Although the former model didn't attend the press conference, the 34-year-old professional golfer dedicates almost half of the apology speech on Friday morning, February 19 to her.
Almost half of the public apology uttered by Tiger Woods on Friday morning, February 19 was dedicated to his wife Elin Nordegren. The former model, however, was noticeably absent from the press conference held at the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, leaving her cheating husband to face the press without her support.
"I want to say to each of you, simply, and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in," Woods began his speech shortly after he thanked the audience for attending the conference. He proceeded to read his apology to Nordegren, "As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words, it will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us."
On the occasion, Woods also pointed out that Nordegren never physically abused him and expressed his anger towards those who fabricated the story suggesting that his wife attacked him on Thanksgiving night in November 2009. "There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage. Ever," the athlete stated. "Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame. The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior."
Tiger Woods also stated that he will continue seeking help for his issues. He further mentioned he wants to return to golf one day and hope when he does return, he needs to make his behavior "more respectful of the game". The athlete again thanked to everybody who has been really supportive and that the good wishes meant a lot to him and his wife. He ended the speech by asking people to "believe in me again.."
Though Elin Nordegren did not attend the press conference, his mother, Kultida, was present at the much-anticipated conference to hear the almost fourteen minutes long statement. Sitting in the front row with her arms folded, she had her eyes fixed on her son. When Woods finished his speech and walked toward her, she embraced him and whispered in his ear, "I'm so proud of you. Never think you stand alone. Mom will always be there for you, and I love you."
