Nike Continue To Back Banned Sharapova
Written 1 year ago by Will O'Callaghan
One of Maria Sharapova’s sponsors has given their backing to the tennis star despite her 2-year ban from the sport.
Nike say they’ll continue their partnership with the former world number one, after a tribunal ruled she didn’t intentionally break the rules.
In a statement on Wednesday night, it said that it had decided to continue working with Sharapova.
“The ITF tribunal has found that Maria did not intentionally break its rules. Maria has always made her position clear, has apologised for her mistake and is now appealing the length of the ban. Based on the decision of the ITF and their factual findings, we hope to see Maria back on court and will continue to partner with her,” read the statement.
Sharapova’s racket provider Head never wavered in its support of her, citing her as a “role model and woman of integrity” at the time of her failed test and proceeding to extend her deal.
And in a statement, the manufacturer’s chairman Johan Eliasch said: “Based upon the evidence provided by Miss Sharapova, WADA and by Dr Don Catlin, the Chief Science Officer of the Banned Substances Control Group, it appears that the ITF have made their decision based upon a flawed process undertaken by WADA that clearly highlights how WADA have broken their own rules in determining whether or not meldonium should be banned.
“We believe, based on the facts and circumstances provided to us, that is is a flawed decision. Head will continue to support Miss Sharapova.”
Sharapova described the two-year suspension on Wednesday as “unfairly harsh” and says she will lodge an appeal to CAS.
“While the tribunal concluded correctly that I did not intentionally violate the anti-doping rules, I cannot accept an unfairly harsh two-year suspension,” Sharapova wrote on Facebook.
“The tribunal, whose members were selected by the ITF, agreed that I did not do anything intentionally wrong, yet they seek to keep me from playing tennis for two years.
“I will immediately appeal the suspension portion of this ruling to CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
She added: “I intend to stand for what I believe is right and that’s why I will fight to be back on the tennis court as soon as possible.”
WADA, who could appeal to CAS in a bid to increase the length of the ban, said it would “review the decision, including its reasoning” before deciding whether to make such a move.
Responding to the news, WTA chairman Steve Simon said: “It is important at all times for players to be aware of the rules and to follow them.
“In this case, Maria has taken responsibility for her mistake from the outset. The WTA supports the process that the ITF and Maria have followed.
“The ITF has made its ruling and, under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, the decision may be appealed to the Court Arbitration for Sport. The WTA will continue to follow this closely and we hope it will be resolved as soon as possible.”
Sunday Times tennis correspondent Barry Flatman doesn’t think she’ll return to the top level.
Image – Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac
