Following Fernando Tatis Jr’s PED suspension, Adidas ended their partnership with the San Diego Padres shortstop.
San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is dealing with the fallout from his performance enhancing drug suspension. Earlier this month, MLB announced that Tatis was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, meaning he will not play until after the 2023 season starts. Not only that, but some signs featuring his image at Petco Park were removed, and a promotional bobblehead day was pulled.
The fallout was far from over, as Adidas announced that they have ended their partnership with Tatis. A spokesperson from the brand revealed the news to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
Adidas has ended its partnership with Fernando Tatis Jr.
From a spokesperson for the company: “We believe that sport should be fair. We have a clear policy on doping and can confirm that our partnership with Fernando Tatis Jr. will not continue.”
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 26, 2022
Adidas ends partnership with Fernando Tatis Jr. after PED suspension
Tatis joined Adidas back in 2020, and even received his own signature shoe.
The Padres were expected Tatis to make his return from the injured list to join their team for the latter portion of the season, as they looked to clinch a playoff spot. Instead, they were informed of Tatis’ suspension.
Tatis spoke to the media on Aug. 23, the first time since the suspension, where he again expressed remorse for his positive PED test. The shortstop claimed that the positive test came from taking a skin medication he received from his home in the Dominican Republic.
In the process, he announced that he will be undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Back in the 2021 season, Tatis had that shoulder dislocated at least four times, but opted against getting surgery.
Tatis is dealing with the consequences of his suspension. Not only will he miss out on the rest of this season, the start of next season, and the World Baseball Classic next March, his partnership with Adidas is now over.
