McDonald's cuts
ties with Kobe

Fast-food giant doesn't renew
sponsorship with rape suspect

Rick Wilking / Reuters file

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old Colorado woman last summer.

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updated 1:37 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2004

OAK BROOK, Ill. - Kobe Bryant lost his sponsorship deal with McDonald’s, costing the NBA star another endorsement while his sexual assault case proceeds in Colorado.

The fast-food company said Monday its three-year agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers guard expired Dec. 31 and was not renewed.

“It would be inappropriate to comment or speculate at this time about any future sponsorship relationship,” spokesman Bill Whitman said.

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Ferrero of Italy, the maker of Nutella chocolate spread, earlier chose to not renew Bryant’s endorsement contract.

Bryant, a five-time All-Star who helped the Lakers win three NBA championships, is averaging 22 points. He recently hurt his shoulder and could miss several weeks.

Bryant’s once-wholesome image has been damaged since a 19-year-old woman accused him last year of sexual assault. Bryant contends the sex was consensual.