Tiger Woods became the first athlete to earn $1 billion -- so his planned break from golf to deal with the fallout from what he admitted was "my infidelity," could fuel a major financial hit.
Today, Gillette said that, for now, it would be phasing out Woods from its ads.
"As Tiger takes a break from the public eye, we will support his desire for privacy by limiting his role in our marketing programs," Gillette said in a statement, via The Associated Press.
Woods seemed to acknowledge on his official Web site Friday evening that he expected a tough road professionally, as well as personally, as a result of his decision "to take an indefinite break from professional golf" in order to repair his marriage.
In his statement, he asked his associates "including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding."
The Woods team has been in touch with Woods' sponsors as the scandal has swirled around him, said Mark Steinberg, Woods' agent.
it would be both premature and inappropriate to comment on the status of specific business relationships," Steinberg said in a prepared statement. "Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue.
Nike and EA Sports late Friday suggested they are making no changes regarding their relationships with Tiger.
"Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade," Nike spokeswoman Beth Gast said. "He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf. He and his family have Nike's full support."
"We fully support Tiger's decision to step away from competitive golf to focus on his family," said the PGA statement, which the AP attributed to Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem. "His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family's request for privacy. We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him."
The PGA's statement was its first public comment since Woods mentioned his "personal failings" on the Web Dec. 2, shortly after the circumstances surrounding his Nov. 27 car crash sparked a wave of reports claiming extramarital affairs.
"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children," he wrote Friday. "I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try."
The announcement came after new reports that the golfer paid for sex with prostitutes and that Woods and Nordegren are considering an escape to Sweden to plan their next move. Swedish newspapers last week confirmed that Nordegren had purchased a $2 million home on an island off Stockholm, reachable only by boat.
"Again," he added, "I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."
Neither Woods' statement nor Steinberg's offered a timetable for Woods' return to golf.
"The entirety of someone's life is more important than just a professional career," Steinberg added. "What matters most is a young family that is trying to cope with difficult life issues in a secluded and caring way. Whenever Tiger may return to the game should be on the family's terms alone."
Nordegren and Woods married in 2004. Together, they have a daughter Sam, 2, and a son Charlie, 10 months.
