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World's top-ranked golfer Tiger Woods: I had affairs, I cheated (video)

February 19, 2010
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The world's top-ranked professional golfer, Tiger Woods, has made a public apology for having extramarital affairs.

A visibly emotional Woods said, "for all I have done, I am sorry." The 34-year-old American athlete made a televised statement Friday to apologize to his family, fans, fellow players and business partners for what he called his "selfish and irresponsible behavior."

He said he wants his marriage and family life to remain private, but acknowledged: "I had affairs, I cheated." He spoke of his Buddhist upbringing by his mother, and said he had fallen away from the core values of his faith.

Woods said he plans to return to golf, but did not know when. He said he would not rule out returning to the PGA Tour later this year. Woods plans to return Saturday to the rehabilitation center where he has been receiving therapy and treatment since December.

At the end of his remarks Friday, Woods said he would never repeat the mistakes he has made, and he asked all those he has disappointed and hurt to, in his words, "find it in their hearts to believe in him again."

Woods denied reports of domestic violence in his marriage and other stories he said were fabricated about his family. He asked the media to leave his wife and children alone.

Woods made his statement at the clubhouse of the TPC Sawgrass golf course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, attended by a small group of friends and family, including his mother and U.S. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem. Only three pre-selected reporters were in the room, and Woods did not take any questions.

The appearance came during the first big golf event of the year, the Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Arizona. Accenture was the first sponsor to drop Woods when the scandal first broke last year.

Video (courtesy of Fox News):

 

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