Nike has decided to suspend their professional relationship with Maria Sharapova in light of the recent news that Sharapova failed a drug test at the Australian Open, which was revealed to the public at a news conference held by the 28-year-old on Monday.
Sharapova Reveals She Has Failed A Drug Test
In a surprise press conference held on Monday afternoon, Maria Sharapova took to the podium in front of the media at a downtown Los Angeles hotel to announce that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open. Sharapova tested positive for Meldonium, an anti-ischemic drug that was recently banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) this past January. The Russian explained that she had been prescribed this medication from her family doctor since 2006 for health reasons, such as a common and repetitive case of the flu and a family history of diabetes. However, as of January 1st, the drug had been deemed prohibited by the WADA and despite being informed about the new prohibition, Sharapova never realized Meldonium had been added to the list, and continued to take it while in Australia.
The former world number one expressed her disappointment, explaining that she takes full responsibility for her big mistake, and hopes to be given another chance to play the game she has played since the age of four.
Nike Suspends Relations with Sharapova
In a statement released Monday evening, less than twelve hours after Sharapova revealed that she had failed a drug test in January, Nike said they "are saddened and surprised about the news" and have consequently decided to suspend their professional relationship with the five-time Grand Slam champion while the investigation continues. The sports apparel giant has also stated that they will continue to monitor the situation until a decision has been reached by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Sharapova's Long History with Nike
Though Sharapova has had a number of lucrative endorsement deals, nothing compares to her endorsement deal and ventures with Nike. After being signed in 2001, Sharapova has gone on to design her own clothing line for the sports apparel giant as well as star in a number of advertisements. In 2010, the Russian extended her contract with Nike until 2018 for a whopping $70 million paycheck, and has been named the highest paid female athlete according to Forbes for an astounding eleven years, more than Serena Williams whom she has never beaten since late 2004.
Sharapova's Suspension Sparks Major Controversy with Nike
For more than a decade, Sharapova has been the face of Nike as their biggest female athlete in terms of endorsement deals, but the abrupt decision to suspend their professional relationship has sparked a major debate among tennis fans and sports fans alike.
Hope Solo, an American goalkeeper and two-time Olympic gold medallist, was arrested and charged for two counts of assault against her half-sister and nephew in June of 2014, but those charges were dropped nearly six months later. In 2012, Solo also failed a drug test, but was allowed to play in the Olympics, which is a big question mark for Sharapova as of right now. Through it all, Nike continued to endorse Solo, who was actually allowed to compete professionally until the end of 2014.
Manny Pacquiao has also been thrown into the mix with many arguing that it took Nike weeks before they decided to end ties with Pacquiao over derogatory comments that the world-boxing champion made about the LGBT community, while Sharapova was suspended immediately.
In Sharapova's case, it is evident that this was done unintentionally, yet Nike suspended their endorsement deal just hours later. At the same time, it is worth noting that other Nike athletes who have done questionable things or have tested positive for a banned substance in the past have either stayed with the sports apparel giant, or their contracts were suspended or terminated just weeks or months after the incident(s), which is currently the center of major controversy in the sports world today.
