Reduced charges don't lessen Tiger Woods' mistakes | Opinion

Tiger Woods faces stiff consequences despite reduced charges in his latest DUI incident. His attorney, Douglas Duncan, stated that the plea deal was made to bring closure and allow Woods and his family to move on. However, the gravity of Woods' actions cannot be understated. Woods endangered lives by clipping a pickup truck towing a small trailer while trying to overtake it at high speed in his neighborhood.

After flipping, his SUV skidded down the street and came to a stop inches away from a sidewalk. Although Woods' breath tests showed a 0.0 alcohol level, officers believed he was impaired, and he spent weeks in rehab after the March 27 crash. Woods revealed he has seven back surgeries and over 20 procedures on his leg, which may explain his pain.

Despite this, no one should justify his reckless behavior. Judge Darren Steele of Martin County, Florida, warned Woods that five years of driving would result in immediate jail time if he ever drove again. Woods cannot even drive a golf cart on public roadways. The harsh sentence is justified, but it's also an opportunity for Woods to ensure he never puts anyone in danger again.

Given his wealth, hiring a driver is a simple solution. With a net worth of at least $1.5 billion, Woods can afford to hire people to drive him everywhere. By doing so, he can protect the public and avoid any further legal troubles. State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl emphasized that Woods, one of the most recognizable faces on the planet, should not be driving.

If he does, he will face jail time, regardless of where he is. Woods now has a choice: either continue as if nothing happened or take this serious incident to heart and seek the help he desperately needs, both physically and mentally.