Fading From The Leaderboard

Sponsors Not Altering Ad Plans As Tiger TV Spots Fade

The fallout surrounding Tiger Woods continues, as Nielsen data shows ads featuring Woods have not appeared on television since the days immediately following his Thanksgiving weekend car accident. Sponsors like Gillette and Nike claim they are not altering their advertising plans, but it is interesting to note no Tiger-centered spots aired during NBC’s coverage of his Chevron World Challenge last week. Meanwhile, Gatorade officials say the decision to phase out Tiger’s branded line of the sports drink has nothing to do with recent events and instead has been months in the making. Woods’ celebrity scores are beginning to slide, and market research expert Henry Schafer says Tiger’s prolonged silence “will ultimately have a negative impact on him.”

Changing Dugouts
Peter Gammons moving to MLB Net, MLB.com and NESN after 20-plus year stint at ESPN.

Drive Time Talk
Danica Patrick's arrival expected to provide NASCAR with much-needed jolt. 

One And Only  
Nolan Ryan breaks silence, says he is solely aligned with Chuck Greenberg's Rangers bid.

Roller Coaster Ride 
Great America theme park owner’s lawsuit threatens proposed 49ers stadium in Santa Clara. 

Bowled Over 
Texas top money maker in college football; SEC championship merchandise flying off the shelves in Alabama. 

Sneek Peak 
About 100 Jets and Giants season-ticket holders get a glimpse of new Meadowlands Stadium.

Tangled Up In Blue 
Frank McCourt in filing says trial is “creating a hardship for the Dodgers management.”

School's In Session 
IMG Intercollegiate Forum kicks off with discussion on the rising costs of athletics, one-on-one with Archie Manning.