Racket Sponsor Backs Maria Sharapova Despite Failed Drug Test
Maria Sharapova was tested positive at the Australian Open for Meldonium, a drug she said she had been taking since 2006.
Maria Sharapova's racket supplier says it is planning to extend its sponsorship deal despite the five-time Grand Slam champion admitting to failing a doping test. (Maria Sharapova 'Should be Punished', Says Rafael Nadal)
Head CEO Johan Eliasch says Sharapova has made "a manifest error" by her continued use of meldonium after it became a banned substance this year, but adds there is no "evidence of any intent by Maria of enhancing her performance or trying to gain an unfair advantage."
Eliasch says his brand "is proud to stand behind Maria, now and into the future and we intend to extend her contract. We look forward to working with her and to announcing new sponsorships." (Top Sponsors Cut Ties)
Nike, TAG Heuer and Porsche suspended their commercial ties with Sharapova after she revealed her use of the drug for medical reasons Monday. (Maria Sharapova Says She Made a 'Huge Mistake' and Take Full 'Responsibility')