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Monday, November 30, 2009 | 11:47pm
[RANT] Serena Williams Fined 82G’s: A Victim of the Anti-Fly Tennis Aristocracy
Serena’s $82,500 fine and 2 year probation a bill for the white tennis machine’s years of frustration with her swagger
Monday, The International Tennis Federation handed down a historic “sentence” choosing to fine tennis star, Serena Williams a record $82,500 and place her on two-years probation in the wake of her profanity laced tirade at September’s U.S. Open. If Serena would have another “major offense” at a Grand Slam during her probation her fine would jump to $175,000 and she would be suspended from the the subsequent U.S. Open.
Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock stated that a “major offense” under Grand Slam rules is “any conduct that is determined to be the ‘major offense’ of ‘aggravated behavior’ or ‘conduct detrimental to the game.’” There is no specific definition of what sort of actions constitute a “major offense.”
Lets get one thing straight. Serena William’s behavior when she cursed out the feeble linesperson on National TV at the 2009 U.S. Open was inexcusable. But did the ITF commit just as heinous an act by chosing such a harsh punishment? The talk at the water cooler late today and tomorrow was and will be whether the punishment fit the crime.
While the media would have you believe otherwise BOTH of the Venus sisters have been the epitomy of good sportsmanship and professional conduct. The incident remains an isolated eye soar on the otherwise spotless careers of these two young phenoms. While yes, Serena has always played with a fiery emotion it is this passion which has drawn a younger, more hip fan base to the sport. Since the sisters were teenagers the good ole boy tennis machine that is lily white and very male dominated has frowned upon their success. Their flashy style, edgy fashion statements and signature grunts and fist pumping celebrations have been viewed as an invasion of their conservative elitist bubble. And although the women collectively have been amongst the most decorated of all time, the perception has always been that they’re the “bad girls” of the sport despite a career marred by virtually no incidents until now. So the decision handed down Monday it would seem was in part punishment for the action but more so a lynching of the image these young woman stood for.
While this image within their own community would be one of hope and inspiration for young women aspiring to be great in sports or other endeavors, the aristocratic powers which have ruled tennis have sent a message to those that would dare to be different that such individualism would not be tolerated. Want to throw racism in there too? Yeah, sure, whatever…that’s low hanging fruit though. In the end what choice does she have but to bend over and take the ITF’s punishment. So while all these same critics might scoff at her style and extra-curricular activities keep pushing her and her sister away. They’ve got enough to keep the paper rolling after tennis but can they survive with the Williams sisters? That remains to be seen.
FILED IN Editorials, Honeys, News, Sports
Lynching? You, my friend, have picked the low hanging fruit and took a big bite, LOL!
I think you are overreacting, Juan. Did you talk to Capt. AA before you wrote this?
It is a ridiculous amount of money, but that’s inflation. Athletes make a ridiculous amount of money. If she was fined 10G, it would be a joke. The fine has to be big in order to look like they’re doing something.
I think the word IS appropriate. I think they have always been out for blood and have tried to assasinate BOTH of their characters surrounding this one incident. Am I to believe that McEnroe would have ever received such a harsh punishment? Come on this is sexist and I won’t say racist but a referendum on what the powers that be think about The Williams Sister movement. They’ll take the extra eyes to the sets but be critical at every turn.
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Its not a coincidence that they chose to take money from her instead of an immediate suspension. That would only be detrimental to their pockets because less viewers would watch. Its not about the money its the principal of the record fine. Its not warranted. Neither sister has such a record of ill conduct.
Damn, Juan. How close are you to buying her the ring?! LOL!
Almost forgot, SMASH!!!
Look at that A$$!!! Good Lawrd!!!
yeah aint she a beut.
I understand your passion on the subject, but I don’t see anything wrong with punishing bad behavior, especially when the players go into it knowing that there are rules involved.
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I think across all sports, officials are trying to reign in the actions of their more controversial celebrity players. The players, once famous, seem to think they are above the rules. They think that their skill and fame allow them to belittle the umpires, judges, and their own coaches. Well, it doesn’t.
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With due respect to her talent (and yes, she does have talent), sports are about more than just winning and losing. It’s about sportsmanship, playing within the rules, and not bringing your sport to disrepute.
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In golf for example, a player can be disqualified if they forget to sign their scorecard. And several well known players (at least well known in their circles) have been disqualified after winning matches for such a simple error.
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It could be worse, she could be in Formula One racing where they take their fines seriously. One driver was fined $10,000 for bumping into another driver (bumping into him while walking next to him, not in a car).
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One team was fined $100 million for attempting to spy on their opposing team.
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If you are a cadet at West Point, you can be kicked out if you fail to turn yourself in for violations of the most simple of rules.
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Is the fine against Serena too high? I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not. But I think overall players need to recognize that if they are going to play within a organized league, they have a responsibility to play within the rules of the league.
Finally, the voice of reason!
I was involved in competitive sports all through my school years (boxing, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, football, even chess!). I’ve coached basketball, football little league baseball, and teach kids chess at a local rec center. Sportsmanship has been lost in sports in all levels, it appears. I always busted my butt preparing for the competitions and during the competitions, but competed with respect for my opponents and the officials. Win or lose, always shook hands and spoke to my opponent. Never cried after a loss because I always gave it my all. I don’t understand when or why that was lost. Seems like all parents think their kid is then next great thing and is turning pro, without realizing that a tiny fraction makes it to the highest level. As a coach, I’ve seen so much crap that it has turned me off from coaching.
I’ve already commented on Serena’s behavior, so I won’t revisit that. I really have no problem with the fine. It’s authority exercising its authority. She gave him the power to do that.
she fine
For Juan… warning NSFW
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http://www.egotastic.com/entertainment/celebrities/serena-williams/serena-williams-boob-slip-pictures-005149
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