Article: Companies adopt wait-and-see stance on hoop star's sex case.(Business)

Byline: GREG GATLIN

Companies that have endorsement deals with Kobe Bryant are sitting on the sideline as the basketball star accused of sexual assault begins what could be a lengthy legal fight.

Earlier this week, the maker of Nutella sandwich spread said it would phase Bryant out of its marketing plans and not renew a $500,000-a-year contract, citing "recent developments." Nutella maker Ferrero has already dumped his image from its Web site.

But other companies that have deals with Bryant, including Nike, McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Spalding, have not cut ties, though they're not talking much about him, either.

Coke's Sprite brand was ...

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