Following the PED suspension of Fernando Tatis Jr, Adidas has ended its 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 had been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, meaning he won’t play until after the start of the 2023 season. Not only that, but some signs featuring his likeness at Petco Park were removed, and a promotional bobblehead day was removed.
The fallout was far from over, as Adidas announced it had ended its partnership with Tatis. A spokesperson for the brand revealed the news to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
Adidas ends partnership with Fernando Tatis Jr. after PED suspension
Tatis joined Adidas in 2020 and even received his own signature shoe.
The Padres were expected to return from the injured list to join their team for the final stretch of the season as they seek to clinch a playoff berth. Instead, they were notified of Tatis’ suspension.
Tatis spoke to the media on August 23, the first time since the suspension, where he again expressed remorse for his positive PED test. The shortstop claimed the positive test came from taking a skin medication he received from his home in the Dominican Republic.
In the aftermath, he announced that he was going to undergo surgery on his left shoulder. Back in the 2021 season, Tatis dislocated his shoulder at least four times but chose not to have surgery.
Tatis is dealing with the consequences of his suspension. Not only will he miss the rest of this season, the start of next season and the World Baseball Classic next March, but his partnership with Adidas is now over.
