EA Sports Facing Tough Decision on Tiger

by pastapadre
Posted December 14th, 2009 at 9:19 am

tiger101214

Over a week ago I wrote my first take on the Tiger Woods situation. At the time it was basically just about infidelity and suspicious circumstances surrounding a car accident. Sponsors were sticking by him and public opinion, while down, was still in support of him as a sports figure. That all has spiraled down since with news that has worsened on a daily basis significantly changing perception. It now may just be a matter of time before EA Sports has to drop Tiger as the face of their golf franchise.

The number of women he is linked to has reached double digits. Included in that bunch are a couple porn stars. Details such as Ambien fueled sex makes him come off even worse. Images of his mother-in-law being rushed to the hospital and the 911 call by his wife speak to the gravity of what he has brought on his family and the stress they have all been under. It is one thing to read about all his mistresses but adding his own words through published text messages and hearing him in the voicemails makes it that much more striking.

Initially all the companies associated with Tiger Woods released statements in support of him. In recent days they have started distancing themselves. Accenture has announced that they will be ending their deal with him. Gillette is removing him from much of their advertising campaign. Tag Heuer is doing the same. Gatorade is dropping his line of sports drinks.

Forbes published an article expressing their belief that EA Sports to eventually do the same. EA has since responded that there is no change in their relationship with Tiger at this time.

What these companies had hoped for was for Tiger to get back out and change the story. He needed to come out and make a public appearance and statement which he hasn’t done. Mostly though he needed to be on the course winning tournaments. That won’t be happening as he announced via written statement that he is taking an indefinite hiatus from golf. Most suspect he will be back for The Masters in April but that is uncertain.

It presents some difficulty for EA Sports in making a final determination. They are actually in the best position compared to the other companies he endorses. The video game is all about the sport and his association to it, not so much about his public image. Tiger Woods 11 would not release until June so a decision does not have to be made immediately. EA can wait it out for a couple months and make a decision then based on the climate at that time. They have no incentive to make an announcement right now unlike the others who have ongoing marketing campaigns.

My earlier feeling was that EA would most likely be able to ride it out. I don’t believe that is the case anymore. The game sells the best on the Wii which is a very family-centric consumer base. His image has been tarnished too much. Marketing the game would be difficult because they would not be able to push sales through Tiger’s popularity any longer and would have to avoid inevitable backlash that would come from their continuing to support him.

Already we have seen some effects on sales of Tiger 10. The game has been out for nearly six months so it isn’t a dire situation by any means but retailers are slashing prices on the game. Given the timing it probably isn’t a coincidence. Last week Amazon reduced the Wii version by 25% for a sale and currently it is reduced by 20%. The 360 and PS3 versions haven’t seen as much movement. The Wii really appears to be where the prospect of keeping Tiger presents the biggest conflict.

What would put the story over the top would be the release of nude pictures or a sex video, both of which have been rumored and Tiger has filed an injunction to prevent should something show up. There is no proof that either exist but given the circumstances of what he has been involved in the possibility doesn’t seem all that far fetched. If anything along those lines comes to fruition there wouldn’t be a question any longer on whether EA would be able to keep him.

At this time I would put the likelihood of Tiger being dropped by EA at 60/40. We may not know for sure for several months however and a lot is dependent on how the story continues to develop. Should it happen I don’t believe that he would be replaced by another golfer in the title of the game. No one in the sport comes near his stature and it would only lead to stories that center on the “guy who replaced Tiger”. The game would probably just end up as EA Sports PGA Tour 11.

Tags: latest news

http://twitter.com/Bgamer90 @Bgamer90

Another woman just came out about her affair w/ Tiger today on the Today Show.

I personally think the chance of EA dropping him now are about 80-85%. Can't see how after his widely known affairs that he can be the face of a game that's sells the most on the family-friendly Wii.
http://twitter.com/Bgamer90 @Bgamer90

Another woman just came out about her affair w/ Tiger today on the Today Show.

