| The car accident happened on Tiger Woods on | | | | but legally, Tiger is not required to speak to |
| Friday afternoon has coursed wild public concern, | | | | anyone. |
| all new reports about him followed fast, such as | | | | With that in mind, why should companies like Nike, |
| Tiger's alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel(photo | | | | Accenture, AT&T, Tag Hauer, Gillette, and |
| enclosed) etc. Now, people are doubting whether | | | | Gatorade even consider changing, or ending, their |
| Tiger Woods endorsements are safe. | | | | relationship with the man who is one of the most |
| The 2009 Sports Illustrated Fortunate 50 List | | | | iconic figures in sports? |
| reported that Tiger Woods' total earnings were | | | | Sure, if the circumstances surrounding Woods's |
| down about $28 million last year, but for the | | | | car cash change in the coming days or weeks, |
| sixth-consecutive time he topped the list by | | | | companies might reconsider their association with |
| bringing home an estimated $99,737,626. To put | | | | Tiger accordingly. But as Florida Highway Patrol |
| that number in perspective, Phil Mickelson came in | | | | Sgt. Kim Montes said in a statement, "Contrary to |
| a distance second with and estimated | | | | various media reports, the Florida Highway Patrol |
| $52,950,356, while LeBron James is is reported to | | | | has not made any comments regarding the details |
| have made $42,410,581. | | | | of the ongoing crash investigation involving Tiger |
| As CNNMoney's David Goldman wrote in an | | | | Woods as it relates to medical information, or any |
| excellent article Monday afternoon, Tiger's | | | | other aspect of this investigation." |
| sponsors are standing by him, and will likely | | | | So don't look for Fortune 500 companies to start |
| continue to do so. Here's why: Tiger has not been | | | | changing their marketing plans simply because |
| formally charged with anything. Tabloids and | | | | Tiger Woods is the target de jour of tabloids. And |
| pundits are writing that Woods needs to address | | | | to Tiger's fans, stand by Tiger as usual. |
| the rumors that are swirling around the Internet, | | | | |