on tv who doesn't blow this out of proportion. Give the man some privacy and let's talk about some real news.

Jack,Tiger is a public figure on the golf course
His privacy off the tee box is no different than Obama demands for his family. He said the event was embarrising. That should be enough!

Does Tiger Woods owe us an explanation? Even though we would like an explanation as to why he had the accident, Tiger does not owe us anything. While he is a public figure some sense of privacy should be respected. OF COURSE (huge smile) whatever he did I am sure his wife made sure he won't even think about doing it again!!!! Gives new meaning to Fourrrrrrrr!!!

As a consumer for many of the products and companies that he endorses, I think there needs to be some explanation given. There has to be some measure of accountability to consumers when you take millions in consumer money. Private matters become public when you sign the endorsement [contract].

Of course Tiger doesn't owe anyone an explanation. If he was forced to explain, or even be interviewed by the police, his rights would be violated. The laws should be no different for anyone in the country, celebrity or not. He didn't break any law. He didn't hurt anyone. He wasn't under the influence of alcohol. So the entire event is his business and his business only.

I had an accident backing out of my driveway and was absolutely appalled at my actions. I was grateful no neighbor bothered me more than to see if I was OK. No one else hurt, just my pride. I'm sure Tiger's pride is much bigger than mine. Let him alone.

No Tiger Woods doesn't owe anyone an explaination about the indident. If indeed there is nothing to it, no one will believe it anyway. If there is something to it, it will just add more embarrassment for his wife who is just an innocent bystander. What good would be done knowing all the gory details?

As for his endorsement contracts (which is what this is all about) that's up to the companies that pay him to push their products. The American people can be fickle, if sales go down he's gone, but they just might go up in which case all is forgiven.

The awnser is no, he does not owe anybody a explanation.
The downside for him will be though that the public will draw its own
conclussions which I am sure will be much more adverse to him then telling the story as it is.............................the lesson is if you are a major public figure and benefit nicely from that ..................then it is just smart business to tell the truth warts and all when you screw-up....................you will be surprised how forgiven the public is even if you are not perfect!!!!

Jack, if he is a real professional and a great role model for all the young minority males then he should.. he is a great person but since his marriage and lost of his father he has lost the touch with public and seem to be well above the law.. and i understand he is not required but not even talking to them is bit too much.. wish the best for TIGER we are praying for u..

Absolutely not. Tiger and Elin Woods do not owe the public anything. Whatever they chose to disclose to the public is their call and their call alone. They only group that warrants an explanation from the Woods are the police who are investigating the situatuion. I hope the media and general public do not rush to assumptions and respect their privacy.

I don't think he needs to explain anything to anyone. If it's a personal matter, then it's HIS personal matter. Not anyone else's. If he does not want to speak or explain to the public about what happened to him. We have no right to force him to explain his personal issue. All we need to know is that he is okay and move on with our lives.

This is just another example of what money can do! 911 called, police respond, Tiger taken to hospital, and HE refuses to explain to police? Comon, Tiger, you are a man & human, so step up to the plate and tell all of us what the real deal was!

Good Afternoon Jack, If Tiger Woods does not have a legal obligation to discuss the matter with law officials then I believe that it is up to him and his family if they want to discuss what happened. The problem with many of us is we assume that because we support and in many cases idolize our celebrities, we are entitled to know everything that goes on with their life. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Tiger Woods is not your personal physician he is a golf icon and he deserves to be able to work out whatever is going on in his life and best as he chooses. For us long as it does not affect the rest of us.

Thanks Nguri

Yes, I think he does owe us an explanation. First of all, we have known him to be an honorable athlete. If in fact he was abused by his wife, I would expect him to come forward and admit to it for all the abused men out there that are too proud to step forward. Abuse is abuse no matter who is the one being abused. Had it been his wife trying to run away Tiger would be in jail. Now if he was cheating, which is believe to be false, then I really don't know what to think. He is my most favorite athlete and knowing that he's not be honorable in being a man and stepping forward or was cheating is a bit disappointing. I would have much more respect for him if he just told the truth.

