Rumor has it that Tiger Woods has started to brush up on his game a bit and some of golf's greats believe that he will be playing in the Masters. If, and when, he returns, Tiger will be a little lighter in the sponsorship arena, what with AT&T (T), Accenture (ACN), and PepsiCo's (PEP) Gatorade all having ended their sponsorship deals with Tiger.
Fear not though, Tiger is making enough money that he can actually turn down sponsors. Reportedly, an Irish bookie -- Paddy Power (awesome name) -- has made a $75 million offer to sponsor Tiger over the next five years.
I guess IMG (Tiger's agency) feels that it can either get more money out of Paddy Power, or it can find better sponsorship deals. I truly hope that this isn't IMG and Tiger suddenly getting scruples. I mean, the guy did kind of cheat on his wife -- multiple times.
Thing is, Tiger has star power and will attract sponsors once we all put his problems behind us and go on. Think that is impossible? Let's see here, Bill Clinton. He had similar problems, but has been forgiven and is seen as one of the best presidents in recent years. How about Ray Lewis? He is now the darling of several NFL-related ad campaigns, including the NFL itself. Does anyone remember that he was on trial for obstruction of justice in a manslaughter case. How about Mike Vick? I'm not saying he's a media darling, but it does seem that he has been forgiven for his dog-fighting days.
I am not suggesting that we all have to forgive Tiger Woods, but I am saying that at some point in time advertisers will. Just be prepared to see Tiger back on commercials when he returns to golfing. Bottom line: he sells product, and that pays companies' bills.



Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
3-06-2010 @ 6:35AM
backnine said...
"best presidents in recent years"?!? Yes, I guess if you were comparing him to Carter and Odumbo!
3-06-2010 @ 6:56AM
Barbara said...
If we forgive him? Why is it up to us to forgive him? He didn't cheat on us. That is his personal life. What he did is between him, his wife and his god. I still think he is an awesome golfer, and can hardly wait till he returns to the greens. I haven't watched much golf since he got crucified by the media. My daddy used to say, " It'll all come out in the wash" It's time to let it die, people.
3-06-2010 @ 7:10AM
Carol S said...
WE do not need to forgive Tiger; that is for his wife to do. I would like to see the public and specifically the media back away and give Tiger and Elin a chance to repair this damage. Constantly picking at the scab is not being fair to Elin, and as I see it, she is the damaged party.
He is a golfer, let him golf. Let's restrict our comments to that.
3-06-2010 @ 7:55AM
Lisa said...
Its difficult to compare Kobe and Clinton to Tiger - they cheated once, addressed it in the media, took questions, and our Govt tried to impeach Clinton. Michael Vick has been forgiven by the public for killing 12 dogs. What a sick society we live in when athletes and public figures, bc of their popularity and their talent, can get away with murder, literally. It is our fault - as a society we elevate these figures, forgive them and say its okay because they have such great talent. Therefore, they develop a sense of entitlement and arrogance. Listen to you all - all in support of Tiger's behavior, even Michael Vicks behavior. A city gave Michael Vick a STANDING OVATION. Really, people?!? Great - give them a second chance , as all you people are saying, they deserve a second chance- make sure that when the everyday JOE who has stole, robbed, killed, raped - you also defend them and give them a standing ovation upon their return to society. Just don't condone their behavior - which all of you are doing. And what a sad testament that we have become immune and accepting of such behaviors, but only from our athletes, celebrities, and politicians.
3-06-2010 @ 8:00AM
jimmyp24588 said...
Screw Tiger Woods I never like him anyway.
3-06-2010 @ 8:01AM
JTFEE said...
"How about Mike Vick? I'm not saying he's a media darling, but it does seem that he has been forgiven for his dog-fighting days." YOU WISH.
3-06-2010 @ 8:06AM
Terry said...
His best bet would be to push birth control, condoms, and the porn channel.
3-06-2010 @ 8:08AM
lj_hoogerwerff said...
Who are we to judge anyone. He who is sinless cast the first stone. It doesn't matter what you do or don't do, a sin is a sin. If God can forgive; we are not to the ones to judge any person for sins they have commited.
3-06-2010 @ 8:09AM
john said...
