Year of Tiger (Woods)

Golfing star Tiger Woods apologized to his family, friends, colleagues and fans for "irresponsible" behaviour in his first public statement since a car crash in November unleashed a storm of revelations about extramarital affairs. Woods could not say when he would return to golf, admitting he had "cheated" on his wife, Elin, a number of times and saying he would continue to undergo treatment at a sex rehabilitation clinic to help repair his marriage.

"I am deeply sorry for the irresponsible and selfish behaviour I engaged in," Woods said, at times tearful as he spoke before a group of friends and family at at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He made about a 10-minute statement but took no questions from the few media allowed in the room.

Woods recounted how he had been lured by fame and celebrity into abandoning his beliefs, and admitted his reputation as a role model for golf fans and children had been severely tarnished.

"Today I want to ask for your help," he said to fans. "I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again."

Meanwhile, Dalai Lama, who admits he is relatively unfamiliar with sports did take notice when Tiger said:

"Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important ... self-discipline with awareness of consequences," he said. "Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse."

The Dalai Lama said that he had - somehow - never heard of Tiger Woods.

When Woods' sex scandal was explained to him, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader emphasized the importance of self-discipline.

All religions have the same idea "when it comes to adultery," he said.

Is Tiger Woods Addicted To Sex?

Addictions are characterized by behavior that is unhealthy that becomes compulsive. The addict returns to their addictions even if it means destroying relationships, careers and reputations. The cycle of addiction is usually only broken when the addict gets caught of hits their own "rock bottom."

(PRWEB) December 10, 2009 -- It appears that Tiger Woods was not only unfaithful, according to seven-- and still counting-- women who have come forth with lurid details, alleged pictures, and copies of sex texts all from trysts between Woods and mostly younger women in the food service industry.

When is it an affair, and when is it a sexual addiction? Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, PhD, author of Adultery, the Forgivable Sin and Make Up Don't Break Up, says that infidelity falls into the category of addiction when there is a repetitive pattern. "A man has an affair to feel good, the feeling is temporary, and he goes back for more. When he is risking his reputation, career and marriage, the thought process is not logical or prudent."

"The more powerful a person feels in their job, the higher the stress. Adultery provides a biochemical craving for connection, along with the high and thrill of a new romance. These high- risk behaviors are addictive. What begins with a desire to relieve stress or mute depression easily progresses to a preoccupation with where their next "fix' will come from, and often involves a strong desire to create rituals around obtaining the "high." This preoccupation becomes a compulsion--to use drugs, alcohol, or to have sex, followed by depression and despair as the effects wear off, leading to the start of the cycle all over again," explains Dr. Weil. Getting caught in the loop of the compulsion usually ends when they get caught.

This pattern seems to fit the reports about Tiger Wood's alleged infidelity. As with all addictions that spin out of control, Woods now appears remorseful, apologetic (on his website) about his "transgressions," and making efforts to repair his business and personal reputation.

( Source: " Is Tiger Woods Addicted To Sex? When Infidelity is an Addiction" )