15 Times Sponsors Dropped Athletes Overnight
Sometimes, a single mistake—or even just bad press—can cost athletes millions as sponsors cut ties instantly.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Sponsorships are a major source of income for top athletes, but they come with strings attached. One misstep, controversy, or scandal can send brands running, leaving athletes in financial and reputational freefall. Here are 15 times sponsors abruptly pulled the plug on athletes, proving that fame and fortune can vanish in an instant.
1. Tiger Woods – Scandal Costs Him Millions
Paddy Briggs on Wikimedia Commons
After news broke of his extramarital affairs in 2009, brands like Gatorade, Accenture, and AT&T swiftly distanced themselves. Woods lost an estimated $22 million in endorsements within months.
2. Lance Armstrong – Doping Revelation Ends It All
Ricadus on Wikimedia Commons
Once a beloved cancer survivor and cycling icon, Armstrong’s world crumbled when he admitted to doping in 2013. Sponsors like Nike, Trek, and Anheuser-Busch wasted no time severing ties.
3. Michael Phelps – Bong Photo Fallout
Eric Draper on Wikimedia Commons
A leaked photo of the swimming legend using a bong in 2009 sent shockwaves through the sports world. Kellogg’s dropped him almost immediately, citing the image as a bad fit for their brand.
4. Maria Sharapova – Failed Drug Test Ends Deals
Doha Stadium Plus on Wikimedia Commons
In 2016, Sharapova tested positive for meldonium, a banned substance, leading to suspensions and lost sponsorships. Nike, Porsche, and TAG Heuer quickly distanced themselves.
5. Oscar Pistorius – Conviction Erases Endorsements
Kastom. on Wikimedia Commons
The former Paralympic hero was dropped by Nike, Oakley, and other sponsors after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 2013. Once a symbol of triumph over adversity, Pistorius saw his career and endorsements vanish overnight.
6. Colin Kaepernick – Political Protest Sparks Divisions
WOWyerrr on Wikimedia Commons
While Nike stood by him, other sponsors were wary after his 2016 national anthem protests. Some brands quietly distanced themselves, fearing backlash.
7. Ray Rice – Video Ends NFL Career and Sponsorships
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hughes Wikimedia Commons
After a video surfaced of Rice assaulting his fiancée in an elevator, his sponsors—including Nike and Vertimax—immediately bailed. The Baltimore Ravens cut him, and he never played in the NFL again.
8. Ryan Lochte – Rio Olympics Scandal Backfires
Ryan Lochte on Wikimedia Commons
The Olympic swimmer lied about being robbed in Brazil during the 2016 Games, sparking global backlash. Speedo, Ralph Lauren, and Airweave quickly abandoned him.
9. Aaron Hernandez – Murder Charges Lead to Instant Fallout
Jeffrey Beall on Flickr
The New England Patriots tight end was charged with murder in 2013, and sponsors fled immediately. As the shocking case unfolded, Puma, CytoSport, and Muscle Milk cut ties.
10. Kobe Bryant – Assault Allegations Tarnish Image
Cpl. Megan Stiner on Wikimedia Commons
When Bryant was accused of sexual assault in 2003, McDonald’s and Nutella dropped him. Though he was never convicted, his reputation took a hit, and only some sponsors returned after the case was settled.
11. Hope Solo – Controversial Comments Cost Sponsorships
Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State on Wikimedia Commons
After calling Sweden “cowards” following the 2016 Olympics, Solo was suspended by the U.S. Soccer Team and lost key sponsors. Nike and other brands distanced themselves, citing poor sportsmanship.
12. Adrian Peterson – Child Abuse Charges Lead to Losses
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elisia V. Gonzales, USN on Wikimedia Commons
Peterson faced backlash after being charged with child abuse in 2014, leading to lost deals with Nike and Castrol. The Minnesota Vikings briefly suspended him, further damaging his brand.
13. Jon Jones – Repeated Drug Test Failures Sink Deals
United States Senate Democrats on Wikimedia Commons
The UFC fighter repeatedly tested positive for banned substances, causing major brands to flee. Nike and Reebok ended deals after multiple scandals.
14. Rashard Mendenhall – Controversial Tweets End Partnership
Tom Cool on Wikimedia Commons
The former NFL running back lost his endorsement deal with Champion after making controversial remarks about Osama bin Laden’s death. His tweets were deemed insensitive, and the backlash was immediate.
15. Kyrie Irving – Anti-Semitic Controversy Costs Him Millions
Erik Drost on Wikimedia Commons
In 2022, Nike dropped Irving after he promoted an anti-Semitic film on social media and refused to apologize initially. His defiant stance alienated fans and sponsors alike.