AT&T is latest to end Tiger Woods sponsorship

AT&T is latest to end Tiger Woods sponsorship
The ociated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — AT&T Inc. said Thursday it would no longer sponsor Tiger Woods, joining Accenture in dropping support for the world's top golfer, who's taking a break from the sport to focus on his marriage after his admitted infidelity.

The phone company hasn't used Woods' image extensively in advertising, but its logo appeared on his golf bag. That deal had been billed as a "multiyear" agreement when it was signed early in 2009, after Buick ended its endorsement one year early because of its financial woes.

Woods has also been the host of the AT&T National PGA Tour event since it started in 2007. Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said that since Woods is on indefinite leave from professional golf, he will not serve as host for the 2010 event. However, his Tiger Woods Foundation will continue to be the beneficiary of the AT&T National, under a contract that runs through 2014, Votaw said.

AT&T said it would continue to sponsor the event.

Woods won the 2009 AT&T National in July at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. The AT&T National is moving to Aronimink Country Club outside Philadelphia the next two years as Congressional prepares to host the 2011 U.S. Open.

AT&T has also been the presenting sponsor of the annual Tiger Jam concert event in Las Vegas, but that contract has expired, according to AT&T spokesman Michael Coe.

AT&T, which is based in Dallas, did not comment on its reasons for dropping Woods, or how much the relationship was worth.

Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, had no comment on AT&T's decision.

Woods' image has taken a beating since a Thanksgiving holiday car accident at the golfer's Florida home was followed by an admission of extramarital "transgressions." Most of Woods' $100 million in annual earnings has come not from tournament winnings but from companies that wanted to be associated with his persona.

Consulting firm Accenture dropped the athlete two weeks ago, saying he was "no longer the right representative" of the company's values.

Gillette, a unit of the Procter & Gamble Co., also has said it won't air ads for its razors that include Woods or include him in public appearances.

Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer, a unit of luxury goods empire LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, also said that it would "downscale" its use of golfer Tiger Woods' image in its advertising campaigns for the foreseeable future.

Electronic Arts Inc., which puts out the "Tiger Woods PGA Tour" series of golf video games, has not said what its plans are for the franchise. The company did not immediately return requests for comment Thursday. Nike Inc. and PepsiCo Inc.'s Gatorade are other big sponsors that haven't severed their ties.

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AP Golf Writer Doug Ferguson in Honolulu contributed to this report.

Published 12/31/09 by

AP Entertainment News

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Comments (11)

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  • When you're a man who$$, you're not exactly the image these companies want out there. You don't see any other tramps promoting products. Tiger let his family down, his fans (especially the young fans) and himself down. He's a great golfer but his image will never be the same even after this all blows over and people forgive.
    Anonymous 1/3/10 Reply
  • AT and T is a blood sucker company...
    Anonymous 1/3/10 Reply
  • we all should drop AT
    Anonymous 1/2/10 Reply
  • I don't like AT
    Anonymous 1/2/10 Reply
  • He does what a man does well, chase women. that's all. what's wrong with that...?
    Anonymous 1/2/10 Reply
  • Baloney ! Tiger will never change. He hasn't seeked help and he probably won't.
    Anonymous 1/1/10 Reply
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  • Tiger, my family and friends are with you. We don't approve of what you did, but we are not here to judge, only god can do that. Hold your head up, shake off the bugs, and move on, there are more people that care about you then those that don't. Wish you the best in the coming new year.
    Anonymous 12/31/09 Reply
  • Never overlook the fact that Tiger made it because of his dedication to golf. When all of the drama is over, Tiger will be a stronger person. Just give him a chance to share his talent. Help him to recognize that he has changed people's lives through the game of golf and his foundation. The real folks will always be there for him.
    Anonymous 12/31/09 Reply