No what he and his wife do is there business and I'm jealous. I live in Florida and had an accident last week too. The police officers arrived and acted like they didn't have time to investigate, take an accident report or even care. I was told to exchange information and handle it myself.. Tigger hit a tree not a person and gets the Spanish Inquisition or Royal News Pest Treatment. What does Nike care about him hitting a tree as long as there best spokeman is OK. Get a life, a tree, the guy hit a tree.

NO !, and yet there is some human factor that wonders, and has the need to know, when truly it is none of our business. Here is one of the most public figures on the course yet guards his privacy. By not meeting with law personnel has seemed to have fueled the flames.

I have the gnawing sense there is more to come related to this incident. Time will tell.

No, Tiger does not OWE anybody an explanation. It would be nice if he would explain what happened, but He does not OWE it to us.Actually, seeing how the sharks have been circling, sniffing for Tiger's blood, and with all the unfounded rumours are swirling about out there, I actually agree with Tiger that silence is golden. Most of the people huffing and puffing about this matter have no love for Tiger, only envy and hatred. You get the feeling they feel offended and shortchanged by Tiger's 'squeaky clean' image, and all the success he has achieved, and they can't wait to find some rotten beef to sink their teeth into.

It is a family matter. it was probably an argument that reached the point of walk, swing or be beaten over the head with a golf club.

Tiger probably decided to take a drive and get some perspective.

Anyone who is married would understand.

Denis

No, he doesn't. He deserves his privacy. The news media in this country is in the pits when something like this makes the news, over and over throughout the day and night, ad nauseum. In the great scheme of media events this is ridiculous. Come on Jack, we should be concerned with Healthcare, Afghanistan, the Economy .

Tiger owes an explanation to his wife only. He is human like he said, and not perfect...none of us are. So far what little he has said is true. Let's give them some time to figure things out and "mind our own beeswax".

Tiger Woods is under no legal obligation to speak with police. The Fifth Amendment gives everyone an absolute right to refuse to talk to them. This is a private matter case closed, unless the tree or fire hydrant required medical attention and filed a police report what is there to talk about and or investigate. Civil case to pay for the tree or replace the fire hydrant maybe. The police are investigating the domestic violence angle of the accident, as was domestic violence the cause leading up to the accident.

I suspect that no further explanation will be forthcoming from Tiger Woods. Apparently he's broken no laws, so let it rest, media. It's a private matter.

Who else but Tiger Woods can hit a tree and a fire hydrant at 2;30 AM and not be tested for alcohol or drugs by law enforcement officers.

by the looks of his suv he was more than "backing out" of his
drive way
how can you back out and crash the front?
the only people he owes an explaination to is the law.
its to late for a breathalizer.

Jack, I am a black and I am a fan of Tiger Woods and so I hate to be making this contribution against the image of Mr. Woods. My answer to your question is that he does not owe us an explanation because the explanation will undo him. However, any smart-thinking American (and there are millions of us) knows that Tiger had a fight with his wife for cheating on her, resulting in his bruises. Consequently the accident was staged as a coverup of the real story.

Wow...here we go again. Casting stones on a matter that is none of our business. It pays to be an ordinary citizen. No one on your front lawn sticking their microphone and camera where it doesn't belong.
This incident is for Tiger and his family only.

Yes, he does. Jack you are the best man on television! Reading, PA

This wouldn't be such a big story if he crashed at 2:30pm. I don't think he "owes" an explanation but it would be good form to do so. I am more interested in an explanation as to why his wife showed up at the crash seen carrying a golf club.

No, he does not. But, until he does speak on the issue, he can not complain about all of the "rumors" and "assumptions." He is a huge public figure. If he does not want the media speculating, then he, and only he, needs to publicly set the record straight.

No Jack, he does not. Tiger has broken no Florida law and he's done all he is obligated to do. I really am shocked over the feeding frenzy going on in the Media. Tiger Woods has given us so much joy watching him in his career. I wish everyone would just mind their own business.

Actually, he doesn't. He is a private citizen. If we choose to worship him and buy his stuff, we owe our children an explanation for our continued adoration of sports figures and celebrities.

He owes no-one anything. I would not owe the police a statement and neither does he. Everyone should mind their own business. Just because we love the way he plays golf doesnt mean we have a right to his private life too. Leave him alone.

