Woods ditched by third sponsor

Dropped ... Tiger Woods

DRINKS firm Gatorade has become the latest sponsor to drop sex cheat golf ace Tiger Woods.

The decision to end the reported $100million five-year deal, signed in 2007, comes a week after the shamed star made a lengthy public apology for his infidelities.

Gatorade are the third major sponsor to drop Woods, following on from communications firm AT&T and consultants Accenture.

"We no longer see a role for Tiger in our marketing efforts and have ended our relationship," a Gatorade spokeswoman said. "We wish him all the best."

The spokeswoman added that Gatorade would continue to work with the Tiger Woods Foundation.

She declined to say whether his contract was terminated early because of trouble with his public image.

Gatorade discontinued its Tiger Woods-brand drinks in November, a decision made before the 34-year-old's marital problems became known.

"We have been in discussions with Gatorade, and while we are disappointed they have decided to not continue with Tiger in their marketing plans, we appreciate their continued involvement with Tiger through his foundation," Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg said.

The companies that have stuck most closely by Woods, sportswear giant Nike and computer games firm Electronic Arts, reiterated their support for him last week when the golfer made his public apology.

Others, such as Gillette and Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer, removed him from the forefront of their marketing.

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