Tiger Woods infidelity and quitting golf may cost him in the long run

Tiger Woods infidelity and quitting golf may cost him in the long run. Many Tiger Woods sponsors are currently evaluating their Tiger Woods ads and what they might do with Woods in the future, and some are pulling ads involving Tiger Woods completely.

Tiger Woods statement acknowledges that he knows this is a big problem and that he has a long rough road ahead trying to repair the damage. And at this point, no one knows how much damage will be ultimately be done.

Here is the complete Tiger Woods statement made Friday night:

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.

AT&T supports Woods' decision to take a break from golf, but the company stated Friday, "We are presently evaluating our ongoing relationship with him."

Gillette made a statement Saturday saying that, it would be phasing out Tiger Woods from their ads.

On Friday, Nike and EA Sports released a statement that suggests they are not making changes in their relationship with Tiger Woods:

"Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade," Nike spokeswoman Beth Gast said. "He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf. He and his family have Nike's full support."

"We respect that this is a very difficult, and private, situation for Tiger and his family," EA Sports statement read. "At this time, the strategy for our Tiger Woods PGA Tour business remains unchanged."

Tiger Woods agent, Mark Steinberg said in a prepared statement:

"Although there has been considerable inquiry about Tiger's sponsorships, it would be both premature and inappropriate to comment on the status of specific business relationships," Steinberg said. "Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue. Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately, the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept."

Tiger Woods has been under intense media focus for the past two weeks. A few days before Thanksgiving, the National Enquirer released a story about an alleged affair of Tiger Woods and Rachel Uchitel, and the story didn’t get much fan attention until after Woods crashed his car the day after Thanksgiving. Then multiple stories of Tiger Woods alleged affairs appeared and women came out with statements. To see the complete list of Tiger Woods women that he allegedly had affairs with (with photos, click here.

A few days later Jaimee Grubbs came forward with her story of an affair with Woods, and she offered proof with a voicemail from Tiger Woods and over 300 text messages from him. A few hours later, Woods released a statement on his website saying that he had hurt his family with his transgressions. To read the full Tiger Woods statement, click here.

Tiger Woods had his third knee surgery in Park City, Utah on April 15, 2008, and took two months off. He was determined to play in the US Open and win...which he did on June 14, 2008, much to everyone's amazement less than two months after his knee surgery. He was in pain during the US Open, as shown in this Associated Press photo. After the US Open, Tiger Woods took additional time off to let his knee heal.

To see the Tiger Woods voicemail song video, click here.

Sources: ABC News and the Associated Press