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Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Do you want to see into the future? Do you want to understand an invisible force that's shaping your life? Do you want to experience the frontiers of what makes us human? On tech stuff, we travel from the mines of Congo to the surface of Mars, from conversations with Nobel Prize winners to the depths of TikTok to ask burning questions about technology. From high tech to low culture, and everywhere in between. Join us Listen to tech stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Calling all Yellowstone fans, let's go to work. Join Bobby Bones on the Official Yellowstone Podcast for exclusive cast interviews, behind the scenes insights, and a deep dive into the themes that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon.
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Welcome back to Playing Dirty Sports Scandals. I'm your host and barista extraordinaire, Jay Harris. Today I'm serving up the story of one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Tiger Woods. A name synonymous with epic achievement, Tiger woods revolutionized the sport of golf and became a cultural phenomenon. But just as prune and grapefruit fusion blends hit the big time before becoming a dark note in most people's recipe books, Tiger Wood's meteoric trajectory would be marred by scandal. Meh. Yeah. The heyday of prune and grapefruit blends is over for a reason. That's just Blech. But what was the reason Tiger Wood's star dimmed. From the outset, it seemed unimaginable that Tiger would miss his shot at consistent professional and personal greatness. Born as Eldrick Tont woods on December 30, 1975 in Cypress, California, Tiger quickly proved worthy of his ferocious nickname under the guidance of his driven father, Earl Woods. Earl was a retired US army officer and named his son after his friend, South Vietnamese Colonel Vuong Dang Phong, known as Tiger Fong. I never knew him as Tiger Fong, Tiger woods would later explain. My father would talk about him so much. He was Tiger one the first Tiger. It was important to Earl woods that his son live up to his namesake, and it became apparent early on that that this kid had the natural talent to do so. Earl recognized Tiger's athletic potential around the same time. Most new parents are thrilled to just see their little ones sitting up independently. When Tiger was 10 months old, I unstrapped him out of his high chair one day and he walked over and hit the ball, Earl would later recall in the HBO documentary Tiger. I said, oh my God, I've got something special. Earl wasn't wrong, and he was certainly determined to help his son fulfill his potential. Tiger's mother, Koltita woods, who goes by Tita, is originally from Thailand and made Earl's parental enthusiasm look tame. Tiger confessed to USA Today in 2017 that his mother, Tita, was the enforcer. My dad may have been in the special forces, tiger said, but I was never afraid of him. My mom's still here, and I'm still deathly afraid of her. She's a very tough, tough lady, very demanding. I love her so much, but she was tough. The combination of Earl and Tita as his parents, plus his incredible natural athleticism, made Tiger Woods a competitor out the gate at just 18 months old. Earl took Tiger to the practice range for the first time, where he emptied an entire bucket of balls using a cut down iron. Soon after, Tiger played his first hole, a par 4, 410 yard challenge where he recorded an 11. For you who were not golf aficionados, that is a remarkable feat for someone so young and for some of us who are not so young. By the time Tiger was two years old, he was already capturing significant media attention. Los Angeles sports anchor Jim Hill featured him in a segment declaring, this young man is going to be to golf what Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert are to tennis. Tiger was also on the Mike Douglas show where he wowed audiences by putting on an exhibition alongside comedian Bob Hope. At three years old, when most kids are first learning how to catch a ball and dress themselves, Tiger broke through 50 on nine holes for the first time, shooting a 48 on the destroyer Course at the Navy facility. To put this into perspective, it's an achievement that even golf legends like Jack Nicklaus didn't accomplish until they were much older. Earl and Tita had a full time force of nature on their hands with toddler Tiger, and they knew he needed professional guidance. Tiger's parents found him his first priority golf teacher, Rudy Duran, in 1980. Back then, Rudy was an assistant pro at Hartwell Golf Course, a collection of petite par threes in Long Beach, California. He ran a junior golf program for 100 kids. And when Tiger showed up as his youngest participant, Rudy didn't know what to expect. But it didn't take long for tiny Tiger to become Rudy Duran's biggest focus. The coach remembers