Legendary Olympian Michael Johnson Slams Tiger Woods Over Tampon Apology
The four-time Olympic gold medal winner thinks Woods' apology for the prank came up short
There was a mixed reaction to Tiger Woods’ tampon prank on Justin Thomas during the opening round of the Genesis Invitational.
Some people took the joke in good spirits, which involved Woods handing his friend the tampon after he outdrove Thomas on the ninth hole. However, others found it offensive.
Woods later apologised for the prank, saying: "If I offended anybody in any way, shape or form, I'm sorry. It was not intended to be that way. It was just we play pranks on one another all the time and virally I think this did not come across that way, but between us it was - it's different."
For former Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson, that apology fell well short of his expectations though. The American expressed his disappointment in Woods on Twitter, writing: “Apology starting with: ‘If I offended anyone’ is no apology. But this is Tiger. Never been a leader and he’s Teflon. Still heralded after all the mistakes so he’s learned nothing. Media focus always on miraculous recovery. Never why the need for recovery.”
Apology starting with “If I offended anyone” is no apology. But this is Tiger. Never been a leader and he’s Teflon. Still heralded after all the mistakes so he’s learned nothing. Media focus always on miraculous recovery. Never why the need for recovery. https://t.co/nFkgo3xtWoFebruary 18, 2023
Johnson’s comments contrasted with those of other high-profile figures who defended Woods, including former pro Paige Spiranac who didn't think he had anything to apologise for, first declaring the prank "funny" and then writing: “It's interesting to see women outraged by Tiger slipping JT a tampon after out driving him but those same women will quickly tear me down for how I've decided to build my business. You can't pick and choose when to be a feminist."
It’s interesting to see women outraged by Tiger slipping JT a tampon after out driving him but those same women will quickly tear me down for how I’ve decided to build my business. You can’t pick and choose when to be a feminist.February 17, 2023
Woods will no doubt be hoping the incident is quickly put to one side so the focus can instead turn to his recovery from injury. His latest comeback ended with a creditable tie for 45th at Riviera Country Club following an encouraging performance that included a highly impressive 67 during the third round.
Following the tournament, the 47-year-old confirmed he intends to play in all four Majors in 2023, starting with The Masters, where he will be looking for his sixth title at Augusta National.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
The R&A Announces Launch Of 'One Club' Membership Initiative
One Club is free to join and provides fans with "a comprehensive array of year-round benefits, rewards, and exclusive content"
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Driver Review
Driver expert Joe Ferguson takes a look at the latest driver release from Tour Edge…
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Arnold Palmer Invitational Prize Money Payout 2024
One of the most lucrative events of the season takes place at Bay Hill as Kurt Kitayama defends his title
By Mike Hall Published
-
Seminole Pro-Member Results: How Did Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, And Justin Thomas Fare?
PGA Tour member Mackenzie Hughes claimed the 'gross' title alongside partner, Frank Edwards while Erik van Rooyen and John Pinkham secured the 'net' prize at Seminole Golf Club
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Tiger Woods Confirmed For Surprise Start In Event He's Never Played Before
The 15-time Major winner will tee it up in Florida alongside the likes of Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
When And Where Could Tiger Woods Play Next?
The 15-time Major winner had previously mentioned he is aiming to play around a tournament a month - so where could he tee it up next?
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Why Did Tiger Woods Withdraw From The Genesis Invitational? The 15-Time Major Winner (And His Agent) Explain...
Woods was making his eagerly-anticipated first full PGA Tour start of 2024 at the Genesis Invitational in southern California
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Who Has Caddied For Tiger Woods Throughout His Career?
From Mike Cowan to Steve Williams, the 15-time Major winner has utilized a handful of caddies throughout his long and successful career
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Tiger Woods' New Caddie May Be With Him For The Players And The Masters
Lance Bennett - who is the former looper of Matt Kuchar and Sungjae Im - is expected to caddie for Tiger Woods at the upcoming Genesis Invitational
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Genesis Invitational Prize Money Payout 2024
Tiger Woods makes his first appearance of the year in the latest of the PGA Tour’s signature events at Riviera Country Club
By Mike Hall Published