Maria Sharapova Joins List of Athletes with Failed Drug Tests

Maria Sharapova, the five-time Grand Slam winner, has admitted to having failed drug tests carried out at the beginning of the Australian Open in January, ESPN reports. “I take great responsibility and professionalism in my career every day. I made a huge mistake. I let my fans down. I let my sport down,” Sharapova commented.

(Image credit: El Sol de Chilpancingo)

The 28-year-old said  that she recently received a letter from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) informing her of the failed drug tests, but that the penalty is yet to be decided. Tennis’ governing body stressed that Sharapova would receive a provisional suspension from the sport until the matter is concluded.

Penalty Could Come Down to a Minimal Sanction

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John Haggerty, Sharapova’s lawyer, suggested that the ban could come down to a minor penalty if his client is found to have taken banned substances to mitigate her injuries. “When someone intentionally takes banned substance for performance-enhancing purposes, there is a four-year ban. If it is not done intentionally, the top end of the ban is two years. If there are mitigating circumstances – as I strongly believe there are here – there can be an even greater reduction, including eliminating sanctions.”

The reason for the failed drug tests comes down to her taking the drug meldonium (also known as mildronate) to help her cope with injuries – something that has been ever-present throughout her professional career. According to The Guardian, the drug helps with blood flow to different parts of the body, and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) reports there is “evidence of its use by athletes with the intention of enhancing performance.” The drug was not on the prohibited list for sportsmen until September 2015, while coming into effect on January 1, 2016. Seems like this case involves a matter of bad timing for the Russian-born player; she could have easily avoided taking the drug had she been more vigilant about the banned substances.

Sponsors Distance Themselves

Like with most scandals involving failed drug tests, corporate sponsors are quick to distance themselves from any association with the athlete involved. Sharapova had enjoyed lucrative personal deals with brands like: Prosche, Tag Heuer and Nike among others. BBC reports that she had a $70 million sponsorship agreement with Nike, however now that deal is jeopardized pending further investigation into the failed drug tests.

The American sportswear company issued a statement expressing their disbelief at the news, and that they have suspended their agreement with the tennis star. “We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova. We have decided to suspend out relationship with Maria while the investigation continues. We will continue to monitor the situation.”