Q. What do you think the impact of Tiger Woods’ engagement and subsequent marriage will be on his golf game?
A. Difficult to say. In the book “Playing Through” that I co-authored with Earl Woods five years ago, this is what the father of the world’s most renowned golfer had to say about the subject of Tiger’s future marriage partner:
“There are two areas of his life that I am not going to get involved in: One is his selection of a caddie, because choosing a caddie is like choosing a soul mate, and you have to do that yourself. The other area I will not be involved in is his choice of a mate. Of course, we talk about the kind of person he is going to need to support him. I believe that behind every successful superstar you will find a spouse who is supportive. But choosing the actual woman is up to him, as it should be. Now, from his mother’s perspective, Tida is very protective of Tiger. Obviously, she wants him to have the best. And I don’t know if there is ever going to be a woman good enough for him in her eyes. But he will have to deal with that.”
Q. Is this the worst trade in Bulls’ history: Brad Miller, Ron Artest and Ron Mercer for (a worthless) Jalen Rose?
A. Well, we will have to wait and see how Jerome Williams, Antonio Davis and Chris Jeffries–acquired from Toronto in the trade for Rose, Donyell Marshall and Lonny Baxter–turn out before we make the final determination. But the initial performances of Williams and Davis were encouraging.
Q. Do you consider the Bears-Packers rivalry the most intense in the NFL?
A. Certainly not in the past decade. I think the Packers and Vikings have had the most meaningful NFC North rivalry in recent years. The Bears will be seeking their first victory against the Packers Sunday since 2000, when they prevailed 27-24. The Bears lead the all-time series 84-76-6.
Q. How does the renovated Lambeau Field compare to the new Soldier Field?
A. I am eager to find out Sunday. I spoke with Packers broadcaster Wayne Larrivee, who has seen both stadiums this season.
“Lambeau Field is great,” said Larrivee, who broadcast Bears games for many years. “On the field itself, very little if anything is changed, which is great. But for the fans, you have all the accommodations. I love what they did with the brick edifice. It really looks like it belongs there.”
Personally, I like the way Soldier Field maintains its structural integrity with the pillars and arches and monuments while adding more fan comforts throughout the stadium. While it comes up short in exterior aesthetic beauty, I suppose we have to be content in knowing we can’t have it both ways.
———-
Have a question or an idea for Fred Mitchell?
AskFred@tribune.com