being immediately impressed, saying he was blown away by Tiger's swing. And it wasn't just Tiger's skills that far exceeded his years. His fiercely competitive nature began to emerge as well. His mother Tita observed that he would, quote, show a bit of temper when he didn't make a par. And Rudy Duran told Golf.com how Tiger would be frustrated by his physical limitations at four and a half years old, turning to strategy to overcome his age related challenges. By the time he was five years old, Tiger woods had his first set of clubs properly fitted by Rudy Duran and he was ready to take his game to the next level. Tiger's accomplishments piled up. At age six, he played in a two hole exhibition with golf legend Sam Snead finishing just one stroke behind him. He then entered the Optimus Junior World 10 and under division in San Diego where he finished eighth out of a field of 150. At age eight, Tiger won his first out Optimus Junior World title. He would win it again at age nine. There was no doubt about it. Tiger woods was a bona fide golf prodigy before his 10th birthday. Everyone saw greatness written into his future. Even a Buddhist monk on a family trip to Thailand would tell Tita that her son was special. As Tiger grew, his talent grew with him. He dominated the junior golf circuit, winning the Optimist international junior championship six times. And at just 15 years old, he became the youngest ever US junior amateur champion. On the heels of this achievement, Tiger won three consecutive U.S. junior amateur titles, followed by three U.S. amateur titles, a feat no one had accomplished before. It felt as if there weren't enough awards yet created for Tiger woods to win. The teenager was simply unstoppable. Even the golf legend Byron Nelson, after seeing Tiger play, would gush to fellow legend Tom Watson. I've seen Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and you. I've seen them all, Tom. This young fellow has no weaknesses. These were proved to be loaded words in later years. But as Tiger bordered on adulthood, he seemed in his natural habitat on a pedestal. Unsurprisingly, Tiger woods was heavily recruited by colleges. He chose Stanford University, the 1994 NCAA champion, and enrolled there in the fall of 1994 under a golf scholarship. His first collegiate tournament was the 40th annual William H. Tucker Invitational, and just as everyone expected him to, he won. While Tiger only spent two years playing for Stanford before leaving college to turn pro, Tiger, he would describe it as one of the best times in his life, saying, I really enjoyed being stimulated by the students and professors. Some were geniuses and others were Olympic athletes. It's amazing how well rounded they are. That's what's so cool about it. You must soak up that experience. According to his Stanford friend Casey Martin, college really was an opportunity for Tiger to soak up normal, age appropriate activities. For the first, first time in his life, Casey told Golf Digest, I love Tiger. He's the greatest at his sport, maybe ever. But I'll never forget one time a bunch of us were having a grand time watching Tiger dance. You know, a guy that's so dominant, you've got to bring him down a little. You've got to look for his weaknesses and really expose it. I think we found it at Stanford. Dancing. It's a bad deal hanging. But while Tiger woods may have stood out in a bad way for his terrible dancing, he stood out in a positive way as a black trailblazer in golf. Golf is a predominantly white sport. Even today, the National Golf foundation reports that just 3% of all recreational golf players are black, and only 1.5% of competitive golfers are black. A handful of athletes have paved the way for Tigers dominance. Golfers like Charlie Siffert, Lee Elder and Calvin Peet. Charlie Siffert, often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of golf, broke the color barrier on the PGA Tour in 1961, enduring significant racism and prejudice to create opportunity for future generations. While Charlie would declare his endless love of golf, he would also say, I don't smoke, smile much, and I never laugh. If you'd been through what I've been through, you wouldn't be smiling either. Tiger woods would later make clear the impact Charlie's trailblazing had on his own life by naming his son after him. In fact, Tiger called Charlie Siffer the grandpa I never had and said that had Charlie not broken the PGA color barrier, he might never have played golf. My dad would have never picked up the game without Charlie as a role model, tiger explained. Similarly, Lee Elder became the first black golfer to play in the masters tournament in 1975. This was a momentous event that challenged the segregationist history of the sport and especially of Augusta National Golf Course. It was also an event riddled with fear for Lee, who put his personal safety on the line to participate. Leading up to the tournament, Lee received large