Tiger Woods Press Conference Reaction

After making an utter mess of the institutions of marriage and fatherhood, Tiger Woods offered what appeared to be a very heartfelt apology today. But his wife apparently said it best: his real apology to her will come in the form of his behavior over time rather than his words.

In his prepared statement, Woods took full responsibility for his actions, which he termed as "irresponsible," "not acceptable," "selfish," and "wrong." He acknowledged that he did indeed violate the standards of marriage through his indiscretions, and that his children were also victims of his behavior. Clearly, Woods sees the link between marriage and fatherhood - he acknowledged several times, even if indirectly, that you can't be a terrible husband and a good father at the same time. It takes maturity to see that.

Woods deserves credit for criticizing the media's desire to follow his wife and children and be informed of the very personal decisions they will make during the coming months and years. Again, he acknowledged his own selfishness and he asked the media to focus on him, not them.

He also offered apologies to the families who he has let down who have urged their children to look up to him as a role model; another sign that he recognizes how many people have been affected by his behavior. Being able to look up to Tiger for his success in golf means nothing if his example as a husband and father is a terrible one. He certainly has a lot of damage to repair there to show children that real success has little to do with what one does on the golf course.

Overall, Woods' statement that best summarizes his apology is this: "I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change."

How sincere his apology was, only time will tell. For the sakes of his wife and children, let's hope that he is able to become the husband and father they deserve.