Thursday, April 8, 2010

Dear Nike, WTF?


No seriously though what is your damage.

Today marks the first day of the 2010 Masters Tournament, and Tiger Woods return to golf after a 20 week hiatus, following an "indiscretion" or two. Make that fifteen and counting, it is safe to say that Tiger has hoes in just about every area code. But adulterated antics aside, Tiger walked onto the green to a standing ovation, Augusta was waiting with open arms. As we all all know, Tiger's fans are far more loyal than his sponsors, who all except Nike packed up their satchels of millions and moved on. Nike being the loyal long-standing partner it has always been, shoot an ad with Tiger on March 25th, and the monstrosity hit the internet hard last night. The 30 second ad features a dismal tiger staring blankly into the camera as a voice over of his late father, Earl Woods, plays. "Tiger, I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion, I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything?" Insert puzzled look here.

Really, Nike ... Really? Was it really necessary to address the issue at all, I would argue not, as a company they have publicly shown their continued support through this whole sexy-time fiasco, why air a public scolding from his deceased father. Unnecessary. But thanks for totally creeping us out. This out of context quote forced upon Tiger's face does nothing for Tiger, for the brand, and doesn't come close to shedding new light on the situation, so why bother? According to Nike they "support Tiger and his family. As he returns to competitive golf, the ad addresses his time away from the game using the powerful words of his father." Right.


This ad is a sorry excuse for a public address, Nike should have left well enough alone, if history has taught us anything it is that the general public has no problem excusing the indiscretions of profession athletes after the dust settles, exhibits A through E, Kobe Bryant, A. Rod, Wade Boggs, Derek Low, Martin Brodeur and the list goes on. Give it a year or two and no one will remember that he once took sexting to a new level, with something along the lines of wanting to hold said mistress down while he chokes her, and effs that ass that he owns.


Meanwhile Twitter is a buzzzzz with all this Tiger action, and I am loving every second of it.


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