What makes you ppl think Tiger needs your forgiveness ??he should concentrate on his family and his golf game & the things that matter to him ..Then he should tell everybody else " Thanks for your Prayers & well wishes " thats for those that care about him. For those that think he owes them something, He should simply say " your approval is not required "Thank you very much..
3-06-2010 @ 8:11AM
LisaS said...
Michael Vick should NOT be included in the list of those who have been "forgiven".
3-06-2010 @ 8:17AM
kat said...
Sometimes fame can be its own worst enemy. If you do not control it, it acts like a powerful drug. It really goes to your head. Lets take a step back, if I'm correct Tiger Wood is half black/half asian. What a combo, his sex drive comes from his mixed background. Both have high sex drives --- put them together, you have Tiger!
3-06-2010 @ 8:20AM
vern rudolph said...
we have a lot of pompous jerks in amerika. look around u folks. men are dogs and women have caught up in that area. infidelity is the style and if ur young enough, have decent looks and a little cash ur in the mix. guys cheat on their mates, mates cheat on their guys. the kids are doing it like mad dogs, the freaks are getting their jollies taking little girls and boys and doing obscene things to them. men sleeping with men, i'm a little partial to women with women, but here's the deal. america is a cesspool when it comes to sexuality. The country began with the dregs of europe and it's been compounded over the years. we grew into a great but sick society. and like all great sick civilizations we're going down.
3-06-2010 @ 8:22AM
Joe said...
If i was Tiger when i came back and people wanted to kiss my a** again because i'm one win away from Jack's 18 majors. Accenture,Pepsi and AT&T go to the back of the line.Only the republicans got a problem with Tiger being unfaithful. Us Dems say right on bro. You republicans been unfaithful to the USA since 1994. Remember the contract on America by Newt. Speaking of Newt he was cheating on his wife while she was dying of cancer.
3-06-2010 @ 8:30AM
bargainbayusa said...
TIGER TIGER BURNING BRIGHT SORRY BUT YOUR FLAME BURNT OUT LAST NIGHT * PUT TIGER & CLINTON IN THE SAME ROOM TOGETHER FILLED WITH STREET PRO'S & SEE WHAT HAPPENS *************************
*****************************************
WHO EVEN CARES ABOUT EITHER ONE OF THESE IDIOTS *****************************************
3-06-2010 @ 8:39AM
the bob guy said...
yea think ? it will just be snobs and want to be 's that'll be watching the "cheating tiger" . he's so self centered that he don't even care . "so what" is all he is thinking . we should all piont and laugh at him .
3-06-2010 @ 8:39AM
ttrexxx said...
You could sell anything with Tiger's name on it..Just put a picture of a tiger next to it..LOL.. bet it works . silly golfer
3-06-2010 @ 8:48AM
iggystuff2 said...
yea think ? it will just be snobs and want to be 's that'll be
watching the "cheating tiger" . he's so self centered that he
don't even care . "so what" is all he is thinking . we should all
piont and laugh at him .
3-06-2010 @ 8:47AM
ttrexxx said...
In fact I'm going one step further.I'm going to sell a line of golf drivers and call them tiger woods with a picture of a tiger as a logo..Problem.. solved Eat that tiger woods
3-06-2010 @ 8:47AM
babymonsta said...
Who really cares what he did!!!! It's not up to the public to be mad at Tiger!!!! Get real , everyone actslike they are married to him and he cheated on them! It's none of anybody's business what he did get a grip people. All these big shots who were paying him for advertisement and PG all need to get over themselves. THEY ARE OR WERENT MARRIED TO HIM, ELIN IS!!! It'sno one elses business. So I think whatever job he does accept he needs to make sure they are not going to can his a** for any indiscretions. I really think gatorade shouldnt have fired him that was so lame, so just for that im not going to buy there product anymore, and i really liked it. But fu** them .
3-06-2010 @ 8:50AM
Hewitt Builder said...
Tiger is only where he at because he got caught.Tiger advertised Male Product, 80% of the people who support his Brand cheats some where and will understand.
Straight People ,It's hard resisting all those beautiful women that draw to men JUst becouse they have money.
It's very hard.