marijuologist wrote:
I guess my point is really that people are stupid to give a damn at all, even stupider for assuming that his public image was a reflection of his real character, and even stupider yet for being suprised that he would cheat on a woman who was nowhere near his level in terms of power and popularity. His wife is a model who has nothing to her credit except her looks. Do people really think that one of the greatest athletes in the world has so much respect for a boring, talentless fake blonde like his wife that he would never cheat? Did we not learn from Michael Jordan how the world really works on the level that men like them live on? Christ. No rational person would be suprised or care about the revelation that Tiger Woods cheats on his wife.
When it comes to his achievements on the golf course, he deserves the awards, fame, money and rewards he has earned. When it comes to endorsements, that is about his golf talent as well as who he is as a person. His popularity is not just about his golfing greatness, but about his personality and his integrity & popularity as seen by the public.
Agassi made more in endorsements the Sampras even though Pete won more grand slams. For reason I won't go into here, Agassi was more popular in his personality. They were both great tennis players, but endorsements are not just about athletic ability.
Tiger is someone who was like OJ in his prime. People did not care about his race, but they saw a great athlete and a personality they admired and he was popular and got endorsements and was in commercials.
People admire Tiger's work ethic and striving for excellence and that has taken a serious hit. Of course, it is not the "end of Tiger", but he will never have the respect he enjoyed up to now.
You say, "Do people really think that one of the greatest athletes in the world has so much respect for a boring, talentless fake blonde like his wife that he would never cheat?" The answer: Not now.
But, if he didn't love/respect her, then why did her marry her? He made a choice and a commitment and he not only trampled on her, but he did not even have the self respect to honor his own vows.