Tiger Woods officially lost his first stripe yesterday as consulting giant Accenture formally cut its links with the disgraced golf great.
Accenture, which paid Woods an estimated $10 million to $15 million a year, is the first corporate sponsor to officially drop the now-toxic sports legend, whose sexual antics have destroyed his formerly squeaky-clean image.
“Given the circumstances of the last two weeks, after careful consideration and analysis, the company has determined that he is no longer the right representative for its advertising,” said the firm, which made Woods the cornerstone of its public image for the past six years.
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The company, which specializes in outsourcing services and consulting, built its entire marketing campaign around Woods.
“We know what it takes to be a Tiger” and “Go on. be a Tiger” had become Accenture’s slogans.
In another ad, the company proclaimed, “Famous not only for his success on the golf course, Tiger Woods is equally renowned for his work ethic, focus and commitment to continual improvement.”
Woods’ endorsers have lavished an estimated $110 million a year on him to tout products from razors to sports gear to soft drinks.
Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, said of Accenture’s move: “We are disappointed but respect their decision.”
The PGA Tour said it would have no comment.
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Woods is temporarily quitting golf in a bid to try to save his marriage to Elin Nordegren.
Gillette announced Saturday that it would stop running ads with Woods but has not formally severed its ties with him.
Almost every day brings new revelations:
* Tiger has sought shelter from the swirling sex scandal storm in his massive Yacht “Privacy” in Palm Beach, according to TMZ.com. which quoted unspecified “reports.” Alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel paid a visit to the Florida town on Saturday as well, but stayed at her family’s home, the site claimed.
* The lawyer for reputed escort Loredana Jolie, whose real name is Loredana Ferriolo, said her client received cash and baubles from Woods for what she described as sexless dates, denying reports that she wanted $1 million for her silence.
The lawyer also confirmed that Jolie, the 2002 Playboy “Cyber Girl of the Week,” dated actor Bruce Willis shortly before stepping out with Tiger.
* Radar Online reported that another Woods mistress, porn star Joslyn James, is wanted in the state of Washington for stiffing her 10-year-old out of $12,000 in child support.
* Michelle Braun, the former Hollywood madam who claims she provided girls for Woods “about a dozen times,” told “Geraldo At Large” that Woods liked them young and hot.
He “had a particular type — college cutie girl next door, young, under 25, preference for natural [breasts] — or if implants, on the smaller side — blonde,” she said.
While Accenture no longer wants to be associated with Woods, other brands have adopted a wait-and-see stance.
Electronic Arts, which has sold a Tiger Woods video game for a decade, said it is sticking with him, as did AT&T.
Nike and Gatorade have not run ads featuring Woods since Nov. 29 but say they have not dropped him.
With Post Wire Services