Woods’ return to golf proves celebrity immunity to consequences

The fallen golden child of golf, Tiger Woods, will return for the Masters Tournament in April, mere weeks after his emotional public apology.

Bravo Tiger, you did it. You managed to trick more than half of America for about three weeks into believing you actually felt you deserved to be punished.

A poll by New Jersey-based HCD Research revealed that approximately 60 percent of Americans felt Tiger Woods' apology was sincere.

The rest sat there, watched and came away thinking it was all an act.

During his four-month sabbatical, what major tournaments did he really miss?

He stayed out of golf during the sport's offseason. How is that a punishment in any way?

This is not an issue of money, since in 2009 Forbes reported that Woods may have become the first billion-dollar athlete in history.

Clearly he doesn't need the tournament winnings, regardless of how many sponsors have dropped him.

This is about Woods wanting to things to return to the way they once were and to get back to playing the game that has defined his life.

This comes down to the continued belief among celebrities that they can get away with virtually anything.

Did Woods actually do anything illegal or against the rules of professional golf? No.

However, his actions were morally reprehensible, and his biggest punishment has been checking himself into a high-class rehabilitation center for issues he wouldn't discuss.

The only issue Woods is concerned with is the fact that he got caught, which tends to be the only thing celebrities are really concerned with when they get into trouble.

Unfortunately, that is all the majority of the country is concerned with, as well.

When a celebrity gets into trouble, the public enjoys chastising them for a couple months, only to forget it and allow them to go on with the lives they lived before their troubles.

Celebrities and their managers know this and take advantage of it.

There are an incredible amount of celebrities who have weaseled their way back into the limelight.

Ray Lewis, Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth are all NFL players who have been involved in major crimes. All will still play football next season.

How can these players continue to be given the opportunity to make millions of dollars playing a sport, an opportunity the vast majority of law-abiding citizens can only dream of?

The problem is that our society has reinforced the idea that the rich and famous are above the rest of us.

Knowing this, why would any celebrity care about the consequences of their actions? They know that, with enough money and time, all of their actions will be forgiven.

Woods is just another addition to the long line of celebrities who know they can do whatever they want and get away with it.

If he truly felt he was deserving of his punishment, he would at least take a year away from the Masters.

All that Woods is interested in is repairing his damaged career. The first step toward that goal, in his mind, is once again winning the upcoming tournament.

Until we change the way we revere celebrities, they will continue to get away with whatever they want.

Unfortunately, seeing the popularity of gossip magazines and the fact that E! Entertainment even exists, it doesn't seem likely.

Change is gradual. Maybe one day, we'll have had enough.