Olympics idol Marion Jones must return 700,000 she earned as winner in the 2000 til now Olympics. Someone has

Question

Taken her home worth 2.5 million, her mother's home, and about everything else she has. Now what I'd like to know is: The endorsements she's already been paid for. While she may have to reimburse them for a portion of the money she earned, unless she signed a contract indicating she was not using drugs of any kind, I don't believe they can take that money back. But, if she put it into her and her mom's homes and someone got them in judgment she is back to being broke. And still owing $700Grand. Now, she is retired, but if she gives a yrs notice that she wants back in she can get in in 2009 or 10. I don't see this gal working at Hardee's. So what are her options besides boxing with other infamous souls??

Answer 1

You are correct that endorsement money would not have to be retuned unless there was a special "morals" clause in the endorsement contract. If the contract has already been completed it is unlikely the company could get any money back. The company would have received the value of her name at the time the contract was carried out. Any current contract, though, could be in question.
As for what she can do for a job, I guess this provides a good example of why you should get a good education and learn a trade even if you're a star athlete!! I foresee a book, possibly a movie, a lot of talk shows and possibly a speaking tour. I don't see her flipping burgers, either.

Answer 2

Endorsement contracts invariably have a "good moral character" clause in them. If she violated that clause, she broke the contract, and the endorsers are entitled to their money back.

At her age, in her sport, I'm afraid she's likely looking at Celebrity Squares and the like.

Richard

Answer 3

She shouldn't have to return any endorsement money, because she fulfilled those contracts. She let the companies sell products using her name. Obviously any current endorsements would be justifiably ended. I do agree with her having to pay back the prize money.