US sports brand Nike and the leading sports game company EA sports issued statements on Thursday, saying they were concerned about their company’s sponsored athlete, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was accused of raping an American woman many years ago.
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Ronaldo was accused of raping an American woman Kathryn Mayorga, but he strongly denied the allegation on his Twitter.
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US sports brand Nike and the leading sports game company EA sports issued statements on Thursday, saying they were concerned about their company’s sponsored athlete, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was accused of raping an American woman many years ago.
Ronaldo was accused of raping an American woman Kathryn Mayorga, but he strongly denied the allegation on his Twitter.
However, a Nike statement writes, "We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation."
Except for Nike, the leading sports game company EA sports also read, "we have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo. We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values."
However, a Nike statement writes, "We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation."
Nike and Ronaldo have been working together for 15 years since 2003. The football star renewed his contract with the company last time in 2016, allegedly valued US$1 billion. Ronaldo also hinted that this was a lifelong contract.
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Except for Nike, the leading sports game company EA sports also read, "we have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo. We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values."
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The athlete transferred from Real Madrid CF to Juventus FC for €112 million this summer, the fourth team to play for his career.
Is Ronaldo's fame and effort going to be ruined for the allegation? All should wait and see.
Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record.
The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft will continue her association with Nike by signing a $28 million contract that spans eight years and includes a signature shoe.
The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations between the sportswear giant and Clark's agents.
Excel Sports Management, which represents Clark, declined to comment. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Clark's initial name, image and likeness deal, signed in 2022, expired at the end of the 2023-24 season.
The new deal would be the richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player.
Under Armour and Adidas also participated in contract discussions with Clark's team in February, according to the WSJ and Athletic. Puma also showed some interest but walked away when told the bidding would start at $3 million per year, according to the WSJ.
Clark received offers of $16 million over four years from Under Armour and $6 million over four years from Adidas, with both including a signature shoe, according to the WSJ.
Clark earned about $3 million in NIL money at Iowa with deals she has had with State Farm, Gatorade and others, according to On3.com.
Clark's agents were working on the new Nike contract even before she announced she would turn pro instead of return to Iowa for a fifth season under the COVID-19 exemption offered to players in college during the 2020 pandemic season.
After averaging 31.6 points and leading the Hawkeyes to a second straight national championship game, Clark was drafted No. 1 by the Indiana Fever on April 15. She'll earn a $76,000 salary as a rookie.
She's been the main driver for the dramatic uptick in women's basketball interest with her mix of deep 3-point shots, flashy thread-the-needle passes and overall court presence. A women's basketball-record 18.9 million viewers watched Iowa's loss to South Carolina in the NCAA title game, and a WNBA-record 2.45 million watched the draft.
Of the Fever’s 40 games this season, 36 will be nationally televised, and ticket sales have skyrocketed around the league.
Her marketability is enhanced by her polished performances in media settings, and her surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” two weeks ago was widely acclaimed and exposed her to an even wider audience.
The reported eight-year contract with Nike shows the sportswear giant's commitment. At 22, Clark could play well over a decade in the WNBA and she could be on the U.S. roster for the Olympics in Paris this year, in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane, Australia, in 2032.
AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark reacts during an interview during the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
A customer looks over Caitlin Clark merchandise in the Indiana Fever team store in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The Fever selected Clark Clark as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA basketball draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark holds her jersey following a WNBA basketball news conference, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say
