Tiger Woods

At first, there didn't seem much point in commenting on the lurid case surrounding golfer Tiger Woods; it's a story which has been covered to death and people are likely getting sick of it. But things change, so we'll drop a little note on the matter.

Mr. Woods has been named golfer of the decade by the Associated Press, and PGA Player of the Year by the pro golf tour. He should not receive either accolade.

Part of what makes an athlete great is his demeanor, both on and off the field. Reputations are important; they tell us what kind of a person someone is, and the kind of guy he is is more important than what he does when he golfs. There is nothing wrong with taking that into consideration when we hand out awards and honors. It is an embarrassment to ourselves and to our sports when we pretend that all that matters is what happens in the arena.

Character ought to keep Tiger Woods from getting these awards in that same way that character ought to keep Pete Rose out of Cooperstown. No one who acts contrary to sportsmanship merits the respect of the game, or, more importantly, of the general society.