Serena Williams Issues Apology Statement

Where is the apology?

September 13th, 2009 at 9:03 pm

that quite a m*&$##*&##@r of a statement … but actually not much of an apology .. if fact it isn’t one ….. hope she gets suspended for at least one life span …………

September 13th, 2009 at 9:05 pm

As expected.

Damage control.

I don’t believe a word she says. Zebras don’t change their stripes and Leopards don’t change their spots. She’s just issuing this statement to save her big butt from a long suspension.

I notice she still didn’t apologize to that lines person. That says volumes.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Nice Serena. So you are actually trying to spin this into a positive thing? Man I wish I could have as much passion as you. I guess the passion prevented you from apologizing to the line judge or even to the fans. ugh.

last post on that classless and arrogant prick.

Go Kim.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Apology ? Where is it ?
She needs to SINCERELY apologize to the linesperson, the public in the stadium and Kim.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

I can’t believe the USTA hasn’t suspended her already. She and the USTA should be embarrassed by the whole situation.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Serena, you can take that “apology” and shove it down you f***ing throat.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:28 pm

“Way to go Serena.” Not a single word in that statement released was anything close to an apology. But this America, and anything can happen here.
She won’t get suspended, no just that little flimsy fine. is all that will happen.
Call the president and ask for a pardon.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:29 pm

WOW….Everyone is agreeing. This has to be a first on the X blog.

Serena you must really suck…LOL

September 13th, 2009 at 9:32 pm

Why suddenlly all this attention to the matter? If I was her, I would not allow it. Men have done much worse and have said much worse. Enough with the double discourse. If you do not like her tennis or her, that is one thing. But this situation is what it is. She lost a match and did not defend her title versus a retired player. That is enough. I hope she comes back stronger, personally. But, that lines woman should have been hit with the ball Serena had in her hand. That is all.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:38 pm

Now we just need the lineswoman to apologise for her ‘unfair line call’, and the officials to apologise for over-reacting and we can all move on and grow from this experience.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:45 pm

That’s not an Apology!!!! The call was right!!!! No where from the camera angles can you see the foot fault but if there had been a camera on the line it would have been seen. YOU can take the Serena out the ghetto but you can’t take the low class ghetto attitude out of Serena…ban her for life and I hope the Jehovah’s punish her for that…for crying out loud.

September 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pm

Gordon:

@ 9:38 pm, Whappa!! A few of us mentionmed similar on the other thread. The men do worse, but no one cares to tangle with that, as this is a man’s world, and they are privileged. What about some of them who are so abusive to the ball boys. sheesh. To reiterate what I stated on the other thread, considering how many would like to see Serena suspended, she should stay off the tour and then let’s see how the tour fares in her absence. The double standards coupled with the race and country bias is sickening.

Also, before some pick out select male players at whom to cast stones and proffer videos, I’d suggest that they look at all players and see how many are pure as the driven snow. The answer is clear, NADA.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

Here’s some more on Serena’s punishment. If some don’t feel it’s enough, then they can render their own punishment:

http://www.yahoo.com/s/1130291

September 13th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

In the words of Maya Angelou: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”

September 13th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

I do not think that Serena owes the lines person an apology. There was no foot fault! I do think Serena owes the fans an apology. She should have not reacted that way. She has been fined and I do not think a suspension is necessary. Contrary to what has been reported, I have seen worse.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

DON’T APOLOGIZE SERENA. AFTER ALLL THESE YEARS OF MCENROE, CONNORS, RODDICK, NASTASE, THROWING TANTRUMS AND THEY WANT TO THROW THE BOOK AT YOU???? THAT LINESWOMAN WAS WRONG! SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN OVER-RULED. GET A LAWYER AND FIGHT!!! BOYCOTT USTA AND WTA IF SERENA SUSPENDED. SHE AND VENUS HAVE SINGLE HANDEDLY HELD UP AMERICAN TENNIS FOR 10 YEARS AND THIS IS HOW THEY ARE TREATED?

September 13th, 2009 at 10:37 pm

BOYCOTT USTA IF SERENA SUSPENDED OF FINED MORE. GONZO THREW A RACQUET AND HIT HIMSELF IN THE HEAD. DID HE GET FINED? FEDERER THREW HIS RACQUET IN CINCINNATI, DID HE GET FINED? BLATANT SEXISM AND RACISM IN EFFECT. WELCOME TO THE OLD US OF A. FIGHT THIS GIRLFRIEND!!!!

