Adidas suspends Tyson Gay sponsorship contract in wake of positive drugs test
Adidas, the sportswear brand, has suspended its sponsorship of Tyson Gay, the former 100m world record holder, who tested positive for banned substances in a May drugs test, while speculation has mounted over his his other lucrative sponsorship deals.
Adidas, one of his five main sponsors of Gay, told The Drum that it has suspended its contract with the athlete as it awaits the results of the B test.
In a statement, the brand said: “Adidas and Tyson Gay have been partners since 2005 and during this time he has been a great ambassador for the sport of track and field and our brand.
"We are shocked by these recent allegations, and even if we presume his innocence until proven otherwise, our contract with Tyson is currently suspended.
"Adidas has a clear policy on doping and drug use each of the agreements with our athletes include a clear clause which states that the agreement shall be terminated by adidas if the athlete is found guilty of the possession or use of drugs or any other prohibited substance by the relevant governing sports body having jurisdiction over the athlete."
The athlete has not denied taking an illegal substance, telling the Associated Press: "I don't have a sabotage story. I don't have any lies. I don't have anything to say to make this seem like it was a mistake or it was on USADA's hands, someone playing games. I don't have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down."
His other sponsors, including Gillette, Omega, TDK, and EAS have not yet commented on the news.