Tag Heuer To Drop Tiger Woods From US Ad Campaigns

PORTLAND, Ore. — Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer said Friday that it will "downscale" its use of golfer Tiger Woods' image in its advertising campaigns for the foreseeable future.

The company said it will continue its relationship with Woods but is modifying its marketing programs in certain regions out of respect for his request for privacy.

How long the change last will depend on Woods' decision about returning to professional golf, the company said. Woods has been a pitchman for Tag Heuer since 2002.

The company said it will continue to support Woods' charitable foundation, which is based in Irvine, Calif.

After initially standing by Woods, the company moderated its support Monday by saying it would assess its relationship with the world's highest-earning athlete.

The Swiss company, a unit of luxury goods empire LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, is at least the third sponsor to back away from Woods since his admission of extramarital "transgressions."

Consulting firm Accenture dropped the athlete Sunday, saying he was "no longer the right representative" of the company's values. Gillette, a unit of the Procter & Gamble Co., said over the weekend that it won't air ads for its razors that include Woods or include him in public appearances. AT&T said it is evaluating its relationship with the golf superstar.

Woods has taken an indefinite leave from golf to work on repairing his marriage after numerous allegations of infidelities that surfaced following a November car crash near his Florida home.

Tag Heuer did not specify in which markets it was curtailing use of Woods' image.

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AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar reported on this story from Geneva, Switzerland.

Comments

[observerguy]

As a fan of Tiger Woods i hope he is safe (staying low as opposed to missing). Hard to know what fact from fiction right now.

I am glad many of you bloggers are not God and do not have to pass judgement on me for my sins. If the spotlight shun on us what would it show? Secret sex club member? How about affair with your boss or co worker?

My Advice to Mr Woods is if you are unhappy in this marriage be honest to your wife and separate. You do not have to create any image for me and many of your fans.

It is already out there what you have done so no point in paying anyone hush money. Come back to work as soon as possible as I cannot see any benefit in staying away (you know best off course). I believe this tragedy may serve you well in the long run. You will be a better man for it and I hope you realise who your friends are.

Personally I would dump the sponsors who have not fully supported you. They have taken a half hearted position hoping to capitalise on your comeback.

My biggest wish for you is that you find someone who really loves you for you. Maybe you may meet some Heiress who has more money than you and don't care for your wealth. You need to move away from these low class women.

[Okieborn]

My sixteen year old nephew had a question for me the other day !!
What happed to Tiger ?
I had no idea how to answer him !!