In response if Tiger Woods if he owes the public and explanation! Hell No! He did not break the law, he had an accident!

He had an accident. No law was broken, just a fire hydrant. His insurance will likely pay for it. So why he was going out at 2:25am is no ones business but his and his family. Leave the guy alone already...

~B

He owes nothing to nobody!! except the cost of the damage he did to city property, its sickening how the media is treating this! I want to vomit!

Nope. I'm sure he'll pay for the damage, and that's all he owes anybody. If the police want to cite him for something, he doesn't have to help them do it by talking. Either the evidence makes their case or it doesn't, just as it would for any other person. If he had a beef with the wife, that's nobody else's business.

Geez, the guy crashed his car. It's his business and if he doesn't want to elaborate, I good with that. I'd rather want to know how he hits that 3 metal stinger sooo far..................

Jack, I live in a relatively upscale neighborhood in St. Paul, MN. In the last several years, one of my neighbors scraped the side of her minivan while pulling out of her garage. Another neighbor backed out of his driveway and struck another car. I personally backed out of my driveway into a concrete retaining wall. Stuff happens. There is no story here!

No, I don't believe he does. This is clearly an incident that stems from a domestic issue of some sort, and as such, should remain a private matter. The circumstantial evidence supporting the fact the accident may or may not have been intentionally staged to help explain physical markings that may or may not have been sustained during a physical altercation with his wife due to a rumored extra-marital indiscretion is too sensational for mainstream info-tainment to ignore. Unfortunately, we'll be seeing this plastered all over TV until we've fully exposed once again that the celebrities we spend so much energy pseudo-stalking are, in fact, fallible and in the process re-affirm our misplaced sense of self-worth the way every good American does: by tearing someone else's down.

I feel that the media will make a mountain out of a mole hill and it's no body's buisness but their on.

Jack,

The only person he has to answer to is himself and more importantly his wife.

Jack, No! Tiger doesn't owe anyone an explanation.

Tiger owes nothing to anyone. Leave the poor guy alone. He got in a crash and whatever happened is between him, his insurance agency and his family. Doesn't anyone even care that he might be injured? Granted, the statements made are that he has slight injuries. I've been in a "small" accident and I was pretty sore afterward. He never does or says anything to hurt anyone and he has ONE rough night and all the sudden he get's trashed?

It is absolutely nobody's business. He met the requirements of the law and provided the documents necessary. Why the police are hounding him I just don't understand. Nobody else was hurt. Leave him alone and let him get better and enjoy his family and his new baby's first holiday season.

Jack,

Tiger needs to realize we the public respect his privacy.. but he is a professional golf player, getting reward by advertisers and he advertise so much products and services.. Those investors want to be warned at least of what occurred but not talking to the law officers is a bit bizarre.. and creates more questions and then resolve them.. Tiger speak up.. regardless of the consequences you will overcome them.. do not listen to the lawyers and their entourage..I have a question for you what would your dad have said if he was here with you today..

Jack,Only in America,would people who have so many other things to
worry about,(2-wars,joblessness,home forclosures,homelessness
gangs and etc) have the time to question an auto accident,
and spread so much speculation,simply because they are in the
publics eye.
When are we in America going to get our priorities in order.

John
Louisiana

Jack,

As a golf professional, I feel as though Mr. Woods owes his fans and the golf industry a reasonable explanation for the crash and his subsequent silence. If he elects to keep silent, he also allows vicious rumors to be spread about him and his family, and the speculation of what really happened will only continue to grow.
A story such as this, if it is allowed to be carried on, has the amazing potential really damage not only his own reputation, but the reputation of touring and club golf professionals alike.
An "average Joe" can afford to keep his silence, but as we all know, Mr. Woods is anything but average; he has too much leverage and it will only create a ripple effect within the sport of golf.

He doesn't owe one to me or anyone I know, but I didn't think it was optional to talk to the police about an accident. This knowledge will come in handy if I ever have an accident.

Mountain Home ID

no not a word to the press or the cops he only owes a statement to the insurance company and that would be its my fault . so every one back off

No, but we all will assume the worst until he does..

If this is still america, then hell no.

