Posted on 03/08/2016 8:45:57 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Maria Sharapova's sponsors are quickly distancing themselves from the tennis star after after she said she tested positive for the recently banned drug meldonium. Nike was first to suspend its deal with the Russian athlete. That deal was worth at least $12.5 million a year, her most lucrative contract.
UK-based sports marketing and sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie told Business Insider the deal was worth an estimated $100 million over eight years Nike's biggest deal for a female athlete. There were most likely bonuses tied into the deal too, though no details on these have been published.
Sharapova is the world's highest-paid female athlete, earning $29.7 million in prize money and endorsements between June 2014 and June 2015, according to Forbes.
In a statement, Nike said: "We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova. We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues. We continue to monitor the situation."
The Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer announced it would not renew its deal with the 28-year-old.
A TAG Heuer representative sent Business Insider this statement: "Maria Sharapova was under contract with Tag Heuer until December 31[st,] 2015. We had been in talks to extend our collaboration. In view of the current situation, the Swiss watch brand has suspended negotiations."
The relationship had gone back since 2004.
Porsche announced on Tuesday it was also suspending its deal.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
Finally, after years of seeing images of Martina Navratilova.
RE: She says she was unaware that the law had changed, Im giving her the benefit of the doubt,
As do I. How would one know what substances are or are not considered legal if they don’t make an announcement?
Question — was it not illegal before? If so, you cannot punish someone for a rule that was enacted recently.
There has to be a GRACE PERIOD after you make the rule so that athletes can be warned.
Maria and Serena have been long time off the court enemies, having both dated the same guy, Dimitrov.
Serena has skated on quite a few drug tests, as she is Jehovah Witness, etc., etc.,
You can park anywhere you like too.
It does make one wonder what their high-paid doctors are doing to earn their pay.
“Shes a Russian beauty but Ive been told not very friendly. Too bad.”
Yes, we have one back in our drafting department. Looks good but personality of a brick. Gets real bent out of shape when I ask her if she is from “the Ukraine”?
Oh well, at least I’m not married to her!!
I’ve always referred to them as the Williams brothers!!!
Hey, Maria, how about a Casio?
The drug in question is not a steroid. It was only banned two lousy months ago. How do we draw the line. Why is this no good, but caffeine is fine? Why are supplemental vitamins okay? They can be performance enhancers. I don’t know what the answer is, but it isn’t testing for every health supplement under the sun.
LMAO!!
EVERYONE is with you.
I'll have what she's having...
No offense my friend but this a job for Laz. I’m sure he would hit it.
Yes, rules! Rules.....
Shoulda stuck to creatine.
She is on a well-deserved suspension.
Imagine, a Russian caught cheating. What a shock.
So the announcement was made today: tomorrow is the BROWN - SOCK match. Heeheeheee. Made ME chuckle.
If those spoiled brats had ANY sense of humor there would be BROWN SOCKS flying all over Roland Garros tomorrow.
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