No Tiger there is no privacy

When I saw the first news report about Tiger Woods and his tangle with a fire hydrant, I wondered how long it would take before he evoked the "privacy" clause. This is a faulty concept held by many celebrities. They believe, erroneously, that they are only available and therefore "famous" only when they and their handlers say they are. Oops.

The concept of being a celebrity is that people know who you are and are interested in your life. When you have yourself photographed with your wife and kids and grant interviews concerning your favorite color and favorite cookie, you are saying you want to let people see your life. There is now an implied contract between you and the fans gives them your life for their consumption. You must GIVE THE MONEY BACK if you wish to break this contract.

This part didn't surprise me. Celebrities often want to take the money for endorsing products because they are who they are, but then don't want publicity when they are picked up for DUI. Get over it Tiger. The privacy clause doesn't work for other people. It also doesn't work for you.

However, I am less amused about his "refusal" to speak with State Police. Huh? You have a choice when you have destroyed public property? How arrogant can you be? Say you are sorry and replace the hydrant. Do community service or whatever it takes. The longer this drags out the longer you are news. Have a press conference after you speak to the police, and admit your failings. Stonewalling only keeps you in the headlines.

And most of all, stay inside your house if you want your life to remain private. And don't expect this to go away any time soon.