Tiger Woods still ranks as top-earning U.S. athlete

Despite his troubles on and off the course, golfer Tiger Woods still ranked as the top-earning U.S. athlete in 2010, according to Sports Illustrated's annual "Fortunate 50" rankings. But the perennial leader's hold on the top spot is slipping. His biggest competitor on and off the course, Phil Mickelson, is gaining on him.

Woods pulled in $62.3 million in combined endorsement earnings, salary and winnings last year, according to SI. But his overall income took a major hit after the Thanksgiving 2009 car crash that ignited a frenzy over his extramarital affairs. Woods was dropped by sponsors Gillette, Gatorade, Accenture and AT&T. But still earned $60 million from others such as Nike, EA Sports, Upper Deck, TAG Heur and NetJets.

But if the injured Woods keeps going the way he's going, he won't be No. 1 for long. Mickelson was right behind him at $61.2 million in total earnings. LeBron James of the Miami Heat was a distant third at $44.5 million.

Here's the complete Top 10 list of highest-earning American athletes in 2010:
1) Tiger Woods: $62.3 million
2) Phil Mickelson: $61.2 million
3) LeBron James, Miami Heat: $44.5 million
4) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts: $38.1 million
5) Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees: $36 million
6) Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: $34.8 million
7) Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics: $32.8 million
8) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons, $32.7 million
9) Tom Brady, New England Patriots: $30 million
10) Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: $28.6 million