Report: McDonald's not extends contract with Bryant

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, January 18, 2004

Report: McDonald's not extends contract with Bryant

The McDonald's confirmed Friday that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's three-year contract with the fast food company expired on December 31, ESPN reported on its website.

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The McDonald's confirmed Friday that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's three-year contract with the fast food company expired on December 31, ESPN reported on its website.

"We wish Kobe all the best in his endeavors and we will maintain an open dialogue with him in the future," said John Lewicki, director of sports marketing for McDonald's.

This is the second endorsement Bryant lost after he was accusedon July 1 of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado.

Endorsement deals with sports stars, like Bryant, are often extended by the companies that originally sign them.

In August, Ferrero U.S.A., who signed a two-year contract with Bryant to endorse its hazelnut spread brand Nutella in January of 2001 and extended it through January of 2004, did not renew Bryantwhen the deal came to an end.

"The last thing McDonald's needs is to have to wrestle with allthe questions out there while maintaining their relationship with Kobe," said Scott Becher, president of Sports & Sponsorships. "Ifthey had any interest in keeping the relationship alive, they wouldn't let him go like that, especially in the competitive fast food marketplace."

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