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Tiger Woods, Nike End Partnership After More Than 27 Years

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12 months ago

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nike

Tiger Woods has gone from saying “Hello, world,” to saying goodbye to Nike.

Woods capped months of speculation by announcing on Monday that the 27-year connection between golf’s biggest star and the powerful Swoosh brand is ending, raising worries about both’s future in the sport.

In a social media message, Woods hailed Nike co-founder Phil Knight for his “passion and vision” in bringing them together when he became a professional.

“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said in a statement. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever.”

“I guess, hello world, huh?” a 20-year-old Woods said during the Greater Milwaukee Open.

Two days later, Nike debuted the “Hello, World” campaign and Woods lived up to the expectations. Within eight months, he had four wins, including the historic Masters victory that made him the first golfer of Black origin to win a major.

“It was time for the next chapter,” Steinberg told the Associated Press. “What an amazing run. Excellent partnership.”

Nike also took to social media, captioning a shot, “It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”

“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, and the old school way of thinking,” read the caption on the Nike post. “You challenged the entire golf industry. You challenged us. Most importantly, focus on yourself. And for that task, we are grateful.”

Woods signed a five-year, $40 million contract when he turned pro. Most people in the industry, except Nike and his father, found the money startling at the time.

“Chump change,” the late Earl Woods once said, and he was proven right. In 2001, Woods renewed the arrangement, which was reported to be worth more than $100 million. His 2006 eight-year contract was believed to be worth $160 million, and his most recent contract was inked in 2013 for a reported $200 million.

As well-known as any athlete in the world, Woods became the face of Nike Golf and had his own “T.W.” brand.

Woods established records on the golf course, becoming the youngest to complete the Grand Slam at 24, the only player to hold all four major titles simultaneously, and winning the U.S. Open by 15 shots, the greatest margin in major golf history.

However, there were indicators of a strained relationship in recent years. Woods returned from his February 2021 car accident, which damaged bones in his right leg, wearing FootJoy shoes, stating that it felt better given his injury.

Woods wore them until last month’s PNC Championship, where he played with his son – Nike has a long history of producing shoes.

Tiger Woods, Nike End Partnership After More Than 27 Years

When asked about his contract with Nike, Woods said, “I’m still wearing their product,” and fiercely reiterated the statement when asked whether this was the end of the arrangement.

More than just a face, Woods unknowingly supplied pivotal moments for Nike, none more so than his 2005 Masters victory, when he hit a pitch from behind the 16th green that rolled up the slope and back toward the hole. The ball dangled on the edge for a full second, the swoosh visible, before dropping. It is still one of the most renowned moments from golf’s most-watched tournament.

Woods was also filming a commercial one year when he started bouncing the golf ball off his club between takes. This led to a situation in which he bounced the ball off the club, between his legs, and behind his back before striking it in mid-air.

“Throughout the course of our partnership, we have witnessed, along with the rest of the world, how Tiger not only redefined the sport of golf but broke barriers for all of sport,” the company said in a statement. “We saw him break records, question traditional wisdom, and inspire generations of people around the world. We are thankful to have been a part of it. We wish him well in the future.”

Woods has 15 major championships, trailing only Jack Nicklaus (18), and 82 PGA Tour triumphs, tied with Sam Snead. However, he has been handicapped in recent years by five back operations, broken ligaments in his repaired left knee, a 2021 automobile accident, and age. He turned 48 at the end of last year.

Tiger Woods, Nike End Partnership After More Than 27 Years

Nike supported him as his personal life disintegrated in 2009 due to adulterous affairs, and his schedule was severely limited due to leg and back ailments. Woods miraculously recovered from fusion surgery to win the Masters in 2019, his fifth green jacket.

Nike has also shown signals of winding down its golf business. It opted to exit the hard goods market in 2016, causing Woods to use new clubs and golf balls.

Meanwhile, Nike indicated on a recent earnings call that it planned to slash $2 billion over the next three years, raising worries about how much it would continue to invest in golf.

The company still has a stable of golfers wearing its apparel, including the world’s number one player, Scottie Scheffler, who wears a “T.W.” brand shoe and Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda. Jason Day, a former No. 1 player, did not renew his contract this year and went to another gear business.

Woods has expressed optimism that he will be able to play once a month in 2024, beginning with the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles next month.

Steinberg stated that he was working on a new contract and that “I anticipate there could be an exciting announcement” at the Genesis Invitational.

Woods indicated the same thing.

“People will ask if there is another chapter,” Woods said in his post. “Yes, there will be another chapter. “See you in L.A.!”

SOURCE – (AP)

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Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

Published

9 hours ago

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2024-12-21

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Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

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Business

Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

Published

1 day ago

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2024-12-20

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Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

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Business

Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

Published

2 days ago

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2024-12-19

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(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

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