Nike Terminates Ryan Braun Contract Following Biogenesis Related Suspension

Nike has terminated its contract with suspended Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, according to ESPN.

Major League Baseball announced the former National League MVP’s suspension for the remainder of the season late last month after he was implicated in the ongoing Biogenesis Clinic performance enhancing drug scandal. In all, Braun will be banned for 65 games.

KeJuan Wilkins, a spokesman for the world's largest shoe and apparel maker, acknowledged Friday that the company no longer has a relationship with Braun. Braun has been wearing Nike shoes and batting gloves for his entire seven-year major league career.

In wake of his 2011 MVP season, the company also began selling "Big Bat Like Braun" and "Braun Owns Milwaukee" T-shirts in local stores. The 29-year-old third baseman has now lost nearly every endorsement deal he’s had, including deals with Wilson and Muscle Milk.  

Braun joins Michael Vick, who was dropped by the company following his dog-fighting conviction, and international track coach Trevor Graham, let go for his association with PEDs in 2006, as athletes who have been dropped by Nike. The company also later dropped cyclist Lance Armstrong following his admitted use of PEDs.

Nike later re-signed Vick upon his NFL return with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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