Tiger Woods plays golf for a living. But after completing 72 holes in a Professional Golf Association tournament, sports writers — for some reason — wanted to know his stance on race relations in America, and especially his feelings toward President Trump.
Tiger Woods plays golf for a living.
But after completing 72 holes in a Professional Golf Association tournament, sports writers — for some reason — wanted to know his stance on race relations in America, and especially his feelings toward President Trump.
After his final round Sunday, sweat still pouring from his forehead, Woods was asked by a sports writer: “Your relationship with Donald Trump, how would you describe that personally and professionally?”
“I’ve known Donald for a number of years,” Woods said. “We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. And so, yeah, I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency,” Woods said.
The writer — reportedly from The New York Times — followed up.
“At a time, especially 2018, I think a lot of people, especially people of color, immigrants feel threatened by him, by his policies. He’s thrown himself in sports debates in terms of race with [NBA player] LeBron James, with the [national] anthem. What do you say to people who might find it interesting, I guess, that you have a friendly relationship with him?”
Woods’ answer was perfect — exactly the answer all Americans, including limousine liberals in Hollywood, should give when asked.
“Well, he’s the president of the United States and you have to respect the office. And no matter who’s in the office, you may like, dislike the personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office,” Woods said.
The writer tried yet again.
“Do you have anything to say more broadly about the state, I guess, the discourse of race relations?”
“No,” Woods said with a slight smile. “I just finished 72 holes and I’m really hungry.”
THAT is how you answer a question about the President of the United States if you’re an athlete or an actor or a musician — or a plumber or a welder, for that matter. He IS the president and that post commands respect. You can disagree with his politics and his policies (note that Woods never endorses anything about Trump), but the office itself must be respected.
Woods, by the way, has played golf with lots of presidents, including Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush and Barack Obama. He never teed it up with George W. Bush because the 43rd president cut back on golf during his second term.
Trump joined the fray by posting on Twitter: “The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say. Tiger wouldn’t play the game – he is very smart. More importantly, he is playing great golf again!”
