Tiger Woods offers long apology in first appearance

19 February 2010 @ 11:56 am EDT

Tiger Woods held a press conference on Friday to issue a public apology to his family, friends, fans and co-workers for his "irresponsible and selfish" behavior and said he may be back to play golf, even possibly this year.



Tiger Woods apologizes during his first public statement to a small gathering of reporters and friends at the headquarters of the U.S. PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, February 19, 2010. Credit:
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Woods admitted to having been "unfaithful," said he "had affairs" and "cheated" on his wife Elin Nordregren. He said he has received therapy and will continue to receive treatment for the issues he is facing, starting from tomorrow.

"I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how could I've done the things I did. I'm embarrassed I have put you in this position. For all I have done, I'm so sorry," Woods said at the press conference where his mother Kutilda Woods listened, often looking down at the floor.

His wife Elin, was not at the press conference.

This event marks the first time that Woods has spoken in public after stories of his infidelities started to emerge.

Woods admitted thinking his hard work, money and fame had entitled him to enjoy all kind of "temptations."

"I knew my actions were wrong but I convinced myself that normal rules did not apply," he said. "Instead I thought only about myself. I didn't think about who I'd harm."

Woods also apologized to his business partners and everyone involved in his foundation, staff, sponsors, and young students. He thanked the PGA tour and the players for their patience and understanding.

"I do plan to return to golf one day but just don't know when.  I don't rule out that it will be this year," Woods said.

This article is copyrighted by International Business Times.

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