HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Gatorade is discontinuing its line of Tiger Woods sports drinks, but the brand insists the decision was made well before the golfer became the center of an infidelity scandal.
"We decided several months ago to discontinue Gatorade Tiger Focus along with some other products to make room for our planned series of innovative products in 2010," Gatorade spokeswoman Jen Schmit said Tuesday in a statement.
The Woods-branded beverage debuted in March 2008, with sales volume of Tiger Focus down 34 percent this year through October.
Woods, 33, has been under the microscope ever since a single-car accident outside his home on Nov. 27. The accident came two days after the National Enquirer published a story alleging that the PGA star was having an affair with a New York nightclub manager named Rachel Uchitel.
Since the first affair allegation, several more women have stepped forward claiming to have engaged in sexual trysts with Woods, including former VH1 Tool Academy contestant Jaimee Grubbs.
Last week, the world's No. 1 golfer admitted to "transgressions," but did not elaborate in a statement released on his Web site.
"I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart," said Woods. "I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone."
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