I’m not surprised when sports icons refuse to sign some autographs, especially when they are hounded on a daily basis for it. Hearing Johnny Manziel’s story on how Tiger Woods snubbed him for an autograph when he was younger is interesting though, especially when he said he would do it.
One such story included a run-in with Tiger Woods, who didn’t have time to stop and sign an autograph for little Johnny during a round of golf near Orlando, Florida.
Manziel told Bestrom he was nine or 10 years old when his family went on a trip to play a tournament at Isleworth Country Club. He says there were rumors that Woods was playing a round at nearby Golden Bear Club, and Manziel and a buddy struck out together to see if they could find the No. 1 golfer in the world.
Manziel caught up with his golf idol on the course. He says Woods promised to sign autographs after finishing the round but eventually changed his mind.
“We saw Tiger on the 16th hole and asked for his autograph, and he said to catch him right after the round,” Manziel said. “I was sitting about 100 yards from the 18th green, and he drove by in a cart and was pulling his hat really, really low. I remember him saying, ‘No autographs today.’”
Having since experienced superstardom, Manziel says he understands Woods’ rejection on that day.
“I’m sure there are stories about me,” Manziel said. “Maybe not in the same fashion, but maybe someone has asked, ‘Hey can I take a picture with you?’ And I say, ‘Sure, I’m gonna use the restroom, and I’ll be right back.’ Then, something comes up.”
Manziel is no longer bitter and says he’ll have a laugh about it whenever he eventually runs into Woods.
“If I ever run into Tiger at Nike or somewhere, it’ll be a funny story,”Manziel said.
I’m glad Manziel can laugh of it off in hindsight, but it was a bit of a douche move by Woods at the time to do that to a kid. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard something like this from Woods and I’m sure it won’t be the last. If you say you are going to sign something for a kid, make good on it. If you don’t want to be hassled, say it upfront and leave it at that.