Nike chief backs Woods 15/12/2009 |
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Nike chairman and co-founder Phil Knight has reiterated the company’s support for Tiger Woods, saying his current problems will be seen as a “minor blip” once the golfer’s career is over.
Woods is taking an indefinite break from the sport to try to save his marriage after a string of revelations about his private life, including claims of extra-marital affairs.
Woods admitted “infidelity” last week but Knight believes the scandal is “part of the game” for companies signing endorsement deals.
Knight said that Nike did background checks on Woods before signing its massive sponsorship deal with the world No1, revealing he “came out clean”, but admitted “there’s always a risk” for brands attaching themselves to individuals.
Knight told Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal: “I think he’s been really great. When his career is over, you’ll look back on these indiscretions as a minor blip, but the media is making a big deal out of it right now.”
Meanwhile, Tag Heuer has said it is undecided about whether to keep backing Woods, despite comments from a spokesman recently that his personal problems were “not our business”.
Vice-president of communications Francoise Bezzola said on Monday (Dec 14): “We remain with the same attitude, which means that for time being we have no comment. What is in the reports is not the official position.
“We are not announcing that we will keep Tiger and we are not announcing we will drop Tiger Woods. We are still considering it and we haven’t taken a decision yet.”
Accenture has stated that it is ending its six-year relationship with Woods, while Gillette has said it will “limit” his role in its marketing.
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