Rick Newman has a post at US News called “Why Tiger Woods Will Come Roaring Back,” where he says anyone who believes Woods will quit golf is forgetting that America is Comeback Nation.
He cites Britney Spears, Newt Gingrich, Winona Ryder, Hugh Grant, and Mel Gibson as examples of people who “all violated a so-called social norm, bottomed out, and bounced back. Even Michael Vick — whose illegal dogfighting ring was especially grotesque — picked up his career again after getting out of prison.”
I second Newman’s point. If you need more proof, take a look at Monday’s “Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” There was a bit with Conan, Andy Richter, and Max Weinberg all posing for a photo for the show’s Christmas card. As they added snowflake sweaters and a Frosty The Snowman backdrop and a dog in a Santa hat, Andy kept insisting that something was missing.
That’s when Mike Tyson appeared from the wings with a big smile on his face. He got hugs from the guys and a big laugh and ovation from the crowd.
Mike Tyson. The brutal boxer who did time in prison for raping Desiree Washington. Who beat up his wife, Robin Givens. Who spent the vast majority of his life with the reputation of an absolute thug who lived for hurting people, which made him a remarkably effective heavyweight champion, but not the guy you most associate with the holiday spirit. Especially with that ugly tattoo he still has down the side of his face.
But that was all the old Mike Tyson. This was the Mike Tyson who earlier this year was getting laughs in the year’s biggest comedy, “The Hangover.” Who now seemed all cuddly and loving and cute in his matching snowflake sweater.
If Americans can embrace that Mike Tyson, if they can still cheer for Kobe Bryant, if they can give standing ovations to Bill Clinton, if they can’t wait to see Robert Downey Jr. in “Iron Man 2,” then let there be no doubt that Tiger Woods will be back.
As soon as his wife lets him out of the house.