AT&T pulls sponsorship of Tiger Woods

ESPN.com news services, 12-31-09

NEW YORK -- AT&T says it will no longer sponsor Tiger Woods, joining other firms in dropping or scaling back their sponsorship and use of the golfer in advertising after numerous allegations of infidelities.

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 "multi-year" agreement when it was signed early in 2009. Woods has also been the host of the AT&T National PGA Tour event since it started in 2007. The phone company said it would continue to sponsor the event, which will be held in Newtown Square, Pa., in July.

AT&T did not comment on its reasons for dropping Woods, or how much the contract was worth. Woods has taken an indefinite leave from playing.

LINK: http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=4784720

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I predict the sponsors will be back. Not tomorrow. Or next month. But soon, once Tiger resumes play and starts winning again.

Right now it's a good PR move for them to sever ties, and with Woods not playing, they aren't exactly losing anything. Win-win.