This Won’t Hurt Tiger - He’s the Man

Two weeks ago would you have imagined that Tiger Woods could be any bigger than he already was? His face was already one of the most recognizable in the world as the planet's premier athlete and sports superstar, but the truths that been exposed recently about his unfaithfulness will make him more famous, if that is even possible! Surely, a lot of it is negative press, but in the end, more people will be compelled to follow his life and story.

If you are thinking that the negativity surrounding his actions will make him less popular, think again. The core fan-base he already had – 20-50 year old male golf fans – who loved to veg-out in front of the TV for a 6 straight hours on Masters Sunday will not be any less inclined to watch. They are sports fans, who became Tiger fans because he is an incredible golfer,.and they will still be there, useless as lumps on a log for a full day. The difference is that now they won’t be alone. Wives, girlfriends, sisters, those who used to dismiss the man as a part of the couch, an inanimate object that could not be stirred on those golf weekends, will actually sit down next to him. As Tiger makes his charge at a green jacket, they will be booing him and hurling curses his way: “A**hole! Cheater! Jerk!” But the fact is, they will be watching. Upon winning, will he go immediately to his wife and kids for the hug and kiss? During his victory speech, the camera will cut to a close-up on her face to see if she’s muttering swear words under her breath, or if tears are running down her cheeks. This is compelling reality TV, and it’s better than anything else out there, hands down.

As the story was revealed, the first thought of many sports outlets was if Woods would retain his endorsements. Would Nike, Buick, Gatorade not be opposed to align themselves with such a sinner? That’s pretty dumb. If anything, they should be over the moon. Tiger has just made himself the number 1 news story in North America: his face all over every news website, newspaper, and any media outlet, and what’s that little symbol on his hat? Nike’s loving it. And don’t forget General Motors, who paid a reported $40 million for five years for Tiger to endorse Buick. The shot of Woods’ wrecked car is everywhere, and although it’s a Cadillac and not a Buick, that shot alone is worth more than the $40 million for GM. What’s a more memorable image, Woods on a boring TV commercial with a Buick, or the beat up SUV, with the word “Escalade” clearly visible on the side?

Angry ladies on The View, as furious as you are with Tiger, you just made him more legendary.