amounts of hate mail, and during the week of the tournament, he rented two houses in town and kept moving between them to make his whereabouts difficult to nail down. It was very nerve wracking, lee would tell CNN later. I was shaking so badly I did not know if I was even going to be able to tee up the ball. But Lee persisted and laid yet another stepping stone for Calvin peet, who won 12 PGA Tour events in the 1980s. Calvin would be the most successful black golfer until Tiger woods came on the scene. Tiger woods rise to fame in the 1990s brought a new level of visibility and inclusivity to the sport. His impact was immediate and undeniable. By the time Tiger turned pro in 1996, the world was already watching closely. Within a year, he had won his first major championship at the 1997 Masters by a record breaking 12 strokes, becoming the youngest Masters champion in history. At just 21 years old, Tiger woods was not only following in the footsteps of Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder and Calvin Peat, he was transcending the sport, becoming a global icon and inspiring a new generation of golfers from diverse backgrounds. With his signature fist pump and incredible intensity, Tiger not only won tournaments, he captured the imagination of fans around the world. Over the next decade, Tiger became the fastest player to win 50 tournaments on the PGA Tour. And by 2001, he had completed what was to become known as the Tiger Slam. By holding all four major titles from the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, US Open and the Open Championship at the same time, this was an unprecedented achievement. His combination of power, precision and mental strength made him nearly unbeatable, and Tiger woods became a household name not just in golf, but in sports and popular culture at large. Lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Titleist naturally flowed to Tiger, making him a very wealthy man while simultaneously bringing golf into the mainstream. Tiger woods was on top of the world. But as we've explored time and time again on playing dirty, meteoric rises come with tremendous pressure. The expectations placed on Tiger by his parents and the world were immense. As the victories piled up, so did the demands on his time, his body and his psyche. It would be the same relentless drive that pushed Tiger to the top of the golf world that would ultimately contribute to his dramatic and scandalous fall. On the evening of November 27, 2009, the sports world was rocked by breaking news that Tiger woods, the seemingly invincible golf icon, had been involved in a car accident outside his home in Windermere, Florida. What was initially reported to be a minor traffic incident was soon revealed to be something much more complex and sensational. Tiger woods, driving his Cadillac Escalade around 2:30am had struck a fire hydrant and a tree just a few yards from his driveway. How could this happen to such a controlled and disciplined athlete? It's difficult to imagine that the golfer who unleashed a 218 yard masterstroke from a pile of weight wet sand at the 2000 RBC Canadian Open would struggle to park. People didn't buy it. And as the hours and days passed, the narrative surrounding the incident began to shift as relentless questions poured in. Why had Tiger woods been leaving his home at such an odd hour? Why had Tiger's wife at the time, model Elin Nordegren, used a golf club to smash the back window of the vehicle to help her husband escape from a low impact crash? Why had Tiger sustained facial injuries? What was going on with golf's golden boy? In the days and weeks that followed, the carefully guarded facade of Tiger woods life began to unravel at an alarming rate. Reports started surfacing that the crash was not just a simple accident that had created $3,200 in residential property damage, but rather the culmination of a heated argument between Tiger and Elin. Tiger woods and Hila Nordegren seemed to be the couple who had it all. They Met during the 2001 British Open. Elin was working as a nanny for Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik's family, and Tiger quickly took notice, recognizing her as the true grand grand prize. According to Jesper's wife, Mia Parnevic, Elin had no interest in Tiger and he was okay with that. There was a big line of single golfers wanting to meet her. They were gaga over her. But Tiger woods never backed down from a challenge so he pulled out his famous long game to woo Elin, finally getting her to say yes to his proposal at the Shamwari game reserve in November 2003. On October 5, 2004, the couple married at the Sandy Lane Resort in Barbados. Tiger rented the entire complex for a week at a cost of almost $2 million in honor of the celebration. This included exclusive access to three golf courses and all 110 rooms. The wedding went great, a beaming Tiger woods said after the ceremony. It was a very special occasion. We