If in the course of an accident investigation the police wished to question me I would have no choice but to comply. Just another case of the moneyed elite being able to right their own rules. Unfortunately public scrutiny comes with fame – may not be fair but that's the way it is. If you have nothing to hide than don't hide it because the truth will come out eventually.

He owes no one an explanation except to his family. He provided the police with what he was required. I am so tired of all the celebrity over the top reporting. I cant call it news. He didnt physically hurt any one.
I dont understand why we feel like we have to know everything about our celebrities, it just isnt any of our business, expecially when this could be a sensitive matter and his children nor wife deserve this.

I am a very private person and I sure wouldnt want anyone to know about my private life.

Considering that the police continue to publicly announce and release things that have no business being announced or released (is it standard procedure to add to the public record that someone, who hasn't witnessed or committed a crime, doesn't want to talk to the police? Is it standard procedure to leak phone calls reporting an accident? I have my doubts...), he has zero incentive to talk to the police. He would just be fairly confident that some idiot would leak it to the press, and he's spent his career avoiding that annoyance. As for whether he owes the public an explanation, certainly not. He's never asked to be admired, and he's never asked to be marketable. He just is, takes the money, and leaves it at that. If the endorsed companies are just now realizing that he doesn't like publicity about his private life, they are too stupid to deserve a public explanation.

would i get to leave with no follow up? could i refuse to talk to the police? how come he gets the special treatment? oh wait he is a celebrity...

even the police don't NEED an explanation

No he owes no one an explanation. When are we going to stop letting TMZ , the Enquirer and other trash TV and rags drive the news? What ever happened to real news and real sports?

If there was a domestic situation and tiger left the scene to avoid it escalating, great, he did the right thing, beyond that, leave the guy alone and focus on what really matters, the debates in Washington over health care and Iraq and Afganistan.. That is news worth covering, not a traffic accident

I find it a shame that even after Mr. Woods requested privacy for he and his family regarding his accident, we still feel that we have the right to know every minute details regarding his private life. If this had been me involved in this accident around the corner of my house, our local police department would have called for medical backup and that would have been the end of it.
So what if he had a disagreement with his wife or any other scenario you want to conger up. It’s not any of our business.

If I was married to Mr. Woods (I am a black woman) and this "accident" happened, I would have been arrested at the scene. The police would have looked at Mr. Woods, they would have looked at me, they would have looked at the car, the tree, etc and I would have been arrested. My mugshot would be on CNN, MSNBC, the New York Times...give me a break? It is what it is...Mr. Woods and everyone else is protecting his wife. The truth is already known. Furthermore if roles had been reversed and it was his wife hurt as a result of the "accident" nobody can tell me that you all would be saying, ..."the public doesn't need to know anything this is a private matter". Y'all need to get real. It is what it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other than complying with Florida law, i.e., driver's license, insurance, and auto registration, he owes no explanation to anyone else. However, and this is a big however, due to the American insatiable appetite for gossip surrounding sports figures and entertainers, the media will drag this out .... and out and out and out.

Tiger does not owe anybody explanation.We should mind our business.The Enguirer should also stop ruining people lives in the quest to sell magazines by peddling rumours.
As humans,we take so much pride in seeing other peoples downfall-what a sick nation we have become.

The coverage on this has been way overblown. Mr. Woods is a private citizen and owes no one an explanation for a minor traffic accident.

Cafferty. Tiger Woods does not owe anyone anything. He plays golf and because of his skill, he is compensated. Case closed. He is not a politician who is a public servant. Tiger Woods is a private citizen with all of the rights, etc. We have soldiers fighting and dying on the battle field to protect and to preserve these rights. Tiger is obligated to be law abiding. Once he exercises his legal options consist with the law of the land, he has satisfied his obligation to us. Leave him alone; otherwise, the media becomes an arm of harrassment. A dangerous thing in a system such as ours. The media must respect the law, which protects the rights of the individual. I predict a divorce-filing by spring. He said he will make sure that it does not happen again. The only way to make sure of that is to separate himself from the problem.

No. This is what is wrong with our country, we care more about celebrities life's than the greed, corruption, injustice and misery that's all around us.

