"It is also possible that on a deep level, Woods simply wanted out of an unsustainable life."

Many have wondered where Golf Digest/Golf World's Jaime Diaz has been during the Tiger crisis. After all, no writer more than Diaz knows Tiger better.

There's a lot to consider in his February, 2010 Golf Digest piece, but it left me realizing that (A) Tiger is even more complex than I ever imagined, (B) Tiger's even more independent and stubborn than I ever imagined, and (C) recovering from the accident is going to be more difficult for him than I ever imagined.

I'll be curious what your take is on the piece, but to kick off the discussion...

Woods became golf's Atlas, carrying everything -- the PGA Tour, his near-flawless image as a role model, his foundation, his family; heck, the game itself -- on his shoulders, all on top of the unceasing pressure to perform.

But as much as he sought the glory, he resented the obligations that came with it, even if they made him incredibly rich. I remember Earl telling me that once he had tried to commiserate with his overwrought son by saying, "I understand how you feel."

But, Earl recalled, "Tiger turned on me and said, 'No, you don't. You have no idea how I feel.' And I realized that I had underestimated."

As Tiger's life in his 30s became more tangled, he turned more inward. His inner circle got smaller and tighter, and those who overstepped or didn't fit in were jettisoned. The best advice for those who are around Woods remains, "Don't get too close."

Those who were the closest saw the pressures and the toll. Out of sympathy, and the fact that he is their employer, they didn't call Woods on imperfect behavior like swearing, banging clubs and blowing by autograph lines. Within his camp, Tiger in a bad mood would be characterized in golf jargon: "Unplayable."