& # 39; I have fought, & # 39; says Tiger Woods accepting the presidential medal of freedom
The Rose Garden ceremony has also rewarded a prominent athlete whose relationship with the president contrasts with that of African-American sports superstars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry who have public views against Mr. Trump. Some champion teams, or individual members, have refused to visit the White House for traditional title celebrations, especially after the president asked sports teams to shoot any player who had plunged into a growing protest of racial discrimination and police violence during the national anthem
During the ceremony on Monday Mr. Woods made a standing ovation and thanked the president for the honor before thanking his mother, Kultida, and his children, Sam and Charlie. Erica Herman, the girlfriend of Mr. Woods, and Joe LaCava, his old caddy, were also in the audience. "This was an incredible experience," said Mr.
. Woods to the group of family, friends, and supporters, including Mr. Trump and many from his cabinet. "You have seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and I would not be in this position without your help."
Like other presidents, Mr. Trump has awarded the medal to people who are sure to please his political base: Miriam Adelson, the Las Vegas physician and prominent Republican donor, has also received the prize, just as the retired senator Orrin G. Hatch, a republican from Utah. But unlike his predecessors, Mr. Trump was at the forefront of rewarding people who he said were enthusiastically supported.
When Trump donated the medal to Mr. Hatch last year, mr. Trump's reasoning: "He liked me from the beginning, and that's why I like him," adding, "I suppose I can't say it, but that's how life works?"
In the past has Mr. Woods offered words of mild support when approached by reporters about his relationship with Mr. Trump.