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Nike, Racket Supplier Head To Stick By Disgraced Sharapova

VIENNA (CBSNewYork/AP) — Maria Sharapova's racket supplier reinforced its support of the five-time Grand Slam champion, one day after she was banned for two years for doping.

On Wednesday, Head CEO Johan Eliasch called the suspension imposed by an ITF anti-doping tribunal "a flawed decision," repeating his comment that the substance Sharapova tested positive for, meldonium, shouldn't be on WADA's banned list because of a lack of scientific evidence for its supposed performance-enhancing effect.

Eliasch said his company "will continue to stand by Miss Sharapova."

Earlier, Nike also announced its continued support for Sharapova after initially putting their long-term deal on hold in March, when she revealed she failed a doping test at the Australian Open in January.

The sportswear giant said in a statement Wednesday: "We hope to see Maria back on court."

Sharapova has said she will appeal the suspension.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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