Nike yesterday said it "will continue to partner" with Maria Sharapova, despite her recently announced two-year suspension for failing a drug test, according to the AP. In March, when Sharapova announced she failed a drug test, Nike said it had ''decided to suspend" its relationship with her "while the investigation continues.'' But Nike also said it would "monitor the situation" (AP, 6/9). In N.Y., Tom Perrotta wrote Nike had suspended its contract "pending the results of her hearing." Yesterday it lifted that suspension, noting that the ITF tribunal had "found that Sharapova did not intentionally break anti-doping rules" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/9). The AP's Eric Willemsen notes racket supplier Head today reinforced its support of Sharapova, one day "after she was banned for two years for doping." Head Owner & CEO Johan Eliasch said that the suspension was a "flawed decision," and that meldonium, the substance Sharapova tested positive for, "shouldn't be on WADA's banned list." Water company Evian followed Nike and Head by saying they will "continue to back" Sharapova. But Avon today announced it "would not extend" an expiring partnership with Sharapova. The company said that its decision "had nothing to do with Sharapova's doping ban" (AP, 6/9). In London, Ahmed & Odell wrote carmaker Porsche said that it would wait for the outcome of Sharapova’s appeal against the ban "before making a final decision on its deal with the player." It "had previously suspended activities" with Sharapova, including the release of a TV advertising campaign in which she was featured, but said it was maintaining contact with the tennis player and her representatives.
Watchmaker TAG Heuer had a contract with Sharapova that ended in '15, but it "stopped negotiations on renewing the partnership following news of the failed drugs test." Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver said, "We now have some time and, as she has [been] suspended for two years, we are not in a hurry any more to sign a new contract today or this month. We will see later what we are going to do" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 6/9).
'POWERFUL MESSAGE': The BBC reported former Great Britain Fed Cup captain Judy Murray said that Sharapova's two-year drugs ban has sent a "powerful message" to drug cheats. Murray said Sharapova's punishment made it clear "that there's not going to be any hiding place for drug cheats." Murray said it would be "very tough" for the Russian to return to the pinnacle of her sport following the conclusion of her ban. Murray: "You can continue to train, to keep fit but losing match fitness ... that's what helps you win. It will be very difficult for her to come back at 31, almost 32." Sharapova's former coach, Gabe Jaramillo, said that "the player would be determined to ensure her career ended on a good note." He said, "She doesn't want to leave the game with this thing over her head. I bet you she wants to leave the game on a good note and she is going to try her best to get back there again and, if I have to bet, I would bet that she will make it again. Because she's not going to give up" (BBC, 6/9).
