BREAKING Tiger departure Contract Dee With Nike After…
In a stunning blow to the golf legend’s career, Nike announced Monday that it has terminated its endorsement deal with Tiger Woods after he crashed his minivan into a fire hydrant outside his Florida mansion for the second time in a decade.
“We are deeply disappointed by Tiger’s repeated and reckless behavior,” said Nike CEO John Donahoe in a press release. “We have always admired his talent and achievements on the golf course, but we cannot condone his actions off the course. Crashing his minivan again shows a lack of judgment and respect for himself, his family, and his fans.”
According to sources, Woods was driving his 2024 Toyota Sienna at a high speed around 2 a.m. on Sunday when he lost control and hit a fire hydrant, causing extensive damage to his vehicle and flooding his lawn. Witnesses reported hearing Woods scream “I’m sorry, Elin!” before exiting the minivan and fleeing the scene on foot.
Police later found Woods hiding in a nearby bush, wearing only his golf shoes and a Nike cap. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and violating his probation from his 2009 minivan crash, which was also triggered by a domestic dispute with his then-wife Elin Nordegren over his multiple affairs.
Woods, who has been struggling to regain his form and reputation since his first minivan crash and subsequent sex scandal, issued a statement apologizing for his latest incident and asking for privacy.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain and embarrassment I have caused to my family, my sponsors, and my fans,” Woods said. “I have been dealing with some personal issues and made a terrible mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am seeking professional help. I hope to return to the game I love as soon as possible.”
Nike, which has been sponsoring Woods since he turned pro in 1996 and has paid him more than $1 billion in endorsement fees, said it will donate the remaining balance of his contract to charities that support victims of domestic violence and drunk driving.
“We wish Tiger all the best in his recovery and his future endeavors,” Donahoe said. “We hope he can learn from his mistakes and become a better person and a better golfer. But we also hope he never drives a minivan again