mcavoy
There are certain things that rational people can overlook. Then there are certain things that rational people cannot and will not overlook. Rational people don't live inside of a bubble, where they can feel more insulated from harsh criticisms, realities and consequences that extend beyond their biased purviews.
I always consider this anytime I'm debating a topic with someone, be it about politics, sports, current events, entertainment, etc. And not that I don't accept that I too live in somewhat of a bubble sometimes, but at the same time I wander outside of it on occasion and try to gain a different perspective, if for no other reason than to better understand why some people think the way they do. But sometimes I find that wandering outside of that bubble is just a wasted experience, because some people are so far removed from reality that they simply can't process reality. This seems to be one of those classic instances, unfortunately.
But getting back to something overlooked versus something that can't be overlooked...
When Tiger Woods stood behind that podium back in March of 2010 and faced the music, everything he said during that 5-minute speech was wasted the moment he pointed his finger at the media and warned them to leave him alone. It was at that very moment when it became quite evident that he wasn't as disappointed in himself that he did what he did as much as he was upset with the fact that he got caught. This awe-inspiring, unbeatable figure who quickly became the face of the sport was suddenly criticizing those who helped him establish that unbeatable image, forbidding them to ask questions or talk about his transgressions.
Now granted, it was certainly not in our place to forgive, he did us no wrong whatsoever. But on that same token, the fact that there was such little sincerity on display that day, that he ultimately found some means of higher ground with assuming a degree of privilege that under those circumstances would truly never be extended to anyone on this planet of his status and stature... regret was replaced with outright defiance. He wasn't sad, he was mad.
That makes it a tad bit harder for guys like me to forget. Great golfer, great career, but lost his mojo when the world found out his secret. Now he's figuring out a way to deal with it, good for him. But that revelation still lingers, 7 years later.
The moment Tom Brady destroyed that cellphone, whether it contained evidence or not - suspicions far outweighed any leeway that would've otherwise been extended to him. And the longer he refused to accept responsibility - the longer this all played out, and the harder it becomes to look at his otherwise brilliant career and not notice the negative footnote on his legacy.
Not from the fanboys living inside the bubble, but the rest of us who aren't jaded because of undying loyalty. Most of us don't mind it when someone screws up. What we don't like is when someone screws up and refuses to accept the consequences.