Eh. Nike has one of the greatest marketing teams around, but not even they can repair LeBron's (or Tiger's) image right now.
Tiger has far more damaged image than Lebron. I still don't fault him for what he did, just how he did it.
Tiger, on the other hand, has revealed a person completely at odds with the wholesome image he was getting paid for. I don't see how he ever repairs his image.
I disagree.
LeBron altered the way we will view him forever. Not in terms of what kind of person he is, because in reality that doesn't matter. But as far as a basketball player, he can never be mentioned with the likes of Jordan, or even Kobe now. He chose to align himself with two other great players.
Tiger damaged his reputation as....a husband. You really think he was making $100+ million a year in endorsements was because he was married with kids? I think shattering gold records had more to do with it.
When all is said in done, in 50 years, Tiger will be remembered as the greatest golfer ever (assuming he regains his old form). Nobody will ultimately care about his extramarital affairs when comparing him to Nicklaus or Hogan. When LeBron goes into the HoF, you know people will hold this move against him, regardless if he wins multiple titles.
As for endorsements now, the majority talks. Non-sports fans got so upset over Tiger's scandal and it made national headlines. Non-NBA fans hardly cared what LeBron did. I'm sure within a few years Tiger will be making significantly more than LeBron in endorsements once again.