He owes no explanation to the general public, that is for sure. No explanation required from a legal or any other perspective. No one seems to have been hurt but Tiger himself. Looks like it is his business though he will likely pay some damages for the fire hydrant I would guess. Contrary to some other posts, we all have the 5th amendment that keeps us from having to talk to law enforcement.

Yes, as a public figure and a role model for children who are aspiring golfers, Tiger needs to settle his personal image. Sadly, the idea that he had an affair is already in our minds. The "other woman" in our society needs to gain self-respect, find a good job, and leave a married man alone!!!

Palm Harbor, FL

No, I don't think Tiger "owes" anybody an explanation, unless there was some sort of criminal activity involved (lots of speculation, but no evidence). We're just so used to wanting to know every juicy or gory detail on celebrities -whether the celebrity is based on real achievement, as in Tiger's case, or crashing the White House or hoaxing the Balloon Boy incident. Pressure from his corporate sponsors, inquiries by the media, etc, may force him to come forward, but I think his best bet is to continue to keep his silence. The public and the media have the attention span of a fruit fly – some new, "shiny" story could pop up in the next week, or day, or hour to shift attention away from this story. Wanting to maintain privacy shouldn't necessarily be suspicious!

Yes – because he was operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner. He could have easily killed someone who happened to be walking along the road. The average guy would have at least received a citation, or be arrested for driving to endanger. What happens on his property is his business, what happens on a public road is everyone's business.

NO and the media needs to stop stalking him and his family . The Highway Patrol needs to stop harassing hi. Give him a ticket and let everybody get back to their on boring lives.

No he does not. He doesn't even owe an explanation to the city/town of Windermere. He knocked over fire hydrant in a car accident what more is there to say.

Tiger Woods doesn't owe anybody anything. Why should he? Whose business is it anyway? If I wrecked my car, no one would give a fat's rat's behind. Leave the man alone. It is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. If we spent more time minding our own, then things that ARE

i don't think tiger owes anyone an explanation.....just the nosey people....it is no ones' business but him and his family

No he owes no explanation to anyone. Tiger only needed to show valid I.D. and proof of insurance. What ever happened between he and his wife should remain between them. Of course by not saying more, trash tabloids (you know who you are) will by all counts sell lots more of their trash magazines. After all Michael Jackson has been dead for a few months now. I guess David Letterman can be happy that attention is now on Tiger.

Good luck Tiger. Jennifer in California

NO he doesn't owe anyone any explanation beyond what's been given. For heaven's sake, the media has become way too intrusive into the lives of anyone who is in the public eye. Good for him for trying to keep some semblance of privacy in his life. Give the guy a break!

Absolutely not! His explanation on his web site took responsibilty for the event and that should be that. I thought he handled his official statement with the typical class that he normally shows. All the news vultures should leave him and his family alone and let them deal with this situation in private.

There are so many 'real' issues we need to be concerned about. How about if the news media focuses on them instead of the life of Tiger Woods. If you tally up the time that has been spent covering this incident just think of how much good could have been done had the news media given coverage to issues with more substance... like child abuse, the homeless or better yet... our veterans. You guys need to get real.

he does not in any way owe any body an apology. leave that man alone. it also doesn't make sense how an affair with a lady has anything to do with Tiger having an accident. the media is taking this thing to far.

The police need to see him to be sure his wife does not have him holed up.

Just because Tiger is a celebrity, doesn't mean he owes any explanation for anything. This is a private matter, and both the press and the public should let it go!

He dose not have to say nothing to anyone... I think he's said to much as it is... no one was hurt in this accedent but himself.. i'm sure Tiger is more than willing to pay for any damages that have been caused.. leave he and his family alone.

Tiger Woods, and all other celebrities, are the ones who are OWED an explanation–since when has it become acceptable to examine the minutiae of private lives for the entertainment of the masses? While reporting the public activities of those engaged in high profile pursuits seems reasonable, the obsessive concern about every aspect of a figure's private life strikes me as the creepiest form of voyeurism.

Jack, Tiger Woods owes no more of an explanation than you or I would. Your personal life is exactly that-personal. I get a kick out of people who somehow believe if you are a celebrity you owe the public. Owe them for what? They would all change their opinion if they had celebrity status even for a day.

