"In Women's Tennis, I always root against the heterosexual."
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 ...
I think I’d have retired with the first 12 million and then I can take whatever I want.
she plays tennis?
She’s a Russian beauty but I’ve been told not very friendly. Too bad.
The drug linked to tennis great Sharapova has roots in Soviet military
SOURCE:
The obscure performance-enhancing drug that may have doomed tennis star Maria Sharapova’s career was developed for the Soviet military and used during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to maintain soldiers’ focus under stress, according to the drug’s inventor.
Sharapova announced Monday that she tested positive at the Australian Open for meldonium, which has been banned in competition since Jan. 1. The drug, which is not approved for use in the United States, is used to treat heart disease and other chronic conditions in Russia and Eastern Europe — but it was first developed in the then Soviet republic of Latvia at the height of the Cold War as a military tool.
It’s a matter of, time before Serina Williams. Gets caught in a failed drug test. But the media, and ESPN will cover for her and she’ll get a pass.
Excuse to get out of contracts they were stupid enough to give in the first place.
I’m sure Tiger Woods is still with nike.
Yikes...
"In Women's Tennis, I always root against the heterosexual."
>>she plays tennis<<
The only female tennis player who is hot AND actually won.
>>t’s a matter of, time before Serina Williams. Gets caught in a failed drug test. But the media, and ESPN will cover for her and she’ll get a pass.<<
They need to run a sex test on both the Williams guys.
My hat’s off to any professional athlete who is not on hot sauce. They are at a tremendous disadvantage.
It is all about getting caught.
Deny, deny, deny. Get caught. Apologize.
RE: So... she’s really Elizabeth, in real life?
I’m a little slow ... who on earth is Elizabeth?
I think Serina is really a man!
OK except that is not Maria Sharapova.
Why don’t these companies apply the same strict scrutiny with regards to Drug Testing to the actual Broadcast Networks they Hire?? Any Employee or Independent Contractor fails and you don’t get our Advertising Revenue? I would love to see that. Put Hollywood right in their Place.
RE: OK except that is not Maria Sharapova.
It has to be her, I got it from her Wallpaper:
http://www.hdwallpaperscool.com/maria-sharapova-wallpapers/
It’s a matter of time before Serena Williams gets caught with a penis in her pants.
you know, because she’s a man and all.
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