September 13th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

After a day of watching Connors and McEnroe go on tirades the USTA has the nerve to go after SERENA? Double standard left right and center. GET A LAWYER SERENA! THey’ve been waiting for you to slip up all these years. Too busy swooning over any blonde chick who hits the court. Now they think they’ve got you. Fight girlfriend. Hold your head up. They are such hypocrites. First Henin lies on you, then that crazy girl who got hit by the ball. They always want you to back down. I’d have screamed at that crazy woman too. Roddick would have gone ballistic. Roddick has gone ballistic. Don’t see him fined or suspended.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:42 pm

That’s enough for me….

September 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

Bad call, given the circumstances of the score. Could there have been a worse time to call that foot-fault? Unless it’s really flagrant, you don’t make that call at that stage of the match.
But players can never be allowed to physically threaten a linesperson. That’s an automatic default. McEnroe et all never did that, although they used foul language.
Live and learn.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

Venus and Serena have held up the WTA not American tennis. If Serena leaves the tour then it’s goodbye to record attendance for the women’s matches world-wide, not just in the US.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

ShayHay, @ 10:43 pm, I agree, it’s enough punishment for me also. She lost the match and she’s been fined the maximum, how much more punishment should be meted out to her? A branding iron or a horse whipping? sheesh.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

Roddick continuously goes on expletive ridden tirades. Where is his fine and suspension. Gonzo threw a racquet in THIS us open. Where is his fine and suspension. Petrova threw herself down on the ground and had a hissy fit. That couldn’t possibly have been sports-woman-like behavior. Fine???? You fine SErena you fine EVERBODY else.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

“I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call”

That’s funny because in her interview she said the call was good.

This incident wouldn’t be newsworthy if it happened to a lesser known player.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

She’s held up AMERICAN tennis. What american man has recently won grand slams. Not since Agassi or Sampras. Roddick won maybe 5 years back, one slam?

September 13th, 2009 at 10:48 pm

Von Says:
ShayHay, @ 10:43 pm, I agree, it’s enough punishment for me also. She lost the match and she’s been fined the maximum, how much more punishment should be meted out to her? A branding iron or a horse whipping? sheesh.
—————

Exactly….it seems some people want her taken out back or something..It’s not that serious.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:48 pm

McEnroe did that and MUCH MORE. give me a break

September 13th, 2009 at 10:49 pm

KCH: Please don’t pick on Roddick if you want to be fair. He’s no worse than Ferrer, Haas, and the other male players presently on the tour. They all go ballistic. Connors, McEnroe, and Nastase, are in another class.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:50 pm

KCH Says:
She’s held up AMERICAN tennis. What american man has recently won grand slams. Not since Agassi or Sampras. Roddick won maybe 5 years back, one slam?

—————

Without the Williams sisters….there is no American Tennis. PERIOD! Not to say there won’t be in the future….. But they have been it for the last decade.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:50 pm

KCH Says:

“DON’T APOLOGIZE SERENA. AFTER ALLL THESE YEARS OF MCENROE, CONNORS, RODDICK, NASTASE, THROWING TANTRUMS AND THEY WANT TO THROW THE BOOK AT YOU????”

Those guys got code violations and penalties too. They just weren’t dumb enough to get them on match point. All is fair.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

ShayHay: “Exactly….it seems some people want her taken out back or something..It’s not that serious.”

I mentioned the branding iron because the racist, who cannot refrain from spewing her venom, mentioned Serena’s ‘big butt”. I sense some jealousy here, maybe a flat one is what’s there? LOL.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

The Bryans do a good job in holding up American tennis and so does Liesl Huber, the No.1 women’s doubles player. It’s a collective effort by all of the American players, but the Williams sisters have won more GS tourneys. Don’t forget the Americans won DC in 2007.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Von Says:
The Bryans do a good job in holding up American tennis and so does Liesl Huber, the No.1 women’s doubles player. It’s a collective effort by all of the American players, but the Williams sisters have won more GS tourneys. Don’t forget the Americans won DC in 2007.
—————–

My apologies to the Bryan Brothers. You are right. They are great and I love them. They do a fine job as ambassadors for the double’s tournaments.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:59 pm

If Connors, McEnroe, and the infamous Nastase did what they did today, they would be treated just like this. That was 20 years ago, use a better comparison if you are going to claim sexism.