Jack,

Did I miss something? You come to the scene of an accident with a someone unconscious, bloody mouth, and back windows knocked out of the vehicle in 2:00 a.m. in the morning and police officers do not question them about domestic violence.

Women, as we have witnessed recently, are becoming more violent. When men cover it up, where are our spokespersons for domestic violence?

Perhaps, Tiger Woods is the new face of domestic violence. Infidelity is a personal (family) matter between a husband and wife.

There are issues about this matter that are private, and they should remain that way. Is Tiger Woods and his wife exempted from the domestic violence laws?

Jack,

This is a classic case of the media overstepping its bounds. This incident is a PRIVATE matter between Mr. and Mrs. Woods, their insurance company, and possibly the local jurisdiction whose fire hydrant was hit.

In the words of Chris Crocker – "LEAVE TIGER ALONE!!"

He's obviously mortified by this, and just wants to put it behind him. The fact that he's a "celebrity" does NOT mean that every nuance of his life should be open for public scrutiny – People need to stop being so damn NOSY!

Sheesh!

Thanks for reading this,
Sally in San Diego, CA

No, he does not have to make any further comment but is that the smart course of action? The questions that arise from his silence would lead police to wonder if the accident was a result of a domestic dispute or some other cause. If I were to crash my car next to my home would my wife come to my rescue equipped with a golf glub to extract me from the vehicle? Are the injuries consistant with an auto accident? This event transended from a private to a public matter when he hit the fire hydrant and tree. Is this the best way to protect a public image? The experience of others in similar situations would indicate it is not.

Generally, I believe that our laws have been created in a fair and just manner. The fact that Tiger Woods has abided by the requirements directed by the law makes me wonder why we feel he MUST provide more information than is required. The "media" has once again found that it must sensationalize in order to "compete". Disgusting.

As much as curiosity has got most of us, Tiger doesn't owe the public a statement. Everyone knows what happened, he and Elin were fighting about "the other woman" and Elin punched him in the mouth. When he took off in the SUV she went after him with a golf club and smashed the back window. He hit the fire hydrant and the tree (as long as he pays for damages he's fine) and this was not public property so I don't even see how he could be sited.

I think when he got out of the SUV she smacked him with the club again and that is why he was in and out of conscience. That minor bump with the fire hydrant and tree did not cause those injuries since the air bag didn't even deploy.

It's best he keeps his mouth shut and just learn from this event that has given the news media something to report on.

Bobbie C
Youngstown, OH

You have to love americans. They support their top sportsmen,politicians, race drivers with an almost religious fervor.
The only thing you enjoy more is trashing their lives at the first hint
of any trouble.

no. He isn't committing a crime by staying private. His statement was a deterent from being embarassed. I mean he did crash in his own driveway. Give the guy some slack.

He owes no explanation. Nor does he have to talk to the police, except to prove he has a driver license and insurance. Even if, as has been speculated, he had a fight with his wife (probably didn't happen at all) and took off in anger, it's nothing anyone needs to know about because it's a personal matter.

Why do we think we have a right to know every little thing because someone is a public figure? People need to get over their nosiness.

Why does the media always jump to the worst possible reason for an incident like this? Lots of stores opened at 3 AM for Black Friday. Maybe the man was anxious to get in some early shopping for his wife and daughter and, in his rush to get to the mall had a little accident in his neighborhood. I'd be embarrassed to tell that, too. Let's start THAT rumor, Jack.

Many people on this forum have it right. Tiger does not owe the public an explanation. But he certainly owes the police an explanation. If I knocked over a light post, fire hydrant, traffic signal, etc does anybody believe the the police would not investigate and require some type of explanation/statement from me??? Of course they would.....unless I am a wealthy celebrity who DOES get different rules to play by.

The question is... did the tree ask for an explanation or was it the fire hydrant. Like are they suing him or something. Well if the tree didn't ask for an explanation, or the fire hydrant, who really gives a hoot! I'm just pleased that he's doing well.

