Maria Sharapova has been "suspended as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations" after the former world No. 1 admitted she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at this year's Australian Open, according to Simon Jennings of REUTERS. The U.N. Development Program, for which the five-time grand slam winner became a goodwill ambassador in Feb. '07, "suspended the Russian until the outcome of the investigation into her case is known." UNDP said, "In light of Ms. Sharapova's recent announcement, we last week suspended her role as a Goodwill Ambassador and any planned activities while the investigation continues. We wish Ms. Sharapova the best" (REUTERS, 3/15). In London, Les Roopanarine reported U.N. goodwill ambassadors are appointed on the basis that they are "persons of integrity" who "possess the personality and dignity required for such high-level representative capacity." However, article 28 of the U.N. guidelines for the designation of goodwill ambassadors and messengers of peace cautions that the arrangement will be terminated if the ambassador "engages in any activity incompatible with his/her status or with the purposes and principles of the U.N., or if the termination is in the interest of the organisation" (GUARDIAN, 3/15).
EVERT'S TAKE: In Sydney, Leo Schlink reported former U.S. tennis player Chris Evert claims former rivals were using performance-enhancing drugs -- "and escaped detection -- during her career as debate intensifies" over Sharapova's positive test. Evert "dropped a bombshell when she accused unnamed former players of doping, while also insisting current athletes are probably using illegal drugs." Evert said, "I know players on the women's tour who were using performance-enhancing drugs and we didn't even have drug testing" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 3/15). REUTERS' Larry Fine reported Evert's ESPN colleague Patrick McEnroe said that "players always look for an advantage." McEnroe said, "Players of course are going to look to get an edge, whether in how they train, or in how they eat and how they recover. Do I think it's a major problem in tennis? No, I don't. I think the testing is very tough in tennis" (REUTERS, 3/14).
SPONSOR SLAM: In Edinburgh, Mark Bryans reported Head's decision to extend its contract as racket sponsor of Sharapova has been labeled as "highly cynical" by former cyclist David Millar. Millar, himself a convicted drugs cheat, believes Head is "sending out the wrong message." Millar: "I think that's fairly irresponsible by Head and it's sending the worst possible message there is. There is no such thing as bad publicity. There is nothing at stake for them. Because of that, the powers above that are profiting from it continue to get away from it. Sponsors are profiting from it, they wouldn't sponsor Sharapova, or Lance Armstrong back in the day, if it wasn't of economical interest to them" (SCOTSMAN, 3/11).
