Tiger, the Sykes, Gators: Newsmakers all

Posted Dec 4, 2009 by Tom McEwen

Updated Dec 4, 2009 at 02:10 AM

Big news these days—under our expanded reporting considerations in sports—in our weekend’s case, the three developments are the totally unexpected Tiger Woods flapdoodle over his acknowledged affair(s) since he wed Elin; that skillion dollar gift to build a chapel on the University of Tampa campus by the most generous Susan and John Sykes; another Florida—Alabama showdown Saturday in Atlanta where the Gators are 5-point favorites.

Tiger Woods has been the pride of golf, unbeatable and untarnished. All that changed with the news breaking on his alleged affairs with other women after marriage. He said he was sorry, apologized to his family in private and to the world later. He must. He has an awful lot of fence mending to do.

Surprise me? Absolutely. There had been no indications at any time in Woods’ career of dominating professional golf to suggest he was less than straight arrow - on the course and off.

No one thought he cheated in any way, in golf or in his private life. At this writing he has not gone on the air on national television to further explain to his loyal legions. Not since Arnold Palmer has anyone in the game been so revered. None of us had any idea he was guilty of the indiscretions to which he now admits. So far, a handful of women have come forward to speak of affairs with him. Not sure why they did that, but they did.

Likely more will follow. This is not over. His sponsors so far have stuck behind him and they continue to do that, but believe me as the days progress and more stories follow, they will be a lot more puckering in the Woods household. Folks, this is a serious matter and it is right for the pursuing by the media.

Now for better news:

Susan and John Sykes are among the most generous and thoughtful of people of our times in Tampa. They have long been bountiful to the city. This is the latest example of their generosity: the new modern chapel which they will build could cost up to $19.9 dollars and the landmark showpiece of architecture on the campus. The Sykes have been generous since they moved to Tampa some years ago and have been involved in matters of great civic interest. A downtown skyscraper carries their logo on top. Their interests have been focused on UT since they arrived and seems not to be waning.

The Florida-Alabama game last year was just as touted as this one coming up Saturday in Atlanta. The Tide was undefeated, the Gators had but one loss to Ole Miss (by one point) and Florida won. Now this year, both teams are undefeated and Florida is favored. The odds could change because of changes in the Florida lineup. Carlos Dunlap, defensive lineman, has been declared ineligible by his head coach after an arrest in Gainesville on DUI charges.

At Palma Ceia Wednesday, former Gator tight end Kirk Kirpatrick said he likes the Gators anyway, as did Al Lopez, Jr. They were on their way to Atlanta. Former Gator running back Larry Smith, likes them too, as do the Levy brothers, Leonard and George.

I guess I do too, but there is a lot of hope in that selection of the orange and blue.

Babaloo!