Nation : ‘Maturing’ Retton Dumped, Sues

Gymnast Mary Lou Retton, whose Olympic-sized grin is used to symbolize wholesome American sports, is suing a sponsor for dumping her as a spokeswoman because of body changes “caused by her maturing as a woman.”

Retton, 20, was under a four-year contract signed in 1985 with the National Bowling Council and the Bowling Proprietors Assn. of America, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court. The organizations ended the agreement in June “on the ground that Mary Lou Retton, due to changes in her physical image caused by her maturing as a woman, was no longer a suitable spokesperson,” the suit complained. The suit seeks $250,000 in damages.