New York ? AT&T Inc. said Thursday it would no longer sponsor Tiger Woods, joining Accenture in dropping support for the world’s top golfer, who’s taking a break from the sport to focus on his marriage after his admitted infidelity.

The phone company hasn’t used Woods’ image extensively in advertising, but its logo appeared on his golf bag. That deal had been billed as a “multiyear” agreement when it was signed early in 2009, after Buick ended its endorsement one year early because of its financial woes.

Woods also has been the host of the AT&T National PGA Tour event since it started in 2007. Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said that since Woods is on indefinite leave from professional golf, he will not serve as host for the 2010 event. However, his Tiger Woods Foundation will continue to be the beneficiary of the AT&T National, under a contract that runs through 2014, Votaw said.

AT&T said it would continue to sponsor the event.

Woods won the 2009 AT&T National in July at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. The AT&T National is moving to Aronimink Country Club outside Philadelphia the next two years as Congressional prepares to host the 2011 U.S. Open.

AT&T also has been the presenting sponsor of the annual Tiger Jam concert event in Las Vegas, but that contract has expired, according to AT&T spokesman Michael Coe.

AT&T, which is based in Dallas, did not comment on its reasons for dropping Woods, or how much the relationship was worth.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Meyer hid health woes

New Orleans — Florida coach Urban Meyer says he tried to cover up the reason for his hospital visit following the Southeastern Conference championship game because he didn’t want to alarm his family or football team.

Speaking at a Sugar Bowl news conference Thursday, Meyer refused to answer several questions about his health. But he did address discrepancies between his wife’s 911 call and what Florida officials initially said prompted his hospital stay.

Meyer says he “didn’t want it to get out at all.” He says he wanted to protect his children and his players, even if it meant “not coming clean with full details about something very personal.”

School officials said Meyer was treated and released for dehydration.

Arkansas suspends three

Memphis, Tenn. — Arkansas suspended three players Thursday — including two defensive starters — for unspecified violations of team rules. The Razorbacks face East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday.

Linebacker Wendel Davis, safety Matt Harris and wide receiver Marques Wade are not expected to play. Davis is the team’s second-leading tackler. Harris is third.

An athletic department spokesman confirmed the suspensions shortly after the Razorbacks finished addressing the media Thursday.

Coach supports James

San Antonio — A Texas Tech assistant who criticized Adam James in hopes of saving Mike Leach’s job said Thursday the son of the ESPN analyst has his support in the wake of the head coach’s firing.

Acting offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley stopped short, however, of saying whether he wants the sophomore wide receiver back next season.

“It’s on him and his family,” Riley said. “I can’t really comment on that because I don’t know. I can’t think about that right now. I got to be thinking about Michigan State.”

In a letter last week to Texas Tech administrators Riley called James “unusually lazy and entitled.” The school fired Leach on Wednesday after allegations that he mistreated James’ concussion.

NFL

TItans coordinator fined

Nashville, Tenn. — The NFL fined Tennessee defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil $20,000 on Thursday for verbal abuse of a game official for his sideline comments in the Titans’ 42-17 loss to San Diego on Christmas night. The Titans had just been flagged for roughing Philip Rivers when an official heard Cecil say something. The Titans were penalized another 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Broncos’ Stokley fined

Englewood, Colo. — The NFL has fined Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley $25,000 for making contact with an official that led to his ejection from last weekend’s game at Philadelphia. Stokley said he plans to appeal the fine. The 11-year veteran was upset over the lack of an interference call on a third-down play in the first quarter against the Eagles when his route was disrupted by a defender.

BASEBALL

Cubs, Byrd reach deal

Chicago — Outfielder Marlon Byrd agreed Thursday to a $15 million, three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. Byrd hit .283 with 20 homers and 89 RBIs last season for the Texas Rangers. and likely will take over in center from Kosuke Fukudome, who would move to right field full-time after the trade of Milton Bradley to Seattle.

Lowell has thumb surgery

Boston — Mike Lowell is expected to be ready for spring training after having surgery Wednesday on a thumb injury that derailed his trade from the Boston Red Sox to the Texas Rangers.

Tigers catcher arrested

Phoenix — Detroit Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and his younger brother, New York Yankees infield prospect Brandon Laird, were arrested following a brawl in the lounge area of Phoenix’s NBA arena, according to police. Phoenix police said Gerald Laird, 30, was cited for assault Wednesday night and 22-year-old Brandon Laird was cited for disorderly conduct.

BOXING

Tyson won’t face charges

Los Angeles — Mike Tyson and a photographer won’t face charges after their scuffle last month at Los Angeles International Airport, city prosecutors said Thursday.

The decision prompted authorities in Arizona to say they won’t pursue any probation violations against Tyson in a 2007 drug case. Los Angeles prosecutors found insufficient evidence to charge Tyson or photographer Tony Echeverria after they were arrested Nov. 11.