Tiger Woods makes his case as millions pause to watch, then the world reacts through the media

Woods makes his case as millions pause to watch

NEW YORK — Across the media landscape, time stopped for 13 1/2 minutes Friday as Tiger Woods cleared his throat and tried to clear the air with an extraordinary video apology for his sexual escapades.

Dozens of broadcast networks, cable news outlets and online streams carried his prepared statement live, allowing a global audience to see and hear from Woods for the first time since his public image went into free fall nearly three months ago.

Viewers by the millions paused to watch and listen as the golf great spoke. Meanwhile, news anchors, TV pundits and morning show hosts sat ready to pounce with their reviews.

ABC’s George Stephanopoulos called the speech “one of the most remarkable public apologies ever by a public figure.”

“He (Tiger) left nothing on the table,” Stephanopoulos said. “This is a man who has thought a lot about what he did.”

Rick Cerrone, former New York Yankees public relations director, disagreed. “What I saw was arrogance. … It was basically an infomercial,” he said on CNN.

CBS’ David Feherty, who has covered Woods on the circuit, said, “I have never seen him appear so vulnerable. … I was very impressed with what he said.”

“The vast number of people just want their Tiger Woods back,” Feherty said.