I personally think the chance of EA dropping him now are about 80-85%. Can't see how after his widely known affairs that he can be the face of a game that's sells the most on the family-friendly Wii.
HatersGiveMeEnergy

I heard that Tiger would pay 60,000$ a night for strippers like holy fuck he must of had some good ass nights! lol!

Broncos Fan

I NO I HEARD THAT TOO! AHAHAHAH!

HatersGiveMeEnergy

I heard that Tiger would pay 60,000$ a night for strippers like holy fuck he must of had some good ass nights! lol!

Broncos Fan

I NO I HEARD THAT TOO! AHAHAHAH!

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

80-85%? I'm not sure about that my man, we all understand that Tiger truly put himself and his sponsors in deep shit, but the brand recognition would go down ALOT if they took Tiger Woods off of the title and simply put PGA Tour 11. Even placing another name would probably bring down sales, since no golfer is as popular as Tiger. I think they'll just have to continue to support him so they do not lose as much money. Just my opinion.

pennstater4life

you're probably right, but I am sure sales would probably drop either way if they kept his name on on the EA sports title. i know people who now refuse to buy anything with Tigers logo on it or anything/product associated with him. They still respect him as a golfer but do not want to support him or his products financially.

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

80-85%? I'm not sure about that my man, we all understand that Tiger truly put himself and his sponsors in deep shit, but the brand recognition would go down ALOT if they took Tiger Woods off of the title and simply put PGA Tour 11. Even placing another name would probably bring down sales, since no golfer is as popular as Tiger. I think they'll just have to continue to support him so they do not lose as much money. Just my opinion.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

80-85%? I'm not sure about that my man, we all understand that Tiger truly put himself and his sponsors in deep shit, but the brand recognition would go down ALOT if they took Tiger Woods off of the title and simply put PGA Tour 11. Even placing another name would probably bring down sales, since no golfer is as popular as Tiger. I think they'll just have to continue to support him so they do not lose as much money. Just my opinion.

pennstater4life

you're probably right, but I am sure sales would probably drop either way if they kept his name on on the EA sports title. i know people who now refuse to buy anything with Tigers logo on it or anything/product associated with him. They still respect him as a golfer but do not want to support him or his products financially.

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

80-85%? I'm not sure about that my man, we all understand that Tiger truly put himself and his sponsors in deep shit, but the brand recognition would go down ALOT if they took Tiger Woods off of the title and simply put PGA Tour 11. Even placing another name would probably bring down sales, since no golfer is as popular as Tiger. I think they'll just have to continue to support him so they do not lose as much money. Just my opinion.
http://intensedebate.com/people/sroeland sroeland

The sport of professional golf, as a whole, is in big trouble thanks to this Tiger Woods fiasco.

TV ratings will free fall (I heard a stat on ESPN that viewership of PGA events drops almost 50% when Tiger is not in the event), as will ticket revenue and sales of any kind of video game – Tiger Woods-sponsored or not.

My guess: EA will release a game branded with Tiger Woods' name just to keep the recognition factor there or will not release a PGA game this year at all.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

You are so right because really outside of Tiger how many golfers can you name? How many golfers do you want to see play? It is beyond me why a golfer can make a billion dollars but it's due to the Wii factor. Meaning it's a game that more people can relate to

ACREYMAN

Yeah, who would replace him? Tiger "Cheetah" Woods is the face of golf. Period. EA will release Cheetah…..I mean Tiger 2011.

http://intensedebate.com/people/sroeland sroeland

The sport of professional golf, as a whole, is in big trouble thanks to this Tiger Woods fiasco.

TV ratings will free fall (I heard a stat on ESPN that viewership of PGA events drops almost 50% when Tiger is not in the event), as will ticket revenue and sales of any kind of video game – Tiger Woods-sponsored or not.

