GREENWOOD DITCHED BY NIKE WITHOUT PAY-OFF
MASON GREENWOOD was dropped from his Nike sponsorship deal without receiving a penny of compensation, it has emerged. The US sportswear giant said earlier this week that Greenwood ‘is no longer a Nike athlete’ after initially suspending their relationship following his arrest on suspicion of raping, sexually assaulting and threatening to kill an 18-year-old student. Sportsmail understands that a clause in his endorsement deal meant Nike were able to sever all ties without paying the 20-year-old any compensation due to reputational damage and loss of commercial value. Greenwood was due to sign an improved contract with Nike next year, and the decision to drop him may cost the player millions. He may even have to give back some of this year’s earnings if they were paid upfront. United are contractually bound to continue paying Greenwood’s £75,000 a week salary despite suspending him. They have said that he will not play or train until further notice. ‘Greenwood’s player contract says he can only be suspended for 14 days on full pay,’ said Joseph Lappin, head of employment at UK law firm Stewarts. ‘Greenwood appears free to return to training after 14 days even if the police investigation is still ongoing. ‘However, I don’t expect that to happen. Manchester United may say that for as long as a police investigation and criminal prosecution remains live they have the power to continue the suspension.’ United must now wait to see if Greenwood is charged before deciding their next move.