Tiger Woods Scandal Involved Keeping Secrets; Is it Worth the Gamble?

The Tiger Woods scandal was in the works long before he was married, as reported at TMZ. Woods has a team of people hired for damage control when it comes to his behavior with women, and it wasn't until the National Enquirer broke the story regarding Rachel Uchitel that the top was lifted and everything came to the surface. A brand of a squeaky clean golfer was banked on by businesses like Accenture, and a team of people were hired to protect that brand. That team was put to work in several situations, such as the situation involving an Orlando woman. According to TMZ, an unmarried Tiger and the woman were pulled over by police. No arrests were made, however negotiations were made with the woman to keep her quiet. As written about at Associated Content, at least 11 women have been reported as having sexual involvement with Tiger Woods while he was married.

The Tiger Woods scandal is not unique; other celebrities have tried to keep secrets

John F. Kennedy was a famous womanizer, but times were different then. Today, celebrity news is primary, and techniques to discover what celebrities are up to are finely tuned. The politician John Edwards had an image of a devoted husband to his dying wife Elizabeth. It was revealed that he was having an affair with a former campaign worker by the name of Rielle Hunter. To make matters worse, Hunter had a baby by John Edwards. The scandal cost Edwards the Vice President spot. Pee-wee Herman, aka Paul Reubens, was an entertainer for children with such hits as Pee-wee's Playhouse. However, Reubens was arrested in an adult movie theater and that incident ruined his image.

Is keeping secrets worth it for celebrities?

There are plenty of celebrities that keep secrets. Many have not experienced a scandal similar to the Woods scandal either because the public does not know who they really are, or the public has suspicions that have not yet been confirmed. Companies pay celebrities big money for the use of their name and face on their products. Sometimes the brand that is created is not authentic. Is the money worth the risk of becoming exposed?

The Tiger Woods scandal has ruined his brand. However, in time he may bounce back. A celebrity who has a good defense team and a good management team can figure out a way to save their career. Tiger Woods is down, but he is likely not out. He will come back with a different brand. However, most would agree that his new brand should be authentic. If Woods likes to be with different women, he can be no longer pretend he doesn't.

Sources:

Tiger Woods -- No Stranger to Keeping Secrets, TMZ

Meg C., Tiger Woods Mistress List: Allegations Are Increasing as Theresa Rogers Identified as Tiger's Alleged Mistress, Associated Content