Advertisement

Woods losing sponsors

By United Press International
American Tiger Woods walks on the 13th hole on the second day of the 138th British Open Championship in Turnberry, England on July 17 2009. UPI/Hugo Philpott
American Tiger Woods walks on the 13th hole on the second day of the 138th British Open Championship in Turnberry, England on July 17 2009. UPI/Hugo Philpott | License Photo

NEW YORK, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Within days of an admission of infidelity by Tiger Woods, companies for whom the golfer is spokesman are breaking off associations.

Woods issued a statement Friday announcing his "indefinite break from professional golf" so he can "focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person." The posting on his Web site admitted to "infidelity" and asked for understanding.

Advertisement

"It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done but I want to do my best to try," the statement said.

While sports equipment giant Nike, the company Woods is perhaps most linked to, said it is standing by the golfer and offered its "full support," other companies have decided to take a different course.

Accenture, a management consultant, put out notice Sunday Woods was "no longer the right representative." Gillette also said it was withdrawing ads featuring Woods and AT&T is "evaluating" its deal with the golfer.

Woods is considered the first $1 billion athlete. He has more than $92 million in career winnings on the PGA Tour, suggesting his sponsorships were worth about $900 million.