As a reported thirteen women allege affairs with Tiger Woods, the golfer has announced he will be taking an indefinite break from the sport to focus on his family.
"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children," Woods, 33, said in a statement posted on his Web site Friday. "I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try."
In the statement, Woods does not refer to Rachel Uchitel, Jaimee Grubbs or the numerous other women who have come forward alleging affairs in the days since his Nov. 27 car crash, but pledges to focus his attention on wife, Elin Nordegren, and their two children.
"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf," the dad to Sam, 2, and Charlie, 10 months, writes. "I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
"I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding," he writes.
"What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing. "Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."
