AT&T is latest to end Tiger Woods sponsorship

Golfer Tiger Woods

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. 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, which is based in Dallas, did not comment on its reasons for dropping Woods, or how much his contracts were worth. Woods has taken an indefinite leave from playing.

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

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.