Pursuits
Nike Sticks With Tennis Star Sharapova After Drug Suspension
Maria Sharapova prepares to serve during her women's singles match against Serena Williams of the US on day nine of the 2016 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 26, 2016.
Photographer: Paul Crock/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Nike Inc. is sticking with star Maria Sharapova after the International Tennis Federation suspended her for two years for using a performance-enhancing substance.
“The ITF Tribunal has found that Maria did not intentionally break its rules,” Nike said in an e-mailed statement. “Maria has always made her position clear, has apologized for her mistake and is now appealing the length of the ban.”