TELECOMMUNICATION giant LIME yesterday refused to comment on its embattled brand ambassador, Asafa Powell.
Powell failed a drug test at the JAAA National Senior Championships after his sample returned traces of the banned substance oxilofrine (methylsynephrine), following his 100m finals on June 21 at the National Stadium.LIME has sponsored the athlete since 2005.“LIME reserves comment and awaits the outcome of investigations,” the company said in statement issued to the Business Observer.Powell, 30, had never before failed a drug test. It is hoped that his “B” sample will be tested by next week.LIME’s reaction is far different from the way Adidas handled news on Sunday of its star sprinter Tyson Gay returning a positive doping test. The following day, the sportswear giant suspended its sponsorship of Gay.“We are shocked by these recent allegations, and even if we presume his innocence until proved otherwise, our contract with Tyson is currently suspended,” Adidas said in a statement.The 30-year-old Gay, the American record-holder in the 100m, has been backed by Adidas since 2005.“During this time he has been a great ambassador for the sport of track and field and our brand,” Adidas, which is based in Herzogenaurach, Germany, said.The shoe and sports clothing maker is invoking the clause in Gay’s contract relating to doping.“Adidas has a clear policy on doping and drug use,” the company said. “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.”Gay, who won the 100 and 200m at US national championships last month, has said he will have his “B” sample tested soon, possibly as early as this week.Gay has pulled out of next month’s world championships in Moscow. He reportedly fought back tears as he spoke about his positive result on Sunday.“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,” said Gay. “I don’t have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down.”Powell did not qualify individually for the championships, but it was hoped that he would be a part of Jamaica’s sprint relay team. The man who has run nearly 90 sub-10-second races, more than any other human being, said his “attitude towards doping regulations and testing is well known, and I willingly give samples whenever requested”. The results has left him “completely devastated”, he said.Powell was among five Jamaicans who, it was announced, had failed doping tests after the National Trials.Additional reporting by The Associated Press(L-R) Powell… brand ambassador for LIME since 2005. Gay… brand ambassador for Adidas since 2005View the original article here
Tale of two sponsors: LIME reserves comment on Powell...
