Maria Sharapova, who’s a five-time Grand Slam champion, announced that she tested positive for a banned sustance at a press conference in Los Angeles. She was tested at January’s Australian Open for Mildronate or Meldonium. Maria said that she has been legally this drug for ten years. The International Tennis Federation has announced that Maria will be suspended from playing tennis from March 12, which is in a couple of days from now. The Russian Tennis Federation has not given up hope on Maria as they said that they want her to play in the Olympics in Brazil this year. Since she has become a champion, Maria has signed endorsement deals with American Express, Avon, Evian, Porsche and Tag Heuer worth $30 million a year. Following her announcement, Nike has decided to suspend Maria as their brand ambassador. Nike signed Maria for a reported $70 million in an eight-year contract that ends in 2010. Maria also has her own clothing line with Nike.
Nike’s Statement on Suspending Maria Sharapova
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 will continue to monitor the situation.
Maria Sharapova’s Statement on Failing Drug Test
I take responsibility for my professionalism in my job and I made a big mistake. I know there will be consequences and I don’t want to end my career this way. I really hope I will be given another chance to play tennis again. I can’t blame anyone but myself. I have let my fans down.
Maria Sharapova on Retirement
I know many of you thought I was retiring but if I was ever going to announce my retirement it would probably not be in a downtown Lost Angeles hotel with this fairly ugly carpet.
Maria Sharapova on why she continued taking Mildronate
It made me healthy and that is why I continued to take it. It is very important for you to understand that for 10 years this medicine was not on WADA’s banned list and I had legally been taking the medicine for the past 10 years.
Maria Sharapova on her injury
I am still working through my injury and that is the reason I withdrew from Palm Springs, because I have still not healed my injury.
Maria Sharapova on the consequences of her failed test
This is very new for me, I just received the letter a few days ago and I will be working with the ITF.