体坛英语新闻：Tiger Woods makes first public apology

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The scandal-tainted U.S. golfer Tiger Woods on Friday made his first public apology since the scandal broke out, saying he is deeply sorry for his irresponsible behavior.

"I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior," Woods said at his first public appearance since he ran his car into a tree outside his Florida home in November and educed a series of sex scandals.

Tiger Woods makes apology for his sex scandals at the headquarters of the U.S. Professional Golfer ' Association of America (PGA) Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

"For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. For those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally," the golf superstar told reporters at the headquarters of the U.S. Professional Golfer ' Association of America (PGA) Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

With respect to his plan for the future, Woods said he will return to professional golf one day but does not know when that will be.

On Dec. 11, Woods announced that he will take an "indefinite" leave from professional golf to spend more time to save his family.

He had undergone 45 days of therapy and prepared for further treatment, according to the statement.

Golfer Tiger Woods kisses his mother Kultida Woods after making a statement to reporters and friends in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, February 19, 2010

In addition, Woods denied speculations that Elin Nordegren, his wife, had attacked him on Thanksgiving night, which is reported to be the cause of his car crash.

"Elin has never hit me that night or an other night. There has never been an issue of domestic violence in our marriage," he said, adding that he is "the only person to blame."

Once seen as a squeaky clean athletic role model, Woods, 34, has been tainted by allegations of serial infidelities with as many as 10 women around the United States including various waitresses, nightclub hostesses and porn stars.

Woods has had a phenomenal career, earning more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in his rapid 13-year rise, commanding huge fees for sports endorsements and revolutionizing sports marketing.