By
AFP-Relaxnews
AFP-Relaxnews
Published
Mar 8, 2016
Mar 8, 2016
Nike suspends ties with Maria Sharapova
By
AFP-Relaxnews
AFP-Relaxnews
Published
Mar 8, 2016
Mar 8, 2016
Nike has suspended ties with tennis player Maria Sharapova following a major drug scandal that has the sports world reeling.
The Russian tennis champion said Monday she failed a drug test at the Australian Open, testing positive for Meldonium, a drug that can enhance stamina. Sharapova said she's been taking the drug for health reasons over the last decade.
Meldonium became a banned substance as of Jan. 1 of this year.
In 2010, Sharapova extended her sponsorship deal with Nike for eight years for a reported $70 million, in a deal that included her own line of clothing.
The tennis player also has lucrative endorsement deals with American Express, Avon, Evian, Porsche and Tag Heuer.
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