After being banned of playing tennis for two years, Maria Sharapova released an official statement in regards to her suspension. It was revealed that the 29 year old tennis player was prohibited to play in the court for two years after it was discovered that she was using meldonium.
In defense to her suspension Maria Sharapova released an official statement on her Facebook page where she discussed the International Tennis Federation's decision in placing her on suspension. She mentioned that IFT concluded that her drug (meldonium) consumption was unintentional.
"Today with their decision of a two year suspension, the ITF tribunal unanimously concluded that what I did was not intentional," part of her statement read. "The tribunal found that I did not seek treatment from my doctor for the purpose of obtaining a performance enhancing substance."
Maria Sharapova then added that the International Tennis Federation originally asked the tribunal to suspend her for four years which is the required number of years for any intentional violation. It was however rejected as she was only suspended for two.
Sharapova's suspension was reduced after a unanimous decision from the tribunal. It was concluded that her consumption of meldonium was purely unintentional. Though it was already concluded that she did not use the drugs to boosts her game, she still believed that the two year suspension was "unfairly harsh." Maria Sharapova then added that she will soon make an appeal for her suspension to be cut short.
Maria Sharapova's suspension made a huge impact on her career as most of her sponsors were cut in half. According to BBC, the IFT Tribunal formally announced that Maria Sharapova's suspension will be rescued in half.
Despite her reduced suspension some of the products she endorsed including Avon and Tag Heuer decided to cut their ties with her. Other major brands such as Nike decided to her stick with her. While Porsche will palace her endorsements on hold until the final verdict is released.
