The Sports Intern

Within the last week, I have learned more about Tiger Woods’ personal life than I would care to know. The singular reason I am interested in golf, Woods has turned himself into the focus of scorn for women everywhere. Seemingly a nice guy, a simple car accident revealed his true nature. It has since been revealed that he has had committed adultery, possibly with multiple women. It diminishes his image as a father, as a standup guy, and as a golfer.

So many questions have come out of this. While no charges have been filed, there are accusations of domestic violence. The media is circling the Woods residence searching for evidence of something more. Further, the biggest question is whether Woods’ title as the greatest golfer we have ever seen is being tarnished.

My question is very simple: why?

Ever since I started watching sports, I have known it as an escape. It is an escape from the stresses and pains of life. It is an escape from my daily routine. And sometimes most importantly, it is an escape from the stupidity of a lot of other things in the world.

As juicy as gossip magazines get, as tumultuous as celebrity rumors become, I cannot help but thinking how annoying the people to dig up that dirt must be. I understand they are just doing their job, but it seems like a job that involves a lot more violating of other people than most jobs should. Nevertheless, my opinion is my opinion, and I do not have to support those magazines and reporters. The people who do enjoy it can purchase as they please.

My problem lies in the area where those magazines and those reporters start violating my escape and, as an extension, me. I love sports. I have loved them since the time I watched my first Super Bowl. I watch ESPN everyday and catch SportsCenter most mornings. I do not want to wake up to mornings where I learn about Tiger Woods’ extramarital affairs. It’s not my business, I do not care about it, and I should not be forced to watch it.

So this is my plea. Leave the gossip and the trashiness to the writers that are paid to do it. Sports writers and sports news should report sports. It’s just that simple. I don’t need gossip and I don’t need scandal. I just need sports. It is no one’s place to violate this man’s privacy just because he is good at what he does. If you’re going to do it, I will look down upon you as tasteless. You will just lump yourselves in with the gossip magazines I despise so much. You are here to report sports. Just let us have our escape.

-TSI