Tiger's no King

I always root against Tiger Woods.

Wait, check that -- I always root for him to be in contention. Good for business, good for golf.

But I couldn't care less if Tiger wins another tournament.

It has nothing to do with Woods' personal problems. If some of us lived under an intense 24/7 public microscope, we'd be embarrassed about a few things, too.

My problem with Tiger is the same reason Arnold Palmer might be my favorite athlete of all-time -- if you're perceived to be bigger than the game, don't act like it.

We live in times when athletes/celebrities are put on pedestals that us mere mortals are allowed to look up at. There have been a few who, in the media's mind, have transcended the games they play.

Woods. Michael Jordan. Tom Brady. Derek Jeter. The list goes on.

Since the early 1960s, Palmer also has lived with "bigger than golf" status. He won a lot, often in thrilling fashion and with great charisma. He also experienced crushing defeats, then acted with class.

During his period of dominance, Tiger Woods -- both the person and the corporation -- was bigger than sport itself and knew it.

The arrogance of Tiger's "people," the bullying ways of Tiger's former caddie (What was his name? LOL) and Woods' aura that said, "Clear the way, it's Tiger Time," made me sick.

I learned many years ago nobody -- yes Tebow fans, nobody -- is 100 percent what they seem to be. And too often, what you see on camera disappears as soon as the red light goes off.

Based on what I've seen firsthand several times, and what I've heard from other people, Arnold Palmer lives up to his billing.

Respectful of others. Honest. Appreciative that he was able to play golf and benefit so much from it.

When it comes to golf, I define "King" as someone who serves the game and its people.

A "Tiger" is the opposite -- someone who expects and demands that others bow to him.

Arnold Palmer never enters the discussion when people talk about the greatest golfer of all-time. That topic usually is reserved for Nicklaus and Woods.

Funny, I never really rooted for Jack, either. :)