Nike just released this commercial (YouTube) as what I can only assume is the first step at saving their incredibly large investment in Tiger Woods.
What say ye, Dopers?
Personally, I think it’s a wee bit creepy (what with a voice over done by his dead dad), but overall it’s a well made lil’ piece of propaganda*. I suppose it’s my poli sci background, but I can’t help but think: “Man, that’d be one epic campaign ad!” Seriously, for a fallen politician? That’d be epic. But hey, I guess Tiger’s running for the nation’s love again, so we’ll see.
*While not entirely relevant, it’s still worth noting that while I believe his behavior was scummy, it ultimately ain’t our business. He’s an athlete, let the man get his athlete on.
Not that I know. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it was him saying, “Yeah, I learned to delete my fucking text messages and hide the clubs from the old ball and chain over there!”
By attempting to cash in on this brouhaha, he’s certainly lost any moral high ground he’s been claiming to have over the women he’s had affairs with. When Joslyn James writes her tell all book with graphic details of just how freaky Tiger was, he really can’t say “I’m not going to discuss personal matters” when he gets asked about it in an interview.
Look, he must have hurt his wife immensely, and for that he is a douche. However, it’s not like he was raping or murdering women. All his life he’s been told how great he is. All his life he’s been on stage. For his entire life he has been told that he is the greatest. On top of that, he’s rich beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. How would the rest of us human beings be able to handle all of that? I’d be lucky to even be alive by this point.
Heh. I’d give him props for saying that actually. This whole thing is insane. I even read an article (granted, it was Broadsheet on Salon.com) that was all, “Tiger is playing at AUGUSTA–what more can he do against women?!” because Augusta doesn’t allow women to play. I mean, Tiger cheated on his wife. He didn’t exactly commit a crime against all womankind.
I mean, I get that he has to apologize so he can keep making money off the endorsements. It’s just sort of odd that we’re supposed to care what this guy does so much.
I’m just not sure what to make of the ad. The fact that he doesn’t actually say anything is a bit weird, but whatever.
I think it’s kind of fitting that Tiger’s father cheated on his wife (Tiger’s mom) constantly, and now is the wise voice of non-judicious morality from beyond the grave…
Admitting up front that I am not a fan of Tiger’s, and whenever possible avoid buying/using anything Nike - I am terribly impressed at their willingness to take what many/most considered a negative situation, and turn it into a positive marketing opportunity. Brilliant.
It will simply amaze me if this turns out to be an advertising windfall for Nike. The fallen hero’s public redemption. They could end up making more money off of this than id he had never (publicly) strayed. The public loves a comeback story and all that.
I think it amazing that while other brands were trying to distance themselves from Tiger, Nike had the balls to ask, "How can we work this to our advantage?"
Having said THAT, I am way more personally offended that he is rich as hell for knocking little balls in distance holes. I have no doubt that one way or another some of MY consumer money I spend makes its way towards HIS billfold without my consent or control.
At least his cheater ways and those of another 10 million men aint taking dollars out of my wallet.
I just feel like I want to take a shower over all this. To women Dopers: not all men are serial cheaters. Not me, nor maybe 95% of all men. Just douchebags.
Somehow, I still feel like apologizing on behalf of mankind.
Nah, Nike probably had more to lose if they couldn’t figure out a way to use it than some of the other brands - plus, they have great advertising.
I don’t find the ad compelling, but I don’t golf. I’ve also heard that people who like Tiger love the ad. People who have no opinion or a negative opinion get creeped out.