Tiger Woods to faced Death Threats from his former……

Tiger Woods Faced Death Threats and Controversy Upon Signing Landmark Nike Deal in 1996

 

When Tiger Woods inked his first contract with Nike in 1996, a groundbreaking $40 million deal, he was just 20 years old, marking the beginning of a historic 27-year partnership. However, the announcement was met with a storm of controversy and even death threats directed at Woods and those involved in the deal.

 

The iconic ‘Hello World’ advertisement, conceptualized by Jim Riswold, the creative director of Nike’s ad agency, Wieden & Kennedy, served as a bold introduction to the golfing world. The ad, featuring lines like “There are still courses in the US I am not allowed to play. Because of the color of my skin,” aired on major networks and culminated with the provocative question, “Are you ready for me?”

Yet, not everyone welcomed Woods with open arms. According to former Nike executive, Woods and Riswold received death threats, signaling a darker side to the reaction within the golfing community.

 

Former Nike executive Tallman pointed out two main factors fueling the backlash. Firstly, racial discrimination lingered in the sport, as evidenced by the long history of exclusion, including the fact that it took until 1975 for a black player to be invited to The Masters. Nike’s spotlight on this issue through their ad stirred discomfort among some fans.

 

Secondly, the unprecedented amount of money involved in Woods’ deal raised eyebrows. As a young rookie professional, Woods was awarded multi-millions, causing resentment among traditionalists who viewed it as excessive and detrimental to the sport’s integrity.

 

Reflecting on the period, Tallman lamented the vitriol directed at Woods and the Nike team, recalling the ugliness of the threats received and the palpable hatred in the air.

 

Woods’ agent at the time, Hughes Norton, described the negotiations as unique, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of the deal. Despite initial hesitation from Nike’s sports marketing director, Steve Miller, a compromise was reached, guaranteeing Woods $40 million over five years, setting a new standard in sports endorsements.

 

The deal was not only a game-changer financially but also symbolically, challenging the status quo within the golfing world and paving the way for greater diversity and commercial opportunities in the sport.