Scorned Stevie Melting Down: "I hope he can gain my respect back."

An unbylined BBC story transcribes Steve Williams' Television New Zealand interview following his dismissal as Tiger's looper.

"You could say I've wasted the last two years of my life. I've stuck with Tiger and been incredibly loyal. I'm not disappointed I've been fired -- that's part of the job -- but the timing is extraordinary."

When the Woods scandal, with its lurid tales of trysts around the world, first broke in late 2009, Williams was implicated by association. They're partners on the course! Wouldn't he have known about everything that happened off the course as well? And if he didn't know, why didn't he immediately quit?

"My name should have been cleared immediately," Williams said. "It wasn't and that's what makes it even more disappointing what's transpired [recently]." He indicated that the revelation of Woods' transgressions set off what he called "the most difficult period of my life," and his decision to stick by Woods met with considerable criticism from friends.

This must have Tiger shaking in his Nike's wondering how he'll ever be able to earn Stevie's respect again:

"I, along with a lot of people, lost a lot of respect for Tiger and I pointed out before his return at the Masters at Augusta in 2010 that he had to earn back my respect," Williams said. "Through time I hope he can gain my respect back. He definitely needs to earn my respect again, that's for sure."