Irene Folsom (Indigenous Democratic Network)

But with the publication of this piece last week in Sports Illustrated, it seems that nearly all the Internet searches of Folstrom’s name now link her with Woods.

The headline pretty much sums up the entire article: “Tiger and I dated in college, and he’s not the guy you’ve been reading about.”

Folstrom only dated Woods for a year and a half, a long time ago. She describes meals at Chinese restaurants, trips to the beach and outings with his parents – and also Woods’ drive not only to succeed at golf, but to make a larger contribution to society.

They broke up when he turned pro after his sophomore year. “Becoming the first person in my family to earn a college degree was so important to me that I wasn’t willing to give up my studies to follow him,” she writes.

And, she writes:

Like everyone else, I was shocked by the revelations about his infidelities. The Tiger I knew was loyal, devoted and self-controlled. I’m not naive, but I can say with certainty that he was faithful during the time we dated.

Folstrom concludes that Woods should be given a second chance. “He’s a good person with a caring heart,” she writes.

In the midst of this whole sordid mess, it’s a rare moment of class.

Gwen Florio

Tags: buffalo post, Gwen Florio, Irene Folstrom, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Native American news, sex scandal, Sports Illustrated, Tiger Woods