Gatorade Latest Brand to Cut Tiger
Gatorade, arguably one of the most popular sports energy drinks and the first brand to own the category, got in line with other brand sponsors and cut Tiger Woods today.
The drink made popular by Tiger's professional athlete predecessors like Michael Jordan, killed their partnership citing that they no longer see a role for the world's top-ranked golfer. This comes on the heels of a PR-framed apology for the sex scandal that has engulfed Tiger's life.
The company dropped the Tiger Focus sports drink before the scandal broke. In a statement, the company said, "We no longer see a role for Tiger in our marketing efforts. . . . However, our partnership with the Tiger Woods Foundation will continue. We wish him all the best."
Gatorade, which is the third sponsor to cut marketing ties with Woods, got in line with AT&T and Accenture.
Tiger, who is in rehabilitation and remains on a self-imposed break from the game, had no public comment on the Gatorade news.
However, Tiger's agent, Mark Steinberg, told the San Francisco Chronicle via email, "While we are disappointed Gatorade has decided to not continue with Tiger in their marketing plans, we appreciate their continued involvement with Tiger through his foundation."
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