Nike, Racket Supplier Head To Stick By Disgraced Sharapova
VIENNA (CBSNewYork/AP) — Maria Sharapova's racket supplier reinforced its support of the five-time Grand Slam champion, one day after she was banned for two years for doping.
On Wednesday, Head CEO Johan Eliasch called the suspension imposed by an ITF anti-doping tribunal "a flawed decision," repeating his comment that the substance Sharapova tested positive for, meldonium, shouldn't be on WADA's banned list because of a lack of scientific evidence for its supposed performance-enhancing effect.
Eliasch said his company "will continue to stand by Miss Sharapova."
Earlier, Nike also announced its continued support for Sharapova after initially putting their long-term deal on hold in March, when she revealed she failed a doping test at the Australian Open in January.
The sportswear giant said in a statement Wednesday: "We hope to see Maria back on court."
Sharapova has said she will appeal the suspension.
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