Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. -- After three months of silence, golfer Tiger Woods made his first public appearance Friday to apologize for what he called “irresponsible and selfish” behavior. In a televised statement, Woods admitted he had extramarital affairs and was “the only person to blame” for what had happened.

“I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to,” Woods said. “I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me.”

Woods, who didn’t take reporters’ questions, said he’s been in treatment and still has “a long way to go.” He said his real apology to his wife, Elin, will come not in words but in his behavior over time. She wasn’t with Woods during his statement.

Woods apologized to parents of his young fans and said he needs to make his behavior more respectful of the game of golf. He also spoke of needing to relearn the restraint that’s a key part of his Buddhist faith.

Lauren Bloom, author of The Art of the Apology, said of Woods’ statement: “It’s never too late to say ‘I’m sorry.’ But saying ‘I’m sorry’ in a tightly controlled environment makes it look more and more like an exercise in ‘let’s check the box and do what my PR people tell me to do.’ ”

Glenn Llopis, founder of the Center for Innovation and Humanity, said, “If you have to take time to say sorry, you’re not being authentic.” He added, “There’s nothing [Woods] can say in my book that would make me view him as authentic and genuine and human again.”

Sources: ESPN.com, CNN.com

Discussion Questions:

• How do you feel about Woods’ statement? Do you “buy” his apology? Why or why not? Do you think he’ll follow through on his claims of wanting to be a better person and role model?

• Can an apology be authentic if it took you a long time to make it? If an apology is expected or makes you look good, can it still be sincere? Why or why not?

• What makes people feel entitled to certain things or behaviors? Do fame and wealth make it easier to feel a sense of entitlement? Why or why not?

• What kinds of privileges or possessions do you feel entitled to, and why? Do you ever feel like the rules should apply to everyone else but yourself? If so, explain. Should there be exceptions to some rules in certain cases, or should everyone always be treated equally? Explain.

• In general, would you say your behavior is respectful? Why or why not? Who are some people you’ve hurt by being foolish, selfish, or irresponsible? Does that behavior hurt you, too? Explain.

• How important is the concept of restraint to the Christian faith? What are some consequences of a lack of restraint? When you go astray and behave badly, what are some ways to regain control and exercise restraint again?

• What are some ways to earn back people’s trust after you’ve blown it? How long does it take to prove to someone that you’ve changed?

• What kind of apology and repentance do you think God wants or expects, and why?

• Have you ever been forced to apologize or felt obligated to say you’re sorry? If so, what did that feel like? How can you tell when people really feel sorry for hurting you? Would you prefer a delayed, genuine apology to one that’s quick but questionable? Explain.

Scripture links: 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; Jeremiah 31:18-20; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Matthew 3:8-10; Luke 18:9-14; and 2 Corinthians 7:8-12.

Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado.