Maria Sharapova’s marketing agreement comes to a halt following a failed drug test

It hasn’t been good news for Porsche and their brand ambassador, famed tennis star Maria Sharapova.

According to a recent statement from Porsche and a report from USAToday, Sharapova failed ad rub test and was found to have been taking a drug recently listed as a banned substance in January for over 10 years.

The prescription was for Melodonium, one used to treat her magnesium deficiency and combat her family’s history of diabetes. However, officials recently ruled that the substance can also “boost endurance and help recovery” if taken by athletes when they perform.

So it’s not necessarily a bad thing that her contract has been suspended, Porsche said it was just to further assess the situation and avoid further action until they figure out what’s going on.

On another note however, it was said TAG Heuer decided not to renew their contract with her either. Sharapova has ties with Nike as well, but they’re apparently sitting on the sidelines to see what further action will be taken.

Sharapova has been a brand ambassador for Porsche for almost three years.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Porsche, USA Today