Tiger Woods Rejects Internet Casino Sponsorship

Even though his extramarital affairs have cost him numerous sponsorships, golfer Tiger Woods denies he is talking to Internet casino operator Paddy Power about a $75 million deal.

Internet casino operator Paddy Power has offered troubled golf great Tiger Woods $75 million to sport its name, but Woods' representatives say he is not interested. Several of Tiger's long-time sponsors have deserted him in the wake of revelations of numerous sexual affairs behind the back of the golfer's wife, Elin Woods.

A spokesman for the Irish online bookmaker told Golfweek that Paddy Power had begun negotiations with International Management Group, Tiger's agents. He said talks had just started, but that Paddy Power is thrilled at the prospect of attaching the star power of Woods to the gambling brand.

"At this stage, when other sponsors seem to be ditching him, there's an opportunity there to step in," stated the rep. "But if it all comes off, it'll be the biggest sponsorship deal we've done by quite some way."

The deal would give Tiger an upfront payment of $5 million, and then continued payments based on tournaments entered and results of play.

However, Mark Steinberg of IMG denied negotiations were ongoing.

"We're not involved in any discussions to add to his sponsorship portfolio at this time," asserted Steinberg.

PGA officials also rushed forward to end any thought of pursuing the sponsorship, pointing out that the association's policy forbids players from any association with Internet casinos or other gambling ventures.

Tiger has been dropped by numerous sponsors since Thanksgiving, including Gatorade this week.