Arguably the world’s most famous and celebrated sportsman came undone at the tail end of 2009. Suspicions originally arose after Tiger Woods was found bleeding and semi-conscious after his car hit a tree and fire hydrant outside his Florida home. Days of media speculation went hand in hand with the golfer avoiding the police (he eventually would be found guilty of careless driving and fined) and as more women became linked to the links maestro, Woods finally put out a statement. He apologized to his family and said, “I regret those transgressions with all of my heart” before going on to state “I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves.” (Nevertheless, his marriage to Elin Nordegren ended in 2010). His legion of fans seemed to stand by the 14-time major winner more than his numerous advertisers (such as Accenture, AT&T, Gatorade, General Motors and TAG Heuer, who all ended their deals). He still hasn’t added to his tally of majors, though he entered this week’s Masters as the favorite in the eyes of the bookmakers.
MORE: Why I’m Rooting for Tiger But Didn’t Want My Female Friends to Know