just had a great time with all the families there. And then it seemed to the outside world that the great times kept right on rolling for Tiger and Elon. They lived in a 7,940 square foot multi million dollar mansion in a gated community. They welcomed two beautiful, healthy children, first a daughter, Sam Alexis woods, on June 18, 2007 and and then a son, Charlie Axel woods on February 8, 2009. It's great when you see people who've been married for 20, 30, 40 years and they're still in love. That's what I want for Elin and I, tiger told People magazine. It really seemed that Tiger woods was not just a phenomenal golfer, but also an incredible husband and father. But his car crash on November 27, 2009 exposed a double life. Journalists were quick to uncover that Tiger and Elin had had an argument the previous evening on Thanksgiving Day about his infidelity. Allegedly, Elin discovered romantic text messages between her husband and Rachel Yucatelle, the director of VIP operations for New York City's town nightclub Eagle. Elan called the number associated with the text and expecting to hear Tiger on the other end of the line, Rachel answered the phone saying something like, hey, babe. Not only was this confirmation of Tiger stepping out on her, but Elin apparently found communications with other mistresses on his phone. The man whom everyone thought could do no wrong, had apparently been playing very dirty. According to Tiger woods biographer James Patterson, Elon woke Tiger up and confronted him about his affairs. At this point, Tiger locked himself in the bathroom for a short time before rushing out of his house and into his Cadillac, where he crashed it just 150 yards away. The image of Tiger woods as a devoted family man and clean cut athlete was forever tarnished. As word got out, women lined up to claim they'd had affairs with the girl. Golf superstar Rachel Yucatel herself would say, I knew him to be cheating on his wife from the first time I met him, well before we got together. Facing mounting pressure and public outrage, Tiger woods broke his silence on December 2, 2009, releasing a statement on his website acknowledging that he had, quote, let his family down and expressing regret for his, quote, transgressions. He further announced that he would be taking an indefinite break from professional golf to focus on his family. It was a decision that shocked the sports world, especially since the media had been talking of how close Tiger woods was to beating the record of icon Jack Nicklaus, who'd won 18 major championships in his illustrious career. It had seemed inevitable that Tiger would overtake Jack. But now, on the heels of personal crisis, golf fans were left wondering if the most influential golfer of a generation would ever compete again. As we all know, scandalous sips always come with an aftertaste. There was no chance of the press stepping back to give Tiger and Elam privacy in their darkest days. And there was no doubt that the full story would eventually be spilled for public consumption. The New York Post soon reported that Tiger woods cheated with as many as 120 women behind his wife's back during their five year marriage, from diner waitress Mindy Lawton to porn star Holly Sampson, with whom he had sex the night of his bachelor party, to exotic dancer Corey Wriste. But it was the discovery of a one night stand with the 21 year old daughter of a neighbor that was the final straw for Elin Nordegren. The National Enquirer delved deeply into this particular betrayal, claiming that Elin decided to sign divorce papers after learning about Tiger's alleged fling with a neighbor's daughter, Rachel Coudray, whom he had reportedly known since she was just 14 years old. As the scandal continued to dominate headlines and Elin moved ever closer toward the exit, Tiger woods faced increasing pressure to address the unfolding situation more fully. So on February 19, 2010, Tiger held a highly publicized press conference at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse in Pontevedra Beach, Florida. It was his first public appearance since the scandal broke and millions tuned in to hear what he had to say. Here he faced the world's media and a select group of friends and family, including his mother, Tita, who sat stoically in the front row. During the 13 minute statement, Tiger admitted to his infidelity, stating, I was unfaithful, I had affairs, I cheated. He went on to express deep regret for his actions, saying, I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. Tiger acknowledged that he had stopped living by the core values taught to him by his parents and and that his behavior was not acceptable. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled thanks to money and fame. I didn't have to go far to find them. While the apology was a pivotal moment in the scandal, it did little to stem the tide of public criticism and personal fallout for Tiger. He retreated to Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for sex rehab as his sponsors like Gillette, Gatorade and Accenture jumped ship. Accenture was the first to sever ties, announcing in December 2009 that Tiger woods was no longer the right representative for their brand. Gillette followed suit, stating that they would be phasing Tiger out of their marketing campaigns. Gatorade, which had already discontinued its Tiger Focus drink two days before the scandal broke, formally ended its relationship with the fallen golfer in early 2010. AT&T, another of Tiger woods high profile sponsors also dropped him, citing the need to protect their company's image. Nike was among the few companies that chose to stand by Tiger woods at his lowest point, though they too scaled back their use of him in advertising. The financial impact of these lost endorsements was staggering. It's been estimated that Tiger woods lost nearly $22 million in sponsorship deals in 2010 alone, a sharp decline from the $92 million he had earned in endorsements the previous year. The loss of income was a blow to Tiger, who had been the highest paid athlete in the world for several years running. But the financial hit paled in comparison to watching his life's work unravel. Tiger woods is a born competitor, and at this point he was facing the monumental challenge of returning to golf amid controversy and reclaiming his place in the sport he dominated for more than a decade. His absence from the game left a void that was keenly felt by fans and the golfing community at large. Tournaments that had once relied on Tiger woods to draw large crowds and television ratings suddenly found themselves struggling to generate a fraction of the interest. The PGA Tour, which had benefited enormously from Tiger woods star power, experienced a noticeable dip in viewership and attendance during his hiatus. Sean McManus, the president of CBS Sports and News, told the New York Times that golf could go on without Tiger woods, but not for long, without consequences. We've obviously done golf tournaments without Tiger before, sean explained. But we all know how much better they do when Tiger is playing well on the weekend. We'll adjust, but I guess a lot of the impact will depend on what Tiger's definition of the word indefinite is.
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Bobby Bones
Hey, It's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I texted you and you texted me back and now I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the. The heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.
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Matt Castle
There was something sentimental when you. Like when, when you send it, you was like, do I send the heart now?
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Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
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Matt Castle
It's extremely pink.
- [27:26]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [27:35]
Maria Tremarque
Welcome to the Criminalia podcast. I'm Maria Tremarke.
- [27:39]
Holly Fry
And I'm Holly Fry. Together, we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical true crime.
- [27:45]
Maria Tremarque
Each season, we explore a new theme, everything from poisoners and pirates to art thieves and snake oil products and those who made and sold them.
- [27:53]
Holly Fry
We uncover the stories and secrets of some of history's most compelling criminal figures, including a man who built a submarine as a getaway vehicle. Yep, that's a fact.
- [28:04]
Maria Tremarque
We also look at what kinds of societal forces were at play at the time of the crime, from legal injustices to the ethics of body snatching, to see what, if anything, might look different through today's perspective.
- [28:17]
Holly Fry
And be sure to tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in custom made cocktails and mocktails inspired by the stories. There's one for every story we tell.
- [28:28]
Maria Tremarque
Listen to criminalia on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [28:36]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondence and contributors. And with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else ready to laugh and stay informed. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Matt Castle
Hey, it's Mike and Ian. We're the hosts of how to do everything from NPR's wait wait, don't Tell Me.
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Each week we take your questions and find someone much smarter than us to.
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Matt Castle
Answer questions like how do you survive the Bermuda Triangle?
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How do you find a date inside the Bermuda Triangle? We can't help you, but we will find someone who can.
- [29:33]
Matt Castle
Listen to the how to do everything podcast on iHeartRadio.
