As much as this old school curmudgeon detests it from time to time, technology is pretty amazing and can keep you up to date regarding just about anything that occurs.
That of course includes everything surrounding celebrities and their every move, be it good or bad news in their often-secluded world.
That being said, l was both somewhat annoyed and surprised when my phone blew up with messages and updates pertaining to yet another serious automobile accident involving an impaired Eldrick Woods.
(Sorry, but l just can’t call an adult male by a nickname.)
Woods’ latest episode of driving under the influence, of what clearly appears to be prescription drugs, is a rather mind boggling one to fathom considering his brush with death in February of 2021, where he used a heavy duty SUV as a projectile while traveling at an estimated eighty miles per hour and losing control of his vehicle on a winding California highway in a moment that almost cost him a leg and less importantly, what was left of a brilliant golf career.
The aftermath of that one didn’t involve one of those pesky breathalyzers, as the officer on arrival didn’t think Eldrick seemed to be the least bit “impaired” behind the wheel in a violent wreck that could’ve killed him.
As you know the highly personable yet incredibly placated Woods dodged that bullet, began the difficult process of physical therapy to rehab the leg his brilliant surgeon saved, and pledged to come back as a better person and even play golf again, much to the delight of both his millions of fans, and the media who tracks his every move off the links.
Now, before you say l’m piling on this man who owes me not even one explanation for his careless and destructive behavioral patterns, let me tell you that l could really care less about his absolutely amazing accomplishments as one of the stalwarts in professional sports, but rather how he continues to thumb his nose at the grim reaper. That in itself is a rather dangerous game that he’s clearly bound to lose, considering he’s now out of mulligans to prevent such.
Last time l checked, he also has two beautiful children with extremely bright futures who should be his number one priority. Then there’s his 1.5 billion dollar net worth, which provides him with the humongous platform to serve the less fortunate in this world, who, unlike himself, have none of the aforementioned advantages.
It could be considered quite hypocritical of me to point out his outrageous behavior, considering some of my behavior as a younger man, but having lost loved ones in the blink of an eye gives me a rather unique perspective.
Woods’ cavalier approach to his incredibly good fortune is pathetic and needs to stop.
That net worth l touched on will buy the best rehab and therapy on earth and it’s time he embarks on a lengthy inpatient stay that can place him on the road to recovery.
Allow that to be the impetus for healing, both your mind and your soul. Accept the fact that your golf career has been over for some time now and embrace the beauty of your family and enjoy the fruits of your labor before it’s too late. Prove people wrong about your current inability to achieve sobriety and find the joy that doesn’t come from an admiring golf gallery but rather the happiness you’ll experience in the arms of your children, who, despite your irresponsible behavior, love their father.
I can only imagine the stranglehold of prescription drug addiction, but you clearly possess the ability to acquire the best possible care to win the toughest match of your adult life.
Set an example for others by conquering your demons and showing the world that you can accomplish something far more important than winning numerous major golf tournaments and living in the cold grey darkness of drug addiction behind the gates of a luxurious community, where money can buy you everything but absolute happiness and meaning.
Good luck Eldrick, as there will be plenty of people rooting for you. Take it a day at a time and get well, but please do it before the next vehicular accident we hear reported places you in the back of a van heading to a morgue instead of a local police holding cell to let you sober up. Don’t let that happen.
Danny Bridges, who told Eldrick Woods at the 2012 BMW Tournament in Carmel that his smile was his greatest attribute, can be reached at (317) 370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
