Congressman drops effort to honor Tiger

Published Dec. 10, 2009 2:52 a.m. ET

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A California congressman is dropping his effort to honor Tiger Woods with a Congressional Gold Medal.

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Democratic Rep. Joe Baca proposed legislation in March that called for the golfer to be recognized for promoting good sportsmanship and breaking down barriers in the sport.

Baca said in a statement Wednesday that "in light of the recent developments surrounding Tiger Woods and his family," he won't pursue legislation this session to give him the award.

Woods' recent car accident has led to a media firestorm surrounding his personal life. The world's No. 1 golfer hit a hydrant and a tree on Nov. 27, and he was cited for careless driving and fined $164.

The accident — and Woods' refusal to answer questions about it — fueled speculation about a possible dispute between him and his wife, Elin.

Woods has been out of the public eye since the crash and subsequent allegations of extramarital affairs.

Last week, Woods issued a statement saying he had let his family down with unspecified "transgressions" that he regrets with "all of my heart."

The medal is the highest award Congress has to honor civilians for achievements and contributions to society.

The Hill newspaper first reported Baca's decision to drop the effort.

In other news, Tiger's approval rating is plummeting.

The New York Post says only 38 percent of Americans had a favorable view of Woods in a recent Rasmussen Reports survey. On the other side, 49 percent of those surveyed had an unfavorable rating.

The golfer had an 83 percent approval rating just two years ago — putting his favorablity above numbers for Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.