Ever since Tiger Woods apologized to the public on national television, there’s been debate on the statement’s sincerity. The issue, however, should not be whether we believe his apology: It should be whether he should have to apologized to us at all.

Woods botched his endorsements and disappointed his family; he’s far from perfect. But his behavior isn’t unusual. Who hasn’t screwed up their personal affairs? Who doesn’t have an adulterous spouse nowadays? Yet, we don’t penalize everyone for it. Not every American’s issues are broadcast to everyone who has a boob tube.

It’s true that Tiger Woods is a celebrity, a notable golf player; his life will always be in the media. However, his duty to the public is to play golf well. That’s why we loved him, that’s why he was sponsored and that’s why he was doted on so much (being good friends with Derek Jeter didn’t hurt either). Candidates for a job aren’t hired based on their private lives, but on the skills they have to offer. If Woods’ infidelity didn’t directly affect his game, why should the public care?

Woods isn’t a politician, who has to maintain a flawless reputation for voters to trust his morals and promises to the country. Politicians show this through their past contributions and their stable family life. Once their veracity and character are marred, there is no return. John Edwards and his baby mama could attest to this.

Another prime example, Bill Clinton, was attacked for his affair. I admit I was disappointed with him. But the reason that he was reprimanded so harshly wasn’t because he had an affair; it was because he lied about it. Citizens can’t trust a lying president. Yet, he was a remarkable one, particularly in comparison to George W. Bush. His affair didn’t directly affect his presidential actions, it simply tarnished his integrity.

In contrast, Woods doesn’t have these same obligations — despite his status as a role model.

Woods was a role model because of his careful and almost robot-like personality. He was pristine and clean of any scandals. The media built him a 50-foot pedestal while hand-feeding him grapes and selling his shit as gold. Then the news hit, and they dragged his body down every jagged bump to tear him to shreds.

They gorged on his scandal because it was news. It was something to report. There was a reputation to devastate.

I’m not defending his actions. He’s still a cheater and he owes his wife and family a million apologies, but it isn’t in his job description to bend over to the general public. It’s his personal life; let him keep it personal. He has the right to his privacy.

Besides, he’s probably getting his nuts handed to him at home.