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Nike likes Sabbatini's brashness

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Rory Sabbatini is a Nike brother of Tiger Woods, and of K.J. Choi, who set the tournament's 36-hole record (as a par-71) by finishing yesterday 12-under while playing alongside Sabbatini. Nike likes that brashness, or at least seems to sell a lot of it.

Journal News

Rory Sabbatini , AP Rory Sabbatini , AP
August 25, 2007  10:47 AM ET

Who is buying Nike Golf products because of Rory Sabbatini? Perhaps people in South Africa where he is from. But I would bet the farm on it that Americans but Nike Golf cause of Tiger.

August 25, 2007  11:02 AM ET

They wouldn't like Sabby's brashness if Tiger's next business decision was to dump Nike for Ping...think of it Nike execs, Tiger winning his 18th and 19th major with a Ping hat. Think Sabs can deliver even a sliver of that greatness? Nah, I didn't think so.

August 25, 2007  03:51 PM ET

Well, someone is gonna cash in on the extra Michael Vick money now floating around ...

August 25, 2007  04:49 PM ET

I agree that Nike likes the brashness of Rory Sabbitini. I would wager that the PGA tour likes it also. Both companies would be foolish to ignore the potential impact to their collective bottom lines when Rory talks trash, particularly when it is directed at Tiger Woods. Rory is the perfect foil to Tiger's good guy. The one thing that Rory needs to do is to back up that brash talk by stepping up his game when his plays opposite Tiger. The more he folds under pressure in those head to head confrontations the less people will be willing to tune in and watch. Time is running out, Rory......

August 25, 2007  05:22 PM ET

I am presently watching Barclays and watching Rory 'melt down'. Absolutely wonderful to watch!!!!! What an a--!

August 25, 2007  11:23 PM ET

I hate Rory so much!

August 26, 2007  09:46 AM ET

Before his remarks earlier this year nobody knew or really cared who this guy was outside of South Africa. The easiest way to get you name in the papers is to talk trash about Tiger. That's what he did and he is now a household name in the golf community. Brilliant strategy if i must say so.

Still can't stand the guy but at least he knows how to play his publicity cards.

 
August 26, 2007  07:58 PM ET

For Sale by Nike: Headlines from the Mouth that Couldn't Win Tournaments. Used to be that Nike would take the high road and rep all the truly great sports achievers. Now they just want to buy headlines and attitude, not skill and achievement. Sad. Rory is someone that ought not be celebrated. But, hey, that's sports marketing these days.....attitude before ability. Getting closer to the Oblivion. Soon no one will want to buy Nike.

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