Tiger Woods is Bashed for Press Conference

The Golf Channel's Alex Miceli Rips No.1 Golfer for "Selfishness"

Feb 17, 2010
Leonard Crowther

Alex Miceli of The Golf Channel - www.TheGolfWatch.com

After announcing Wednesday that he would hold a press conference on Friday at 11 a.m., Tiger Woods was bashed by Golf Central's Alex Miceli, who was apparently fed up.

Many greeted the news of Tiger Woods' press conference announcement as something to look forward to. This would seem logical considering Tiger, one of the most famous (or infamous) athletes ever, hasn't spoken publicly in almost three months. ESPN ran Tiger's headline on their "bottom line" for hours in the category of breaking news. One reporter was less amused, however. Alex Miceli of The Golf Channel's Golf Central, as well The Approach with Callaway Golf, took issue with Woods' decision to hold the conference on Friday. Miceli argued that this move was calculated in every way by Woods, designed to benefit himself with no consideration of how it would affect his fellow golfers. While he recognized that his view of the matter was not the popular reporting consensus, he did state that it was in fact the view of the players.

Controversial Conference Timing

Woods' conference is to take place simultaneously with The WGC Accenture Match Play event. This press conference will undoubtedly remove much of the focus from the players and cost Accenture in viewership. Miceli pointed out that Tiger had already cast a cloud over the event's first day considering that they were talking about him despite Mike Weir making over 250 feet worth of putts. There could be a litany of reasons that Tiger Woods chose not to wait until this event had been finished, most logically of which point to Miceli's opinion of "selfishness".

Good for Tiger, Bad for PGA Tour Pros

Tiger will benefit immensely by holding this press event during the match play tournament. First of all, he will avoid a large crowd, which doesn't even seem to make sense when you say it out loud. Florida, where the conference will be held, is a far cry from Arizona, where the WGC event is being played. Many will decide not attend considering they probably won't be let in or even catch a glimpse of Woods. Secondly, Accenture was one of his first sponsor's to drop Woods after his sex scandal. This would seem a deliberate shot at Accenture. His lawyer was also quoted as saying the decision was "all about timing".

What This All Means

Everyone now knows what Tiger will be doing Friday, but most probably don't know what Ogilvy did on the course today. Stories like these will be pushed to the background for now. Woods could seem to care less, however. Although many golfers have come out in defense of Tiger Woods, such as Mickelson who claimed the two were friends, there is now a growing contingency of those who side with Alex Miceli.

Source:

Miceli, Alex. Golf Central. The Golf Channel. 17 Feb. 2010. Television.

Leonard Crowther - Leonard Crowther Sports Contributor -Graduate of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 2009 Bachelor's Degree in Creative ...

Comments

Feb 17, 2010 5:34 PM

Guest :

Imagine if we all minded our own business? Since when does everyone has a say in other people's lives? Get a life folks!

Feb 17, 2010 8:50 PM

Guest :

GO ALEX.....YOU are the first to have the guts to say what most of the avid golfers and fans have felt for ages. The media has crammed Woods down our throats for so long, (just like US Congress does their bills). THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Watching golf has become almost sickening with him playing; ie Kelly Tilghman sounds like soft porn when he is in the field. Even teenagers say that. The honor and integrity of golf was ALMOST LOST.....however, it has been around much longer than he. He will never have the honor nor integrity that has built this great game. Tell Tim Finchem, he is the biggest sell-out of all. The other players are so great to watch, when given the opportunity. Of course, on the Golf Channel, that is rare. Johnny Miller and Dottie, still tell us why and how in golf, without telling us his birthday, style of sock, toothpaste, etc. Again, thank you so much for seeing the truth with a platform to express it.

Feb 18, 2010 12:24 AM

Guest :

Alex Miceli, if you want to cover other story on Friday, be on your way. Tiger didn't ask Golf Channel to cover the press conference. Your empolyer wanted too, so if you didn't like the timing about it, it's too bad. Did golf channel need to consult with you if they should cover the press conference on Friday? Obivously not, so get a grip. Stop whinning, and be professional, not too emotional on TV bashing an individual golfer. If you wanted to say Mike Weir had a good round, why didn't do so instead, you took the entire 3 minutes bitching about the whole things. Which player feel the same way as you said? Did you quote their comments? Or, you were making all those up?
Sorry, and hope you still have a job after this circus act

Feb 19, 2010 5:12 AM

Guest :

Who gives a rip about what you or his fellow golfers think? He shouldn't say anything. He doesn't owe you or anybody else any comments, etc... This is a matter between him and his wfie. His actions has nothing to do with hitting the stupid golf ball on the racist golf courses in this Country and abroad. If it wasn't for TIger, I and thousand like me who could care less about the ultimate racist sport would not be watching. Tiger is golf and the longer he stays away; the longer the ratings will go down. Again, he doesn't owe me, you and anybody an apology. It's between him and his wife; just like any other married couple. Number 2, the golf circuit should stop being hypocritical, I'm sure he's not the only one. He just got caught. Now, when the others start getting caught. I expect to hear your mouth just as you're mouthing off right now. Get over it, it's none of our business. You are not God, he owes you nothing. If you don't want to hear it; change your channel. We all know the true reason; another black man excelling in something and taking it to a whole new level. The truth of the matter is you all can't take what he has done for golf. It will go down in history. Infidelity is an unfortunate situation and has been since biblical times and will continue to be. Report the sport and get on with your life. How about praying for this young man and his family, Oh my bag, maybe you want to see another young black man taken out. Sorry, he'll bounce back better than before; that's what we do!

Feb 19, 2010 9:16 AM

Guest :

Alex has never been a fan of Tiger Woods, so this article doesn't surprise me. However, just like the Golf Channel's commentators said before and after the conference this morning, it didn't impact the Accenture Match Play anyhow. Coverage of the Tournament doesn't even begin for several hours. And to Alex AND the players who supposedly side with Alex, get a grip...it's Tiger's popularity that made your paychecks go astronomic.

Feb 19, 2010 9:42 AM

Guest :

It's his opinion. Tiger did need to come out and talk in front of the public some how. The day Tiger deceides to put his spikes on and walk between the ropes and play golf again, then all the reporters are going to do is ask questions. Before Tiger does any of that, he needs to make sure he is ready to play. Not physically, but mentally, and emotionally. He needs to take care of his family. He will be going through some things with his wife he wishes he would never have to do. Is that his fault, yes. But don't talk trash about anyone because of how he makes his public speech. Give it time when he returns you writers will have your turn. When you get your turn do you really think " you writers are going to be talking about how many feet of putts Mike Weir made, or talk about what Tiger said or didn't say in your interviews with him." Think about that Mr. Miceli before you speak. I can't wait until he returns and let's see who is right.

Feb 19, 2010 9:43 AM

Guest :

7 Comments