My guess: EA will release a game branded with Tiger Woods' name just to keep the recognition factor there or will not release a PGA game this year at all.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

You are so right because really outside of Tiger how many golfers can you name? How many golfers do you want to see play? It is beyond me why a golfer can make a billion dollars but it's due to the Wii factor. Meaning it's a game that more people can relate to

ACREYMAN

Yeah, who would replace him? Tiger "Cheetah" Woods is the face of golf. Period. EA will release Cheetah…..I mean Tiger 2011.

alexsherry23

Damn Tiger…why did you have to get married, you dumb ass you!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

That's what I say. If you still want to work the field then don't get married.

alexsherry23

Damn Tiger…why did you have to get married, you dumb ass you!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

That's what I say. If you still want to work the field then don't get married.

http://twitter.com/Bgamer90 @Bgamer90

That's a good point JawnMurray.

But do you think the sales will be worse with the Tiger name or without the Tiger name? Don't know but either way I really doubt that they'll be as high as they were for previous versions of Woods PGA Golf.

EA had a feature about a year and some time ago back when Madden was celebrating it's 20th anniversary. It showed all the covers of Madden but for Madden 2004, they replaced Vick with another NFL player (I forgot who it was). If they made a change for something as simple as that that not that many people would see, I would assume that it's highly likely that they would do something due to the situation w/ Woods. We'll see though…
http://twitter.com/Bgamer90 @Bgamer90

That's a good point JawnMurray.

But do you think the sales will be worse with the Tiger name or without the Tiger name? Don't know but either way I really doubt that they'll be as high as they were for previous versions of Woods PGA Golf.

EA had a feature about a year and some time ago back when Madden was celebrating it's 20th anniversary. It showed all the covers of Madden but for Madden 2004, they replaced Vick with another NFL player (I forgot who it was). If they made a change for something as simple as that that not that many people would see, I would assume that it's highly likely that they would do something due to the situation w/ Woods. We'll see though…
http://twitter.com/Bgamer90 @Bgamer90

(*the feature was on EA's Madden 09 website btw)

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

At this point, I'm not sure which option is better. I'm still a firm believer that all of this will blow over once Tiger starts winning again, but the next EA Sports golf game will probably be out by that time.

The idea that you mentioned about having multiple golfers on the cover seems to be a good option right now. The only thing is, it's not like the series was Michael Vick NFL, he was only on one cover. Tiger has been on ever cover that I can remember. They'll just have to decide on Tiger, another major golfer, multiple major golfers, or just a PGA title.

http://twitter.com/Bgamer90 @Bgamer90

(*the feature was on EA's Madden 09 website btw)

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

At this point, I'm not sure which option is better. I'm still a firm believer that all of this will blow over once Tiger starts winning again, but the next EA Sports golf game will probably be out by that time.

The idea that you mentioned about having multiple golfers on the cover seems to be a good option right now. The only thing is, it's not like the series was Michael Vick NFL, he was only on one cover. Tiger has been on ever cover that I can remember. They'll just have to decide on Tiger, another major golfer, multiple major golfers, or just a PGA title.

ben kent

If EA decides to pull tiger from the cover, they more than likely will remove him from the game altogether. Going with this approach will be disastrous to the franchise. Tiger is the only reason people watch golf, and buy a video game with the name tiger woods on the cover. Remove him and they might as well cancel the game permanently. Of course you’ll have the die hard golf fans that will buy the game regardless, but EA doesn’t care about that 2% of consumers…sorry. It’s all about grabbing the masses and they would be foolish to relenquish his rights. If anything they could offer to keep him on as a spokesperson at a reduced rate, and just ride this one out.
ben kent

If EA decides to pull tiger from the cover, they more than likely will remove him from the game altogether. Going with this approach will be disastrous to the franchise. Tiger is the only reason people watch golf, and buy a video game with the name tiger woods on the cover. Remove him and they might as well cancel the game permanently. Of course you’ll have the die hard golf fans that will buy the game regardless, but EA doesn’t care about that 2% of consumers…sorry. It’s all about grabbing the masses and they would be foolish to relenquish his rights. If anything they could offer to keep him on as a spokesperson at a reduced rate, and just ride this one out.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

