Stokes rocked by contract termination
England star Ben Stokes has had his contract with sports manufacturer New Balance terminated.
Stokes earlier yesterday apologised to Katie Price and her disabled son Harvey after a video emerged of the England all-rounder impersonating the pair.
The video came to light shortly after Stokes was placed under investigation by police after being arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last month.
New Balance said in a statement: “New Balance does not condone behaviour by our global athletes that does not match our brand culture and values, and therefore we have ended our relationship with Ben Stokes, effective October 11, 2017.”
It was announced last week that Stokes would not travel to Australia with the rest of the England squad for this winter’s Ashes series as he waits to learn whether he will face criminal charges over the Bristol incident.
The 26-year-old, England’s vice-captain, has not been ruled out of the five-Test series which starts on November 23, but the England and Wales Cricket Board will not consider him for selection until further notice as it awaits developments in the ongoing investigation by police.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is considering an appeal by Middlesex over the points deduction which contributed to their County Championship relegation.
Middlesex were docked two points for a slow overrate during their Division One match against Surrey in August – a match which was abandoned when a crossbow bolt was fired into The Oval.
Middlesex were subsequently relegated by one point after losing their final match of the season to Somerset, who stayed up with the victory.