The Anatomy Of A Corporate Divorce, Tag Heuer Edition

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So I see Tag Heuer is spending the next few weeks "assessing" its deal with Tiger. My question to the one of thousands of corporate crisis counselors out there: is this first step designed to soften the blow when the inevitable Tag-Tiger divorce happens, or is it to generate two publicity cycles instead of just one if there was a clean break?
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Stevie: "He has never not committed himself to the media. He’s been great and he makes one mistake and they run all over the guy. I think he will be very cautious with the media when he comes back, and rightfully so."

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Grumpy Stevie Williams can't stop talking to microphones about how awful the people pens and pads have been for reporting on his friends' "problem."

Brian Keough reports on the latest Stevie briefing with Sky Sports:

Williams said: “I feel deeply sorry for the guy. In the 10 years I have caddied for this guy, he has been thoroughly gracious with the media.  He has never not committed himself to the media. He’s been great and he makes one mistake and they run all over the guy. I think he will be very cautious with the media when he comes back, and rightfully so."

Branded an "enabler" by elements of the American media, Williams denied all knowledge of Woods' extra curricular activities.

He also unwittingly revealed Tiger's strategy from now on: Be seen to make an effort to patch things up with Elin and then get back out on tour.

Williams said: "When he gets back to the tour and people have seen that has made an honest attempt to get back with his family, I think that’s important, I think they will heal a lot people’s...or change a lot of people’s perspective of it. Tiger is human. We all make mistakes in life."

Tiger Indefinite Leave Clippings, Vol. 3

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Just another quite weekend in Tigerland with Accenture dropping the golfing great and widespread reports of a child services visit to the Woods home. Most media coverage continued to focus on his Friday statement and the ensuing corporate response, along with (finally) some thoughts about long term ramifications for the PGA Tour.
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Accenture Drops Tiger Campaign After Six Years And Still No Discernible Idea What The Company Actually Does

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But they were cool airport ads while they lasted...


However, 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. Accenture said that it wishes only the best for Tiger Woods and his family.

Accenture will continue to leverage its “High Performance Business” strategy and “High Performance Delivered” positioning in the marketplace. The company will immediately transition to a new advertising campaign, with a major effort scheduled to launch later in 2010.

Guess this means we no longer have to say the Accenture WGC Match Play is a guranteed appearance on his schedule?

More SNL On Tiger, Tim Finchem**

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The opening sketch is brilliant...

Tim Finchem, Geoff Ogilvy among others were hauled into this Woods saga, with a nice Bernie Madoff connection too:

Wanda Sykes also opened her show with a great skit, but because Fox has some weird video player I refused to download. It'll be on YouTube soon, hopefully. If you want to risk downloading their suspicious player, the episode is here.

Tiger's Indefinite Leave Clippings, Vol. 1

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Before we get to the initial reactions to his take-out-the-trash-day statement, I must say that if nothing else, the admission of infidelity and the decision to take a leave provided the most striking example of the tabloids' accuracy. Perhaps this will put an end to the hilarious "Tweets" from golf writers preaching to their limited followings about the sheer outrage of blogges citing tabloids as legitimate news sources and daring to cover this tawdry, ugly, nasty...GOLF story.
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Tiger To "Indefinite Leave" From Professional Golf**

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A statement posted on his website Friday afternoon, December 12th:

I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.

I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.