It's amazing to see the media eat up this story of infidelity and now they are eating up the story of how it will affect Tiger and the sport of golf. As if all of the media members, other golfers and corporations businessmen and women aren't cheating on their spouses either. I recently served overseas as a soldier and a contractor and all of the cheating that was going on was just ridiculous. Married Colonels messing with privates, married soldiers messing with married contractors, even married soldiers messing with local nationals. If I had to put a number on people cheating on overseas bases I would put it well over 50% maybe even as high as 80%. Some were messing around even though their spouse was there on base with them. Or how about when President Bill Clinton got caught and Newt Gingrich, the speaker of the house at the time, calling him out and even Jessie Jackson consoling the Clintons during that period. Come to find out Mr. Gingrich was cheating on his wife and the Rev. Jackson not only had an affair but fathered a child out of that affair all during that same period he was consoling the Clintons. People cheat it's not right but unfortunately a lot of people do it. There is a reason that the divorce rate is so high in this country and it's because we don't place a higher value on marriage. That's beyond a Tiger issue that's a society issue. So instead of attacking Tiger for all of our sins why don't we discuss the real problem of why we hold marriage to such a low standard?

On another note It's one thing to cheat once or with just one women and your wife being clueless but to constantly cheat and your wife not to know means that she allowed it to drag on. I guess she just reached the tipping point but without a doubt she had to know that Tiger was cheating on her so often.

As for the sponsors they will drop him because Tiger isn't a good name to be associated with right now but once the dust settles and time passes they will come right back because it has never been about morals it's always about business i.e Kobe, MJ, Shaq, Vick, A-Rod
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

It's amazing to see the media eat up this story of infidelity and now they are eating up the story of how it will affect Tiger and the sport of golf. As if all of the media members, other golfers and corporations businessmen and women aren't cheating on their spouses either. I recently served overseas as a soldier and a contractor and all of the cheating that was going on was just ridiculous. Married Colonels messing with privates, married soldiers messing with married contractors, even married soldiers messing with local nationals. If I had to put a number on people cheating on overseas bases I would put it well over 50% maybe even as high as 80%. Some were messing around even though their spouse was there on base with them. Or how about when President Bill Clinton got caught and Newt Gingrich, the speaker of the house at the time, calling him out and even Jessie Jackson consoling the Clintons during that period. Come to find out Mr. Gingrich was cheating on his wife and the Rev. Jackson not only had an affair but fathered a child out of that affair all during that same period he was consoling the Clintons. People cheat it's not right but unfortunately a lot of people do it. There is a reason that the divorce rate is so high in this country and it's because we don't place a higher value on marriage. That's beyond a Tiger issue that's a society issue. So instead of attacking Tiger for all of our sins why don't we discuss the real problem of why we hold marriage to such a low standard?

On another note It's one thing to cheat once or with just one women and your wife being clueless but to constantly cheat and your wife not to know means that she allowed it to drag on. I guess she just reached the tipping point but without a doubt she had to know that Tiger was cheating on her so often.

As for the sponsors they will drop him because Tiger isn't a good name to be associated with right now but once the dust settles and time passes they will come right back because it has never been about morals it's always about business i.e Kobe, MJ, Shaq, Vick, A-Rod
Cordell

Nobody should care about his personal life, this is a matter that needs to be handled by Tiger with his family. EA sports has to decide whether they care about his image on a video game mainly bought by MEN, so I really dont know if they are in the same position as say companies like Accenture, which is totally about image. Its amazing how many women would lower themselves to chase Tiger down knowing he had a wife, they get no sympathy from me, they knew the situation when they got involved with a married man.
Cordell

Nobody should care about his personal life, this is a matter that needs to be handled by Tiger with his family. EA sports has to decide whether they care about his image on a video game mainly bought by MEN, so I really dont know if they are in the same position as say companies like Accenture, which is totally about image. Its amazing how many women would lower themselves to chase Tiger down knowing he had a wife, they get no sympathy from me, they knew the situation when they got involved with a married man.
http://intensedebate.com/people/topper91 topper91

IMO, EA needs Tiger for their golf game. To remove him completely would be deadly to the game. And eventhough he was cheating on his wife, at least he wasn't convicted of rape (Mike Tyson) or indicted for murder (Ray Lewis). When moneys on the line, morality is a non-issue in most cases.

