Nike is the latest sponsor to cut ties with Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun in the wake of his suspension for steroids, ESPN reports.
Nike announced through a spokesman that its relationship with Braun was over. The news follows the outfielder's decision to accept a 65-game suspension from the MLB for his involvement with Biogenesis, the South Florida anti-aging clinic that allegedly distributed performing-enhancing drugs to athletes.
"Braun had been wearing Nike shoes and batting gloves for his entire seven-year major league career, and the company recently began selling 'Big Bat Like Braun' and 'Braun Owns Milwaukee' T-shirts in stores," ESPN wrote on Friday.
The 29-year-old has lost a slew of sponsors since his name was first linked to performance-enhancing drugs two years ago. Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip ended its "Lunch With Ryan Braun" promotion, Wilson Sporting Goods removed his name from its website and his deal with Muscle Milk wasn't renewed last year.
The status of a restaurant he co-owns, Ryan Braun's Graffito, is uncertain uncertain after the co-owner declined to comment on his current relationship with Braun.
Nike recently cut ties with Lance Armstrong after he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. The company also cut ties with track coach Trevor Graham in 2006 for his association with performance-enhancing drugs and NFL star Michael Vick in 2007 for his funding of a dog-fighting ring.
Braun became the first player disciplined in the MLB's investigation of Biogenesis. He accepted a deal from the MLB which effectively ended his season.
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," Braun said in a statement, via USA Today Sports. "I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions."