- [29:38]
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But even as many in the golf community pined for his return, Tiger's wife Elin wanted him gone. Tiger's sexual escapades, many of which had been conducted without protection, had demonstrated a gross lack of consideration for her physical well being and for their family's future. I have been through the stages of disbelief and shock, to anger and ultimately grief over the loss of the family I so badly wanted for my children, elin told People magazine. On August 23, 2010, Tiger and Elin officially finalized their divorce at the Bay County Circuit Court in Panama City, Florida. In a joint statement released by Elin Nordegren's law firm, McGuire woods, the former couple expressed their sadness over the end of their marriage, but emphasized their mutual desire to move forward positively with their two children, Sam and Charlie, as the priority. While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been and will always be of parent paramount importance to both of us, the statement read. The divorce was reported to be one of the most expensive in history, with Elon Nordegren receiving a substantial settlement rumored to be around $100 million. As Tiger grappled with the end of his marriage, another set of challenges was waiting to unfold. Golf is a sport with a strong mental element. Focus is necessary for any champion. Many were questioning whether Tiger woods could ever get his famous intensity back after everything that had gone down. Would he ever Compete again? In March 2010, Tiger provided an answer to this question at last announcing that after a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta. The major championships have all always been a special focus in my career and as a professional I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played. And so the gauntlet was thrown down. The champion had returned and would be competing from April 5th through the 11th, 2010 at the Masters. The world was watching. While Tiger played respectably at the 2010 Masters. He climbed clearly lost some of his groove, falling short of the high standards synonymous with his name. He finished tied for fourth, a result that was both a testament to his talent coming off a hiatus as well as a reminder that he still faced an uphill climb back to the top of his sport. And that climb would prove to be steeper than he imagined. In the years that followed, Tiger battled a series of debilitating injuries that survived severely impacted his ability to compete at the highest level. He underwent multiple surgeries on his back and knee, leading to extended absences from the sport. Each comeback attempt after recovery was met with hope and anticipation. But time and again, Tiger found himself sidelined by physical setbacks. His once feared presence on the golf course was replaced by uncertainty as fans and analysts questioned whether he would ever regain his former glory. I might be done, he confessed to fellow Masters winners at the 2017 Champions Dinner before flying to Harley street in London for a diagnosis that showed a back fusion would be needed for him to have any chance of playing golf ever again. Tiger's body seemed to be against him, and he was on a constant cocktail of drugs to dull the pain. The pressure to succeed, coupled with constant physical pain and painkillers, was a recipe for disaster. In the early hours of May 29, 2017, Tiger woods was arrested near his 9,700 square foot estate in Jupiter, Florida for driving under the influence. He was found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes Benz, which was stopped in the middle of the road with the engine running. Tiger was taken into custody at approximately 3am and was later charged with DUI. As news of Tiger's arrest spread, the public and media speculated that alcohol might have been involved. However, after being released on his own recognizance, Tiger quickly released a statement to clarify the situation stating, I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn't realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly. The arrest report revealed that Tiger woods had indeed been under the influence of a potent drug cocktail. He had five different drugs in his system at the time he was picked up hydrocodone and hydromorphone, which are both opioid pain medications Alprazolam, which is an anxiety drug known as Xanax Zolpidem, which is a sleep drug known as Ambien and Delta 9 Carboxy THC, which is found in marijuana. Tiger had been trying to manage his excruciating back pain and insomnia, but the pills were a dangerous crutch. I realize now it was a mistake to do this without medical assistance, Tiger woods admitted Tiger woods appeared in court on October 27, 2017, to plead guilty to reckless driving. Judge Sandra Bosso Pardo told him this particular plea agreement has no jail time on it. However, if you violate your probation in any significant way, I could revoke your probation and then I could sentence you to jail for 90 days with a fine of up to $500. Is that understood? Tiger said he did understand and expressed deep regret for the incident. He vowed to take steps to ensure it wouldn't happen again, saying, I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself, too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again. He also thanked the law enforcement