Adidas Drops Tatis Jr. in Wake of 80-Game PED Suspension

DETROIT, MI – JULY 27: Fernando Tatis Jr’s. fame extended far beyond San Diego. A fan held up a sign asking the Padres infielder for an autograph at the end of a game between in Detroit last month. At Comerica Park in Detroit. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire)

Padre Fernando Tatis Jr. continues to face the consequences of his 80-game suspension for use of a performance-enhancing drug as a major company severed ties with him.

ESPN reported that Adidas had dropped Tatis. A company representative acknowledged the development, telling ESPN, “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.”

Tatis, 23, both talented and charismatic, attracted a bevy of endorsements quickly, from Adidas (see the February company tweet featuring the star shortstop, below), which launched a shoe, Ultra Boost DNA, for him, to Gatorade and Dairy Queen.

He also snagged the coveted cover spot on the popular “MLB The Show 21” video game.

Goin’ Yard, Cruisin’ Home @tatis_jr #adizero #adidasBaseball #Baseball pic.twitter.com/rQVIGkLW2D

— adidas Dugout (@adidasDugout) February 18, 2022

Baseball announced Tatis’ suspension Aug. 12 for use of the banned substance, Clostebol. He said he used the drug unknowingly as part of a treatment for a skin condition.

Tatis, who had been nearing his return from a fractured wrist when the suspension came down, met with teammates at Petco Park Tuesday and spoke to the media.

“I know I have a lot of love I have to gain back, and I have a lot of work to do,” he said. “It’s going to be a very long process to gain everybody’s trust.”