Tiger Woods Cancels His Appearance at the Chevron World Challenge Golf Tournament This Week

Golf legend Tiger Woods announced Monday he will not attend the tournament he's hosted for the last nine years, the Chevron World Challenge in California, scheduled to begin this week. The tournament helps raise money for Tiger Woods Foundation programs that help empower youth through innovative educational programs and career opportunities.

In a statement on Monday, Woods said, "I am extremely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week. I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I'm very sorry that I can't be there." He also cancelled a news conference on Tuesday for the start of the tournament.

Tiger Woods is one of the world's top sports superstars. He has a stunning wife, two adorable children, mega millions of dollars in the bank and an image of excellence and purity in the world of sports in which he dominates.

His image is now under threat surrounding his one-car accident not far from his Florida mansion. The crash happened in the wee hours of the morning on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

As the world knows, Woods suffered minor injuries near his home around 2:30 a.m. Friday in his tank like SUV. Shortly after leaving his driveway, he ran into a fire hydrant and hit a neighbor's tree. It was reported his wife smashed out the back window of the SUV and pulled Woods out of the vehicle. A few minutes later he was rushed to the hospital. He was said to have been treated and released after suffering facial lacerations.

In a statement issued Sunday on his Web site, Woods said, "This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make make sure this doesn't happen again." He also said his wife was courageous in her rescue efforts to help him after the accident took place.

Since the accident, he has cancelled three interviews with the Florida State Police who are eager with questions. It was reported on Monday the police were seeking a search warrant for hospital records that would determine the treatment he received after the accident. They're trying to find out if the injuries are from the auto accident or a domestic violence case.

As all kinds of stories continue to speculate, WordSlinger will keep you informed of the latest.