The AP Names Tiger Woods as the Male Athlete of the Year: Who it Should Have Been

Tiger Woods has been named as the AP Male Athlete of the Year for 2006, and frankly that bothers me.

Last summer, I composed an article regarding my opinion on golf and it's place in sports. I still stand by my candid opinion, which is 'Golf is not a sport'! And some golf enthusiasts were, well let's just say that they less than pleased with my outlook.

Nevertheless, I refuse to believe that Tiger Woods was the best overall athlete of the year. I am fully sentient of the fact that he conquered eight of fifteen tournaments he has entered in 2006. But that makes him the greatest golfer, not athlete. I cannot deny Woods' achievements because they are impressive. And even though I do not follow golf, it is evident that he is debatably the best golfer ever to play the game. Still, I have a hard time accepting him as an athlete.

In my humble opinion, and many will echo my sentiments, NFL player LaDanian Tomlinson was the paramount athlete of 2006. When this article was written, Tomlinson had 28 touchdowns scores, which is an NFL record, and 1,749 years, and there is still a game left on the schedule, even though he will likely rest for most of the season finale. Tomlinson has been the primary catalyst in the Chargers league best 13-2 record. Heck, he has even thrown for two touchdowns. He is not only the best player, but he is the most versatile. He is the Michael Jordan of the NFL. All he has left to accomplish is the Super Bowl in February, which at this point is very plausible.

But many will argue that his numbers are inferior to those of Tiger Woods. That may be the case, but Tomlinson's job is much more physical and laborious, and requires more agility. It requires precision and swift reflexes. The running back position may be one of the most demanding positions in all of professional sports. With that alone, Tomlinson is the superior athlete. But according to the AP, he was second best.

Also worth mentioning, NBA player for the 2005-2006 champions Miami Heat Dwayne Wade had an exceptional year in 2006.

Since I have written my anti-golf article, I have looked up the definition of the term 'athlete' in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and it is defined as "a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina". So technically, Tiger Woods could be considered an athlete. But if you follow this underlying principle, NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson is an athlete as well. But I earnestly doubt that the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion was even a candidate for the honor. I do not feel as if Johnson deserves to be Male Athlete of the Year, but he should at least be considered.

Despite my objections, I will congratulate Tiger Woods and his fans for another superb year. Therefore, I will agree that he is the AC Male Golfer of the Year.