Barring an overzealous Florida Highway Patrol looking to avenge embarrassment by the world’s biggest sports celebrity, it appears Tiger Woods is in the clear regarding his car accident. I actually think that most informed observers empathize with Woods now, as it’s obvious his strategy with the FHP is designed expressly to protect his wife Elin Nordegren.

But there are still more potholes (fire hydrants?) that Woods may have to negotiate, despite his alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel (photos) denying she had an affair with Woods.

(Previously unseen photos of Woods’ alleged mistress, Rachel Uchitel)

The biggest potential issue for Woods is the NATIONAL ENQUIRER releasing more damaging information about his alleged affair, which it has promised to do.From a post yesterday on the Enquirer’s website:

So despite Rachel’s protestations, the ENQUIRER amassed plenty of evidence for its story and is now releasing part of it.

And, of course, there are still facts about Rachel that the ENQUIRER has yet to release…so stay tuned.

Uchitel has threatened to sue the Enquirer for defamation, and has flown to Los Angeles to talk to lawyer Gloria Allred about the possibility.

And the Enquirer’s attack on Woods’ credibility isn’t the only thing to watch out for. TMZ.com, the NEW YORK POST, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS and RadarOnline.com are just some of the outlets trying to dig up dirt on Uchitel.

Based on Uchitel’s gig, a VIP hostess at some of the most popular nightclubs in the country, and the fact she has over 1,300 Facebook friends, I don’t think it’s a stretch that a reporter might be able to locate a person or three who would be willing to dish about Uchitel’s alleged relationship with Woods.

That of course presumes that she has had an affair with Woods. If she hasn’t, then she has nothing to worry about and will be victorious in her lawsuit against the Enquirer.

But this is also a woman who has already reportedly had an affair with another married celebrity, David Boreanaz, star of Fox-TV’s Bones. In that case, Uchitel did not attempt to sue the reporting outlet, Enquirer sister publication STAR Magazine.

Also, of smaller concern is the website Blackbookmag.com. Last May, the website published the definitive profile on Uchitel, and is now following this story with a vengeance. Steve Lewis, a writer for the site, had this in a post today:

I was told that over the last three to five years, many a jet was occupied by Mr. Woods and his entourage, with an ex-working girl tasked to provide beauties for the beasts. Come back tomorrow for more on the working girl in question—a lady based out of Chicago who is a regular “pal” of one of Tiger’s inner circle. “The jets would touch down in L.A. or Vegas or wherever the party was,” said my source. I asked if Mr. Woods was partaking in the girlie action? She responded with “duh.” 

I wouldn’t be noting Lewis’ piece if the same site hadn’t made legitimate, acknowledged contact with Uchitel well before she was connected to Woods. I’m not vouching for Lewis’ claims, just noting them - and the site’s previous relationship with Uchitel. As stated, Uchitel’s full-time job is immersing herself in the oft-seedy nightclub culture. A culture rife with drugs, booze and fameseekers. If there was ever anyone vulnerable to a sellout, it’s Uchitel.

Finally, Uchitel is proclaiming her innocence to all who will listen. In hiring Allred, she has virtually guaranteed herself witting and unwitting appearances on all the major electronic outlets, including TV and web. Everytime you and I see her, we will, perhaps unfairly, think of Woods’ alleged infidelity.

The longer Woods stays out of sight, and the more Uchitel makes herself vulnerable in her high-profile bid for “innocence”,  the higher the probability Woods’ long-term reputation with fans, media and sponsors will be damaged.

Woods’ only chance to beat all of this and get it to go away quickly ended when he refused to meet with police the first time and make a public statement about the Enquirer story. If he cooperates with the FHP, I think they probably wouldn’t have charged Nordegren either way. Remember, the FHP has maintained throughout this case that it wasn’t investigating it as a domestic disturbance.

And if Woods had set the record straight on the Enquirer story, that would’ve mitigated the insane speculation about what, if anything, happened between him and Uchitel.

So why didn’t Woods do that? You tell me.