Lakers’ Ron Artest writes open letter to Tiger Woods

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Lakers forward Ron Artest wrote an open letter on his website to Tiger Woods.

A sampling:

‘You have done so much for people, the sport of golf, and your family and you gave your wife a life that people can’t even dream of. I thought you were 36 or 37 until I read the news today. A 33-year-old man who has been a model citizen with so much at stake. This is your first publicly known issue since you started your career, compared to my 50 or more publicly known issues and mistakes. ... As your fan, I can’t wait to see you golf again. And us athletes know how much you personally love your family.’

Artest, who does not know Woods, said he wrote the letter because he has been upset about all the negative media coverage Woods has received since crashing his car Nov. 27.

‘I just really disagree, I guess you call it backlash,’ Artest was quoted as saying, referring to the media frenzy. ‘Hopefully, he gets everything in order and gets back on track, his personal [life]. Then after that I can’t wait to see him play golf again.’

-- Debbie Goffa