Scandals 'part of the game' for Nike

Phil Knight, Nike's Co-founder and Chairman, has said scandals like those that have engulfed Tiger Woods in recent weeks are "part of the game" when it comes to commercial endorsements Nike signs with athletes.

According to Reuters, Knight said the company had carried out background checks on Woods before signing its deal, and the golfer "came out clean". However, Knight said the checks would not always be right and "there's always a risk."

"I think he's been really great", Knight said in an interview published on Monday by Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal, adding "when his career is over, you'll look back on these indiscretions as a minor blip, but the media is making a big deal out of it right now."

Woods has announced that he will be taking an "indefinite break" from professional golf.