If they decide now to distance themselves from Tiger over his infidelity, then their hypocrisy knows no bounds. (Pillage and plunder, but don't cheat on your wife!)
http://intensedebate.com/people/topper91 topper91

IMO, EA needs Tiger for their golf game. To remove him completely would be deadly to the game. And eventhough he was cheating on his wife, at least he wasn't convicted of rape (Mike Tyson) or indicted for murder (Ray Lewis). When moneys on the line, morality is a non-issue in most cases.

If they decide now to distance themselves from Tiger over his infidelity, then their hypocrisy knows no bounds. (Pillage and plunder, but don't cheat on your wife!)
Skihawks

I like Tiger Woods but this whole situation has definitely impacted his image. I hope EA drops him and goes back to PGA Tour Golf. I hate when games are named after an individual although Tiger's appeal pre-scandal was top flight.

Hopefully this will direct the developers to add more real golfers to the game since they will save money from using Tiger's name on the box…
Skihawks

I like Tiger Woods but this whole situation has definitely impacted his image. I hope EA drops him and goes back to PGA Tour Golf. I hate when games are named after an individual although Tiger's appeal pre-scandal was top flight.

Hopefully this will direct the developers to add more real golfers to the game since they will save money from using Tiger's name on the box…
Otis

The only two sponsors that Tiger really needs is Nike and EA. He has made enough money on the tour that he could really tell the rest of them to Kiss his ass and make it a love story. He doesn't need sponsors or people hanging on for the good times only. If we could learn to stay out of others business should not be a concern of ours. His having an affair is not putting any money in my life or bringing any type of joy to it either. Media people need to MTOB(MINE THEIR OWN BUSINESS).
Otis

The only two sponsors that Tiger really needs is Nike and EA. He has made enough money on the tour that he could really tell the rest of them to Kiss his ass and make it a love story. He doesn't need sponsors or people hanging on for the good times only. If we could learn to stay out of others business should not be a concern of ours. His having an affair is not putting any money in my life or bringing any type of joy to it either. Media people need to MTOB(MINE THEIR OWN BUSINESS).
http://twitter.com/DaveDQ @DaveDQ

Tiger is a special piece. He would be in bed with one mistress, texting another. That's how one of his mistresses put it. All that talent and money, zero class.

They need to drop him from the game and show consumers that this type of behavior is atrocious. This guy needs help.
http://twitter.com/DaveDQ @DaveDQ

Tiger is a special piece. He would be in bed with one mistress, texting another. That's how one of his mistresses put it. All that talent and money, zero class.

They need to drop him from the game and show consumers that this type of behavior is atrocious. This guy needs help.
http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

Zero class cause he is Tiger Woods?? How many tom, Dick and Harry's out there cheat or even people we know and could care less about what we think about them. Look, what other golfer they gonna put on the Game? That Daley guy who has had 4 wives?, Phil second place Mikelson?? please

http://twitter.com/DaveDQ @DaveDQ

Please what? Anyone who does what this guy has done has zero class. It's not because he is Tiger Woods. It's because he is willfully engaging in unethical behavior. I understand marital problems and people drifting, but this guy is maintaining multiple affairs with zero remorse (until he gets busted, of course).

Would EA Sports seek out a cover athlete that went throught such a situation a year before the release of their game?

John

Amen Dave

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

Zero class cause he is Tiger Woods?? How many tom, Dick and Harry's out there cheat or even people we know and could care less about what we think about them. Look, what other golfer they gonna put on the Game? That Daley guy who has had 4 wives?, Phil second place Mikelson?? please

http://twitter.com/DaveDQ @DaveDQ

Please what? Anyone who does what this guy has done has zero class. It's not because he is Tiger Woods. It's because he is willfully engaging in unethical behavior. I understand marital problems and people drifting, but this guy is maintaining multiple affairs with zero remorse (until he gets busted, of course).

