Tiger pic courtesy Getty Images

When Tiger Woods spoke at today's press conference at the TPC Sawgrass golf club in Ponte Vedra, Florida, he apologized to his sponsors, fans and family, but we found it interesting that he took some of the time to defend Elin, who, as predicted, wasn't present at today's event. In response to rumors that Elin attacked him with a golf club after their argument on Thanksgiving, Tiger says his wife never hit him "that night or any other night" and added that there has "never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage."

Tiger said Elin has "shown enormous grace and poise through this ordeal" and that she "deserves praise not blame." Tiger admitted to having affairs and cheating, and he made sure to point out that he was the only one to blame. Tiger also emphasized that the details of the affairs and his relationship with Elin were a personal matter, but he did seem to hint that the two are trying to patch things up. Tiger said, "Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. My real apology will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. What we say to each other will remain between the two of us."

Tiger also got fired up when he brought up the media following his wife and children around, stating, "My behavior doesn't make it right for the media to follow my daughter to school ... they staked out my wife and pursued my mom ... whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone." While we understand why Tiger is protecting his family, it should be noted that he waited nearly three months to show his face and speak out, which certainly didn't help with the media's obsession. Perhaps if he had made a statement sooner this would have been better for his family?

Tiger apologized profusely for his "irresponsible and selfish behavior" during the presser, and at the end he said, "Finally there are many people in this room and there are many people at home who once believed in me. Today I want to ask for your help ... I ask you to find room in your heart to once day to believe in me again." Tiger, who appeared on the verge of tears, then gave his mother a long embrace and after that he gave Elin's mother Barbro Holmberg a quick hug as well. After hugging and thanking several close friends in the front row, a very somber looking Tiger left the room.

Tiger confirmed that he would be returning to rehab tomorrow, and while his golf career is still up in the air, he did note that he plans to return to the green one day, perhaps as soon as this year.

Tiger Woods' biggest partner, Nike, has made it clear that they continue to stand by their man.

A rep for Nike told X17online:

Tiger has apologized and made his position clear. Nike fully supports him
and his family. We look forward to him returning to golf.

Tiger made a point to apologize to all of his sponsors in today's press conference, even the ones who had previously dropped him.

Although it was rumored that Tiger Woods would return to the PGA tour as early as next month following today's press conference, Woods himself said "I do plan to return to golf one day, i just don't know when that will be."

Many expected Woods to make his first 2010 appearance at the Tavistock Cup, a two-day competition between posh Orlando country clubs Isleworth (where Tiger lives) and Lake Nona on March 22nd-23rd, but Woods would not confirm his return to the game that made him famous.

Instead, he simply said "I dont rule out that it will be this year." That means he still make make the Masters in Augusta Georgia on April 8th-11th. Woods has not missed playing the tournament since he was an amateur, in 1995.

He did say, "When I return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game."

Tiger will return to rehab tomorrow.

Tiger made his emotional apology to family, friends, sponsors and the public earlier this morning. If you missed any of it, see the full press conference above.

Pro golfer Brad Faxon told the Dennis and Callahan radio show that Tiger's wife Elin Nordegren will not be attending his press conference at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida this morning, but Michael Jordan will! Faxon said, "I know Michael Jordan's going to be there. I know Elin is not going to be there."

Tiger and the basketball legend are very close, so it makes sense that he'd be there to support him, but don't you think Elin should be there too? Maybe Faxon is wrong? We'll find out in less than an hour...

STAY TUNED FOR THE LIVE FEED OF TIGER'S STATEMENT HERE ON X17ONLINE.COM AT 11 AM ET TODAY

My, what sexy granny glasses you have!

Scarlett Johansson was snapped leaving a fashion week event in NYC yesterday evening, and the starlet flashed us her pearly whites and some seriously vampy lipstick before hopping into her car. This isn't a look a whole lot of ladies could pull off, but ScarJo does it with flying colors!

Tiger Woods is set to return to rehab today after he makes what is reported to be a public apology today the TPC Sawgrass golf course clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

In a letter to the Associated Press, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem says: "As we understand it, Tiger's therapy called for a week's break at this time during which he has spent a few days with his children and then will make his statement before returning. Accordingly, there was very little flexibility in the date for the announcement."

Woods, 34, is set to speak at 11 a.m. ET today -- his first public appearance since his Thanksgiving Day accident at his Orlando home which led to revelation of a sex scandal that has torn apart his family and sent the golfer to sex rehab.

Finchem's statement explains Tiger's agent Mark Steinberg's words on Wednesday when he told reporters Woods' public apology today was "a matter of timing" and that it could not have waited until after the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona which begins today.





STAY TUNED FOR THE LIVE FEED OF TIGER'S STATEMENT HERE ON X17ONLINE.COM AT 11 AM ET TODAY

I love ya Jess, but sometimes when I get a peek at Ashlee, I'm inclined to think that she's the prettier Simpson sister! Or maybe they're equals?

We spotted a radiant Ashlee Simpson leaving Ken Paves today, and the starlet looked flawless from head to toe. Of course, Ken probably had something to do with the hair, but still! We love her style and mommyhood certainly looks good on her. And that glow? Think Pete has something to do with that?