Nike Brand Chief Leaves Door Open To Sharapova After Doping Scandal

Nike Brand President Trevor Edwards said that the company, which suspended ties with Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova after she failed a drug test, believes that "disgraced athletes can redeem themselves," according to Emma Thomasson of REUTERS. Edwards said, "Each time those situations happen, you are saddened and disappointed. At the same time, there are many athletes that inspire us." Edwards, a 53-year-old from Britain, "has held his position since 2013 and is seen as a contender" to succeed CEO Mark Parker one day. Earlier this month, Nike suspended its sponsorship of Sharapova, however, Edwards hinted that Sharapova "could return to the Nike fold, as the company allowed U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin to do after he twice served doping suspensions." Asked about Sharapova, he said, "At the end of the day, athletes are humans just like the rest of us, and they have the same frailties that the rest of us have. And sometimes those moments become teaching moments" (REUTERS, 3/17)