Is Everybody Really So Enamored of Tiger?

My son texted me to let me know that ESPN had added a text box to its screen, thereby making a busy screen even busier. The contents of the box on permanent display allowed viewers to follow Tigers progress at the Masters. Even though the means of communication was a text message, I could smell the disgust eminating from each keystroke.

Really, a text box on the screen at all times to mark the fortunes of a disgraced golfer who hasn't played in almost five months? Are my son and I the only ones who don't get it?

I have written in an earlier blog or two that I must acknowledge that Tiger is the best golfer in the world. The revelation that he is a hypocritical, low-life punk hasn't changed that. However, I have changed my perspective since the scandal broke. Before, I never vocally rooted for or against Tiger. I would root for a player I liked if he was contending with Tiger. I held no animosity.

Privately though - meaning in conversation with my wife, who is a major Tiger fan - I had the sense that Tiger was not what he seemed. I told her on more than one occasion, "I just think he's not a good person. The charity work, the education foundation, the family values platform: they all seemed contrived to me.

An earlier column alluded to my misgivings, but this entry is really more about the public, the fans, the media. Developments have confirmed that Tiger is indeed less than what he seemed or protrayed, and the media assumption seems to be that Tiger, warts and all, is bigger than the game.

I realized that this 'bigger than the game' theme has been what rankles me. But now, even after a public scolding from the Director at Augusta, and after a disingenuous apology from Tiger himself, the implications of which are that Tiger is NOT bigger than the game, ESPN puts a text box on its screen to declare that the Masters tournament is really all about Tiger. He is, they are saying, bigger than the game.

He shouldn't be. Each week, each year, each decade - individual players or teams get the chance to bask in a few moments of glory. Some players and teams do so more often than others, and thereby elevate themselves to the pantheon of all-time greats. As a golfer, Tiger will undoubtedly always be in that club, even if he never wins another tournament. He should never be bigger than the game. Older champions earned their accolades in the milieu that prevailed during their respective careers. When too much time separates two all time greats, comparisons are frivolous. Considering the car accident that almost killed him, should Ben Hogan be considered the greatest golfer of his era? the half century when he played? All time? Is it Nicklaus, since he won the most majors? Is Sam Snead's victory total more impressive? You see, the answer is very tough. Where does Arnie fall? How about Watson?

Fans are fickle and generally dumb about many things. I suppose my wife can still root for Tiger if she wants, though I don't understand it. However, I think the media should know better, and stop fawning over every move that Tiger makes. And I think ESPN should take down that damned text box. It's Sunday, and Tiger is playing like crap. Put up a Lee Westwood text box. A Phil Mickelson, or a Freddie Couples. No one should be bigger than the game.