He may owe his neighbor for damages, but not an explanation. He owes his family an explanation. He owes nothing more than the law requires to anyone else. How will knowing benefit anyone else at all? It actually benefits Tiger more by not telling. If he tells all, the story goes away. If he remains quiet, he stays on the front page. What great marketing!...

2 AM,day after Thanksgiving,Endorsing Buicks (can you say fired),Driving Caddy SUV,Crashing into your neighbors tree, wife awake and just happens to have golf club handy,passed out on lawn,facial cuts and bruises, and list seems to be getting longer by the minute. from the outside is seems he has enough kiss my grits money and does not have to explain this farce

Not one word is oweded anyone, unless he uses his insurance comp. to cover costs. They will want an explanation. But the rest us need not know. His privacy and his family's privacy is allowed. If it were anyone else, who would need to offer such and explanation?

It's up to him. But you'd think being a public figure, he'd want to get the truth out there rather then let people just make stories about what may or may not have happened that day. The truth can't be that bad.

He hit a fire hydrant. Whatever happened to destruction of public property laws? If Joe Blow off the street just happened to hit a fire hydrant, would the cops have let him off without talking about it? Obviously not. We truly have a caste system in the US.

Jack.., my answer is.., "Yes and No". We all like our privacy.., however, Eldrick "Tiger" Woods is the number one athletic in the world and a 'role model' to all. As a public figure and a role model.., Tiger should explain to all, what happened ? Truthfullness goes a long way in making sure your public life or image stays out of the tabloids or gets blow out of proportion with rumors or downright lies. If Tiger said what happened that first or second day, all of the falsehoods would have gone away. Mike in Montana P.S.: I like your comments.

Tiger
does not owe an explanation to me, you or anyone regarding his accident. His status as a sport superstar in noway obligates him to provide details regarding his private life.

For those that are consumed with this minor traffic accident, GET A LIFE OF YOUR OWN.

That includes all news organizations, how about reporting on why we contiue to spend billions on a war that has no end

Keith H.

Legal Woods did not have to talk but since he is one of the most famous golfer, I think he should say something so he won't hurt hs image of himself and all the kids that loved him as a role model . To me not talking making him look guily and something to hide.

No, if its not required by the law, then he doesn't have to. However since he is a well known figure he should say something to the public to shut up the paparatzzi. He needs to gets ahead of them and explain what happened to his fans.

Cameron

Tiger Woods did nothing wrong. It is only our curiousity that is fanning the rumor fire. The public doesn't need to know; we just want to know. We want to hear that his wife was mad at him, swinging a golf club and he lost control of the car and hit a hydrant and tree. And if he admits to that part, then we'll be more determined to find out the cause of the fight which is absolutely no one's business? Don't cover it on CNN and it will go away quicker.

No its a private matter

He had an accident!! Big Deal! No, he doesn't owe the nosey public anything!

Whats the big deal.... He obviously dropped his elbow in the turn and he pushed the car right... apparently out of bounds.... Its 3 off the tee...thats it

He doesn't owe me or anyone else an explanation; except to his wife and family. it seems that professional atheletes have their own set of ethics, and neither marital values or the laws of this country pertain to them. He should take a good look at himself in the mirror and reevaluate his actions to his family and to the audience who bow to him.

No! He doesn’t need to give any explanations; this is madness. The media need to leave him and his family alone. I live in the same neighborhood, and I have never seen anything like this before. The media came from all over the world camping outside the subdivision and causing chaos. We are not used to see such craziness in this area....GO HOME PEOPLE.

Tiger owes none of us any explanation. It is simply none of our business. Not mine, not yours, not anyone's. If he has broken a law that's between him and the authorities. We have become bottom feeders of gossip, and it is shameful.

Seeing that he wrecked his car on a public street, he's required to give the police the information about what happened so they can make out a police report and charge him if he violated traffic law.

Just because he's a celebrity, he's not above the traffic laws.

Definitely not. It's his private business. If advertisers want an explanation to keep paying him advertising $'s thats one thing, but he doesn't OWE an explanation to the public.

No, he does not. Beyond providing his documentation (driver's license, proof of insurance, etc.) he is not legally required to talk to law enforcement for a traffic accident. The media is so out of control. Leave him to his wounds and find a real story to write about.

V. Fleming
Los Angeles, CA