Founder
In the past, we have seen many Nike-sponsored athletes seen their contracts removed after major incidents.
Almost a half-decade back, we saw then-Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick have his contract terminated after his dogfighting scandal. He eventually re-joined Nike after he redeemed himself with the Philadelphia Eagles. Along with Vick, others have followed with their relationship with Nike coming to an end, such as Lance Armstrong when he revealed that he was doping.
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun has now joined that list.
Nike's spokesman Kajuan Wilkins tells ESPN that Braun has officially been removed from Nike after Major League Baseball suspended the Brewers left fielder for 65 games. Braun was one of the many MLB players involved the in the league's Biogenesis scandal.
Braun had been sporting Nike apparel since being in the major leagues seven years ago. The company recently was selling two types of T-shirts featuring Braun in stores and online. Now, all of that is gone.
ESPN notes the other endorsements Bruan has lost for his involvement with performance-enhancing drugs in the past two years:
- Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip canceled its "Lunch With Ryan Braun" promotion.Major League Baseball is scheduled to reveal a major list of players that will be suspended -- or even banned lifetime -- for their involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.
- Although Wilson sold a Braun game-model glove this year, his name is no longer listed on the company's website. A representative from Wilson could not immediately be reached.
- Braun's deal with Muscle Milk was not renewed last year.
- Braun's name is still on a restaurant, Ryan Braun's Graffito, in Milwaukee. Omar Shaikh, co-owner and president of the SURG Restaurant Group, which owns the establishment, said he could not comment on the status of the relationship with Braun.