Would EA Sports seek out a cover athlete that went throught such a situation a year before the release of their game?

John

Amen Dave

Anonymous

its not a big deal. yea he made some mistakes but people aren't perfect. This man is the face of the PGA for most people. you think Golf and you think of Tiger Woods. It is not worth it for EA to drop his name from a business and marketing standpoint. no matter how bad Tiger Woods may have hurt his reputation, I just can't see EA, being the marketing machine that they are, dropping Tiger's name.
http://intensedebate.com/people/deepen03 deepen03

its not a big deal. yea he made some mistakes but people aren't perfect. This man is the face of the PGA for most people. you think Golf and you think of Tiger Woods. It is not worth it for EA to drop his name from a business and marketing standpoint. no matter how bad Tiger Woods may have hurt his reputation, I just can't see EA, being the marketing machine that they are, dropping Tiger's name.
CrimsonVoodoo

EA needs to dum p him for now – release a "generic" PGA Tour product with some kind of new technology gimmick to at least stabilize sales a bit. Then keep an eye on the public mood as it relates to Tiger and golf. To those btw who sing about the media minding their own business – you can't have it both ways. The media played up the All American Boy image, the heart warming father story, the professional cool ….. why the hell do you think all those sponsors wanted him? You think he appealed only to golfers? I think he's in trouble – unlike Kobe etc. he's on the verge of breaking the records of a beloved icon, who is generally seen as a good guy. I see folks really turning on Tiger especially as he gets closer to record
CrimsonVoodoo

EA needs to dum p him for now – release a "generic" PGA Tour product with some kind of new technology gimmick to at least stabilize sales a bit. Then keep an eye on the public mood as it relates to Tiger and golf. To those btw who sing about the media minding their own business – you can't have it both ways. The media played up the All American Boy image, the heart warming father story, the professional cool ….. why the hell do you think all those sponsors wanted him? You think he appealed only to golfers? I think he's in trouble – unlike Kobe etc. he's on the verge of breaking the records of a beloved icon, who is generally seen as a good guy. I see folks really turning on Tiger especially as he gets closer to record
http://intensedebate.com/people/sroeland sroeland

Just had an idea…

A way that EA could drop Tiger and still try to keep consumers is to use the money that would go to Tiger to convince the higer-ups at Augusta to release a game with that course in it.

Augusta is more legendary in golf than any individual golfer is. And since it has yet to be in a video game (to my knowledge), it would be a big deal.

But the hard part is convincing the strict people who run Augusta to give the rights. They basically control what broadcasters can/can't say during coverage about the course. Gary McCord (who did work for EA in the past) is not even allowed to cover The Masters becuase of comments he made in 1995.
http://intensedebate.com/people/sroeland sroeland

Just had an idea…

A way that EA could drop Tiger and still try to keep consumers is to use the money that would go to Tiger to convince the higer-ups at Augusta to release a game with that course in it.

Augusta is more legendary in golf than any individual golfer is. And since it has yet to be in a video game (to my knowledge), it would be a big deal.

But the hard part is convincing the strict people who run Augusta to give the rights. They basically control what broadcasters can/can't say during coverage about the course. Gary McCord (who did work for EA in the past) is not even allowed to cover The Masters becuase of comments he made in 1995.
shane

i dont think they will drop him thats his personal image not his image on the green hes still the #1 golfer i woodnt drop him when he returns he will dominate like always
shane

i dont think they will drop him thats his personal image not his image on the green hes still the #1 golfer i woodnt drop him when he returns he will dominate like always
lonnie

why do they need his name in the first place? why not just call the game PGA TOUR,i would still buy it,i bought NBA LIVE,i bought NHL 10, i bought FIFA,i could care less if the game has his name on it,sure let him still be in the game like all the others but i'm fine with a PGA TOUR game.
lonnie

