It certainly isn’t an easy decision females must grapple with: Do I pose for Playboy now, while I’m in the prime of my career, where I can probably cash a bigger check from Hugh Hefner and enjoy a slightly larger PR bump, or do I wait until my playing days are over (or my best days are behind me), and use it as a springboard to bring me back into the spotlight, whereupon I become marketable again? Tennis player Ashley Harkleroad’s decision is clearly the former – she’s only 23 – but after the jump, we examine the decisions of other athletes and sports “personalities.”

Ashley Harkleroad, tennis, August 2008: Brilliant timing. Never has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam event; hell, never been part of the discussion. She will be relentlessly discussed this week in France.
Amanda Beard, swimming, July 2007: Her Olympic career was over, and she got a significant PR bump from it, including some sort of gig on The Best Damn Sports Show.
Lisa Guerrero, media, Jan. 2006: Former cheerleader and actress, so this was not a total surprise; considering how tremendous (NSFW, natch) the photos were, we’re surprised she didn’t get hired by ESPN. But she did get scooped up by Inside Edition.
Amy Acuff, Sept. 2004: Tremendous tie-in to complete her Olympic career. Definitely had people interested in her summer Olympic events.
Gabrielle Reece, Jan. 2001: Her famed volleyball career had pretty-much ended, and this seemed like a “I’m still young and attractive!” plea. She was 31.
Katarina Witt, Dec. 1998: Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Her career had been – bad pun alert – on ice for about three years before posing, and she was only 33. Impeccable post-career timing because she’ll forever be thought of as the cute German Figure skating champ, and not the nude former athlete.

Some of Hef’s future targets?
Serena Williams, tennis player. It would not surprise us at all if caved this year or next, and not just because of this photo. She seems to relish fame.
Anna Kournikova, former tennis player. Still has it, obviously. It will be a massive seller – we’d venture a guess that it would be Top Five of all-time – even though she never won anything. About to turn 27, so plenty of time left.
Natalie Gulbis, golf. One win under her belt, so there’s a chance it might not happen. Still can’t tell if she’s a savvy marketer or likes the attention. That’s a fine line.
Candace Parker, basketball. Way too successful for it to happen … although someone probably said that about Witt.
Jennie Finch, softball. Never seemed to crave the spotlight, and she’s married, so don’t hold your breath. (Though Guerrero was married to Scott Erickson when she posed at 41.)
Tanith Belbin, figure skating. Still in the prime of her career, but if this award is any indication, Hef will come calling.

This chart was handy.

Photo: Icon Sports Media