The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Commentary: A letter to Tiger Woods

Dear Mr. Woods,

Please, take my advice — look to David Letterman.

In October, Mr. Letterman came on his show and told a story. He said a man blackmailed him and accused him of doing “terrible things.” Letterman continued on explained exactly what these “terrible things” were, that he was having sex with interns.

Turns out, he said, it was true.

Yet, after he explained himself, viewers weren’t distraught. They didn’t accuse him of being disgusting or perverted. Nobody was calling for Chris Hansen to show up at his door. Rather, they were using words like “classy” and “upstanding.” They loved him even more.

The man fornicated with interns. He used his charm and power to seduce young women, and he was forgiven. Why? Because he told us. He was honest.

Now, this obviously doesn’t justify what he did by any means. But he was in control of the public’s knowledge of the situation. If Letterman hadn’t exposed this story, someone else would have.

Tabloids would’ve had a field day parading the King of Late Night as a pervert. But, he didn’t let it happen. He squashed it and moved on.

Now Tiger, look at your situation. At 2:30 a.m., you got in a car accident. We saw the photos. We saw your wounds. We know this wasn’t a minor accident, as you originally wanted us to believe.

There was some foul play involved — whether you want to admit it or not — so now, I beg of you, please, look to Letterman.

Admit it. That’s all we ask.

The only reason you’re being harassed is because no one knows what happened. You’re leaving it up to our interpretation, and trust me, our interpretation is much worse than the truth.

So please, have a press conference or a TV special or an announcement after you win your next golf tournament and tell us what the heck is going on. If you do that, we promise to leave you alone. But, if you don’t, expect to be harassed about this situation for the rest of your career.

Do the right thing — for you wife, kids, and all other parties involved — tell the public. We’re not as vicious as you want to believe.

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