Trenton, NJ (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant, who is being charged with one count of sexual assault in Eagle, Colorado, will have one less endorsement deal on his resume.
The maker of Nutella chocolate spread said Monday that it will not renew its endorsement deal with Bryant in part because of the legal trouble that has surrounded the Lakers' superstar.
Ferrero, an Italian company with U.S. headquarters in Somerset, NJ, said it has discontinued all promotions involving the Los Angeles Lakers guard. The contract officially expires in January 2004.
The 24-year-old Bryant is due to appear in court on August 6 at which time he will be formally advised of the charge against him.
The charge that Bryant is facing is considered a Class III felony and the penalties range from four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.
Bryant was the NBA's second-leading scorer last season, averaging a career- high 30 points to go along with 6.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He has won three world championships with the Lakers.
http://sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/ACN2724547.htm
The maker of Nutella chocolate spread said Monday that it will not renew its endorsement deal with Bryant in part because of the legal trouble that has surrounded the Lakers' superstar.
Ferrero, an Italian company with U.S. headquarters in Somerset, NJ, said it has discontinued all promotions involving the Los Angeles Lakers guard. The contract officially expires in January 2004.
The 24-year-old Bryant is due to appear in court on August 6 at which time he will be formally advised of the charge against him.
The charge that Bryant is facing is considered a Class III felony and the penalties range from four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.
Bryant was the NBA's second-leading scorer last season, averaging a career- high 30 points to go along with 6.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He has won three world championships with the Lakers.
http://sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/ACN2724547.htm