officers involved, stating, I fully cooperated with law enforcement and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for their professionalism. Despite the empathy many had for Tiger's physical challenges, the DUI incident was unhelpful. In the middle of his comeback efforts, the narrative of Tiger woods, golf's fallen hero, dominated the headlines, with his struggle serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of fame and the fragility of even the most successful careers. But as his competitors know, there isn't any quit in Tiger Woods. He kept plugging away at his game. He kept his eye on the ball, and on April 14, 2019, at age 43, Tiger woods achieved one of the most extraordinary comebacks in sports history by winning the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. This victory, his fifth Masters title and 15th major championship, came 11 years after his last major win and followed a decade marred by scandal, injury and personal turmoil. The triumph at Augusta was a testament to Tiger woods unparalleled skill and determination. The 2019 Masters truly was a tournament for the ages. Tiger entered the final round two shots behind the leader Francesco Molinari, and faced a packed leaderboard featuring some of the best players in the world. In true Tiger fashion, he played a masterful round of golf, capitalizing on the mistakes of his competitors while making clarity clutch shots when it mattered most. As the round progressed, the momentum began to shift in Tiger's favor. His steady play and mental toughness in the closing holes were reminiscent of the Tiger woods of old, the player who prowled the golf courses of the world, striking fear into his competitors hearts on the 18th green. After sinking the final putt to secure his victory, Tiger raised his arms in triumph, letting out a roar that echoed through throughout Augusta National. The moment was electric and the gallery erupted in celebration, recognizing the significance of what had just happened. This victory was more than just another title for Tiger Woods. It was a comeback story that was bigger than golf, capturing the imagination of sports fans around the world. As he walked off the green, Tiger embraced his children, a single scene that brought full circle the journey he'd been on since his last major win in 2008. It's unreal for me to experience this, tiger woods said in an interview after his victory. It was one of the hardest I've ever had to win just because of what's transpired the last couple of years. For many, the 2019 Masters was a turning point that restored much of the luster to Tiger woods tarnished legacy. It was as if in that one moment, all the years of scandal and injury were washed away, leaving behind only the image of a champion. The win had broader significance for the world of sports as well. It was a testament to why people love sports, the drama, the unpredictability and the capacity for human achievement to inspire. But while the 2019 Masters was undoubtedly a moment of immense, immense triumph, it was not the end of Tiger woods story. The comeback at Augusta may have seemed like the final chapter in his long road to redemption, but in reality it was just another milestone in a life of ups and downs. Even as Tiger basked in the glory of his great win, the physical toll of his career and the consequences of his past were ever present. Foreign Just when it seemed that Tiger woods was beginning to regain control of his life and career, another shocking incident occurred. On February 23, 2021, Tiger was involved in a severe car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, California that left him with serious leg injuries and once again thrust him into the headlines. Early that morning, Tiger woods was driving his SUV when he approached a sharp curve in the road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Instead of hitting the brakes, Tiger mistakenly accelerated, sending the vehicle into a high speed rollover. The SUV, which was traveling at speeds of up to 87 mph in a 45 mph zone, careened across the center divider, plowed through shrubbery and struck a tree before coming to a stop. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was sent airborne, spinning before it landed on the side of the road. The crash data recorder from Tiger's vehicle revealed that there was no braking detected at the time of the crash, only acceleration. There is zero braking on that data recorder, Captain James Powers of the Sheriff's Department explained. But there is 99% acceleration on the pedal. This suggested that Tiger mistook the gas pedal for the brake, leading to the devastating accident. Despite the severity of the crash, investigators determined that there was no evidence of impairment or intoxication. Tiger would later state that he had not been drinking or taking any medication at the time of the accident, and due to his injuries, no field sobriety tests were conducted. He was immediately rushed to the Harbor UCLA Medical center where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple fractures in his legs. Tiger's injuries were so severe that for a time there was concern about whether he would be able to walk again, let alone play golf. Tiger, who had likely assumed that his most difficult years were behind him, now faced one of the most challenging periods of his life. The