Tennis star, Maria Sharapova is sadly joining the long list of athletes who have seen their careers quickly evaporate after being associated with the ultimate sin of doping.
In the case of Sharapova who has sustained the title of “highest paid female athlete” for 11 years in a row, the circumstances aren’t as dire, considering she wasn’t aware of the risk she was taking at the time.
The 28-year-old blonde – who has been revered for her looks as well as her sensational prowess on the courts – publicly admitted that she failed a drug test back in January.
The big reveal came as a shock to the tennis player’s sponsors who are rapidly distancing themselves from the woman they trusted with their globally viable brand.
Luxury brands like Nike, TAG Heuer and Porsche, have all decided to drop Sharapova after news made the headlines.
TAG Heuer was already banking on renewing the contract with their star athlete following its expiration in December 2015 – but those plans have come to a screeching halt until further notice.
Based on the fact that Sharapova didn’t intentionally take the banned substance, the International Tennis Federation may decide not to keep her suspended for the mandatory four years. But at this point only speculation will do since no formal announcement from the organization has been offered.
In the meantime, Sharapova will begin to serve her time off the courts beginning March 12.