MIAMI, (Reuters) – Fans and colleagues of golfer Tiger Woods yesterday lamented the stunning fall from grace of one of the world’s sporting titans, and commercial sponsor Gillette said it would limit his role in its marketing.
The announcement by Procter & Gamble’s Gillette, which had featured the world’s No. 1 golfer in its razor ads, was an early sign the sex scandal engulfing Woods was already taking its toll on his marketability as a global sports idol.
Gillette said it respected Woods’ surprise announcement on Friday that he would take an “indefinite break” from professional golf. Woods, 33, confessed to “infidelity” in his marriage to his Swedish wife Elin Nordegren as allegations of multiple extra-marital affairs rocked his life and career.
While wishing the best for Woods, who has two small children, Gillette said: “As Tiger takes a break from the public eye, we will support his desire for privacy by limiting his role in our marketing programs.”
Other major commercial backers have said they are standing by him, but AT&T, while also expressing support for Woods and his family, said it is evaluating its relations with him.
Commercials featuring Woods — who has won 14 major titles and 71 PGA Tour events, was the first athlete to earn $1 billion and is believed to be the wealthiest sports personality in the world — have disappeared from prime-time TV.
Sports business commentator Rick Horrow told CNN golf had “lost a billion-dollar juggernaut.” He said Woods had been unable to defend his carefully protected private life from the media-fuelled onslaught of sleazy allegations against him.
“It’s the most recognizable guy in the world coming up against the Internet age,” he said.
Nevertheless, several of Woods’ biggest celebrity endorsement sponsors, which include Nike, PepsiCo’s Gatorade and Electronic Arts, say they continue to support their commercial icon.
As commentators tried to count the cost of Woods’ absence from the PGA Tour and the multibillion-dollar world of golf, reactions from fans poured in to his website, many supportive.
“Tiger, we’ll miss you very much. Come back soon!”, one supporter wrote. “Tiger, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday. Enjoy your time off,” said another, referring to Woods’ upcoming 34th birthday on Dec. 30.
‘GOLF NEEDS HIM’
As the world watched open-mouthed, Woods’ carefully cultivated image crumbled in the short space of two weeks as a parade of up to 13 women — from cocktail waitresses to porn stars — came forward to say they had had flings with the married father of two.
On his website on Friday, Woods admitted for the first time to “infidelity” after earlier admitting “transgressions.” He did not mention specific affairs, but asked for forgiveness and said he would leave golf for an indefinite period “to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person”.
Sports fans and pundits are asking just how “indefinite” Woods’ absence from the golf circuit will be, given big-draw events next year like the San Diego Open in January, the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in June and the British Open at St Andrews in July — the last two his favourite venues.