Nicklaus wants to respect Woods' privacy

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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida (AP) -- Jack Nicklaus said the fallout over Tiger Woods' car crash is "none of my business."

"Our public is pretty forgiving at times," Nicklaus said Thursday. "Time usually heals all wounds. I think the hardest thing is obviously his family. That's a private matter for him and his family."

Nicklaus won 18 major championships, the most in golf history. Woods is second with 14.

Woods has remained out of the public eye since the crash Thanksgiving weekend and the scandal that quickly followed. He has acknowledged "transgressions" on his Web site.

"He's a great athlete," Nicklaus said. "He'll figure it out."

Nicklaus' first public comments about Woods' situation came after an event honoring The Benjamin School's golf team, recent winners of a Florida state championship. Son Gary Nicklaus played on a state title team at the school 26 years ago.