LeBron James signs deal with Sprite

ATLANTA - LeBron James has signed a six-year marketing deal with Powerade and Sprite. Financial terms were not disclosed. <br> <br> Coca-Cola Company, the parent company of both drink brands, has stopped running Sprite ads featuring Kobe Bryant, who is charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado. Company spokesman Scott Williamson said today that the deal with James -- this year&#39;s Number one pick -- was ``unrelated to Kobe Bryant&#39;s situation.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> James has already secured over $100 million in endorsement deals, including a $90 million contract with Nike in May. The Coke deals comes a week after sports-drink company Gatorade pulled out of negotiations with the Cleveland Cavaliers. <br> <br> James twice was named Gatorade&#39;s player of the year, and it had been assumed he would become one of its pitchmen, following in the footsteps of his idol, Michael Jordan. <br> <br> His new deal with Powerade and Sprite will include advertising, promotions and appearances. <br> <br> James said in a statement, ``I have been drinking Sprite and Powerade for a long time. I have always admired the way Sprite and Powerade spoke to young people and athletes, and I can&#39;t wait to be a part of it.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> In addition to the Nike deal, James has signed a six million dollar contract with Upper Deck trading cards. <br> <br> The 18-year-old Akron, Ohio, basketball star entered the NBA draft out of high school. He has a $13 million contract with the Cavaliers.