why do they need his name in the first place? why not just call the game PGA TOUR,i would still buy it,i bought NBA LIVE,i bought NHL 10, i bought FIFA,i could care less if the game has his name on it,sure let him still be in the game like all the others but i'm fine with a PGA TOUR game.
dumbass

get got his dick wet, he didnt murder someone EA is gunna keep the name for sure, no one gives a shit about the pga tour they care about tiger 0% chance they drop him
dumbass

get got his dick wet, he didnt murder someone EA is gunna keep the name for sure, no one gives a shit about the pga tour they care about tiger 0% chance they drop him
http://www.rodenburgfilms.com/ Pablo

I would think that with the fact EA has run into tougher times, and is down sizing alot; they’d still keep the Tiger Woods franchise alive, as they want the money.
http://www.rodenburgfilms.com Pablo

I would think that with the fact EA has run into tougher times, and is down sizing alot; they’d still keep the Tiger Woods franchise alive, as they want the money.
Jason

Michelle Wie 2011!! what is the world coming to
Jason

Michelle Wie 2011!! what is the world coming to
http://intensedebate.com/people/budsticky budsticky

First off, I'm a bit wary about all these women that are coming out of the woodwork. That said, even if half of them are telling the truth it's a pretty damning indictment on Tiger's formerly pristine image.

As far as his relationship with EA, I get the feeling they're going to ride it out a little longer and see what else comes to light and how other companies react. The fact that he is getting dropped by many companies doesn't bode well for his future with EA. Still, who else would EA get as the face of the franchise? Nobody is even in the same stratosphere as far as being immediately recognized and linked to his sport as much as Tiger is with golf. The tough decision EA has to make is whether or not that image has taken too much of a nose dive to make it worth using him as the spokesperson for their golf game.

Personally, I'd like to see EA use this as a jumping off point to really change their golf game. Aside from the Wii version with Motion Plus I feel this franchise has grown incredibly stale over the years. Maybe by dropping Tiger it will force EA to concentrate more on the game and rely less on simply using Tiger to help sell the game. It's unfortunate for EA that Project Natal isn't coming a little sooner. They could use the momentum of releasing with Natal capabilities to sort of offset losing Tiger, if they do indeed drop him. This game -much like it proved to be with Wii Motion Plus- seems like a natural fit for Natal.

No matter what, the people at EA are in a bad situation. It's pretty much a no win situation for them. And with the losses they've been taking over the past year they can't be too happy about the whole situation.
http://intensedebate.com/people/budsticky budsticky

First off, I'm a bit wary about all these women that are coming out of the woodwork. That said, even if half of them are telling the truth it's a pretty damning indictment on Tiger's formerly pristine image.

As far as his relationship with EA, I get the feeling they're going to ride it out a little longer and see what else comes to light and how other companies react. The fact that he is getting dropped by many companies doesn't bode well for his future with EA. Still, who else would EA get as the face of the franchise? Nobody is even in the same stratosphere as far as being immediately recognized and linked to his sport as much as Tiger is with golf. The tough decision EA has to make is whether or not that image has taken too much of a nose dive to make it worth using him as the spokesperson for their golf game.

Personally, I'd like to see EA use this as a jumping off point to really change their golf game. Aside from the Wii version with Motion Plus I feel this franchise has grown incredibly stale over the years. Maybe by dropping Tiger it will force EA to concentrate more on the game and rely less on simply using Tiger to help sell the game. It's unfortunate for EA that Project Natal isn't coming a little sooner. They could use the momentum of releasing with Natal capabilities to sort of offset losing Tiger, if they do indeed drop him. This game -much like it proved to be with Wii Motion Plus- seems like a natural fit for Natal.

No matter what, the people at EA are in a bad situation. It's pretty much a no win situation for them. And with the losses they've been taking over the past year they can't be too happy about the whole situation.