severity of his injuries required multiple surgeries, including the insertion of a rod into his tibia and screws and pins to stabilize his foot and ankle. For a man who had already endured so many surgeries throughout his career, this was another daunting hurdle to overcome. As he worked on his physical recovery, Tiger provided occasional updates to the public, expressing gratitude for support but offering little detail about his progress, keeping the specifics of his physical health largely private. Tiger's dedication to rehabilitation was reminiscent of the discipline that had made him a champion in the first place. In December 2021, just 10 months after the crash, Tiger woods made a stunning return to competitive golf at the PNC Championship, a family oriented tournament where he played alongside his son Charlie. The event marked Tiger's first competitive rounds since the accident, and although it was a low stakes friendly competition, his participation was a powerful statement. The sight of Tiger woods swinging a golf club again, even if at a reduced capacity, reignited hope among fans that he could make a more substantial return to the sport. Tiger and Charlie finished second, with Tiger showing flashes of the bright, brilliant play that had defined his career. As of 2024, Tiger woods remains a figure of immense interest and admiration in the world of golf. He seems to have achieved redemption from the scandals of his earlier career, including forgiveness from his ex wife, Elin Nordegren. According to multiple sources, the two are now best friends and epitomize top notch co parenting. Having the relationship that I have now with Elin is fantastic, tiger gushed to Us Weekly. She's one of my best friends. We're able to pick up the phone. We talk to each other all the time. We both know that the most important things in our lives are our kids. So while Tiger woods may never return to full time competition, it seems he has anchored the greatest prize his family and that he will continue to be involved in the sport he loves through hosting tournaments like the Hero World Challenge and mentoring younger players. His participation in select events such as the Masters and the PNC Championship will always cause a stir and forever demonstrate his enduring commitment to the game, even as his physical capabilities have been significantly reduced. Tiger woods journey is one of the most compelling narratives in the story of sports. What makes his story story truly remarkable is not just his rise or his fall, but his ability to rise again. Tiger's comeback, culminating in that unforgettable victory at the 2019 Masters, was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a testament to his resilience, his unwavering determination, and his ability to learn from the past and move forward. Tiger woods legacy is come complex. He is a symbol of greatness, a reminder of human frailty and an example of the power of redemption. In the end, Tiger woods has shown us that no one is perfect and that our true character is revealed not in how we handle success, but in how we respond to failure. As the great American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne once penned, no man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true. Tiger woods is one of my all time favorite tales on tap. I am honored to be your host. Jay Harris. Thank you so much for joining me and never missing the dirt this has been Playing Dirty Sports Scandals Playing Dirty Sports Scandals is a production of Dan Patrick Productions, Never Ever Productions and Workhouse Media from executive producers Dan Patrick, Paul Anderson, Nick Panella, Maya Glickman and Jennifer Clary. Hosted by Jay Harris Written and produced by Jen Brown, Francie Hakes, Maya Glickman and Jennifer Clary Foreign I'm Peter Schrager.
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Peter Schrager
Host of Good Morning Football on the NFL Network and the Season with Peter Schrager Podcast. Whether you're ordering wings for the game or you're whipping up a seven layer dip or you're ordering a pizza, there's something about football that makes you want to eat. In this football season. Uber Eats has the best deals on game day food no matter what you're craving. From two for one pizzas to buy one get one wings to whatever it is you want, Uber Eats will be dropping new deals each week all season long. Uber Eats is the official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now for game day terms and conditions apply and see the app for details.
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Hey, it's Bobby Bones Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. But between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing With a Star. So where else you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Do you want to see into the future? Do you want to understand an invisible force that's shaping your life? You want to experience the frontiers of what makes us human? On tech stuff, we travel from the mines of Congo to the surface of Mars, from conversations with Nobel Prize winners to the depths of TikTok to ask burning questions about technology, from high tech to low culture, and everywhere in between. Join us Listen to tech stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Peter Schrager
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