And they did get punished. McEnroe once got thrown out of the USO in the fourth round and suspended for two months for continuously arguing calls.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm

Von Says:
The Bryans do a good job in holding up American tennis and so does Liesl Huber, the No.1 women’s doubles player. It’s a collective effort by all of the American players, but the Williams sisters have won more GS tourneys. Don’t forget the Americans won DC in 2007.
————–

You are absolutely right about that! How could I forget the Bryan Brothers!! They are awesome and I love watching them play. I was sad to see them go out this tourney, but it was a close match.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

blah:

“If Connors, McEnroe, and the infamous Nastase did what they did today, they would be treated just like this. That was 20 years ago, use a better comparison if you are going to claim sexism.”

Please read my post again. I was referring to the present day male players’ behaviour as opposed to those of yesteryear, and it had nothing whatsoever to do with sexism.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:08 pm

blah: I guess you were referring to KCH’s post on sexism, sorry for the mix-up.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:11 pm

ShayHay: I was disappointed to see the twins lose also, especially after their main rivals lost. I thought the trophy would surely go to them. What a bummer!

September 13th, 2009 at 11:12 pm

Von Says:
ShayHay: I was disappointed to see the twins lose also, especially after their main rivals lost. I thought the trophy would surely go to them. What a bummer!
————-

I was on the edge of my seat that entire match. It was really fantastic. Not the outcome I wanted, but high quality tennis.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:14 pm

Andy Roddick goes off on more babyish tirades than any American male modern player. He also is over rated with only 1 slam to his credit for all the special treatment he craves. At least McEnroe and Connors produced the goods and won 7-8 slams respectively. Roddick shouts and complains more than he produces on the court.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. The Roddick sh*t has begun again.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:19 pm

ShayHay: that match was a nail biter. I think the twins will come back again and begin posting good results.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:22 pm

I see none of you judging Serena have ever made any mistakes in your lives, which leaves you room to judge others on their mistakes. I’m so glad we live in a society with so many perfect people who’ve been in the same situation. Nothing is said when men on the court have worse behavior. Most of you hate Serena anyway, so your credibility in your judgment of lacking at the very least. Suspending Serena will not help the tour. It will only hurt it. Face it. Most people tune into these tournament to see her play.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Do you think by titling that statement an “apology” it somehow becomes one?

September 13th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

Von: No worries on the mix up.

I would give a in-depth reply to your points but I don’t think lingering on this subject will do anyone any good. Most views have been presented already, and I guess people just have very different opinions on this issue. My final point is that no line judges/umps should be intimidated, bullied, not to mention threatened by the players. Nobody is bigger than the game.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

So, Joe. If one gets upset, it’s a ‘return to the ghetto?’ When you’re posted up in front of your tube watching McEnroe and others in those classic matches display the behavior of rabid monkeys, are you making the same comments? I highly doubt it. She simply got upset at a high pressure moment…has nothing to do with a ‘ghetto!’ Have you ever lost control? Of course you have…you just more than likely don’t have any superior skill set that would land you in the public eye. The sisters have had to deal with racists like you since the start of their careers and it’s a shame that the underlying sentiment is still ‘perform perfectly and behave how we say you should’ or we’ll alienate you from OUR sport and send you ‘back to the ‘ghetto.’ You can take one of her many grand slam trophies and ram it down YOUR racist throat, JOE. Thanks.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

Roddick, Gonzo, Petrova never said they were going to shove a bleeping tennis ball down someone’s bleeping throat.

Throw the book at her and if she doesn’t like it then let her quit.

Serena is at the very least a narcissist as you can see from her “apology.”

September 13th, 2009 at 11:50 pm

blah:

And, no one has room to judge others for their mistakes. We all make them. Hopefully most of us learn from them.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:53 pm

vared:

Unless you’re down on that tennis court with Roddick et al that you mentioned, you don’t know what they’ve said to umpires and lines officials.

I hope you never make a mistake, because if you do and it affects someone else, they will throw the book at you. Karma does happen.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:57 pm

Linesmen and umpire against Djokovic.

The chair umpire made a bad call. Apparently, Novak Djokovic made a good serve, the chair
umpire overruled the noncall and called the serve out, Djokovic challenged the umpire and was proved right by the replay, and then, even though Roger Federer did not even touch Djokovic’s
serve, the chair umpire did not give Djokovic the ace. After all that… The linesmen made so many bad calls, Djokovic’s challenges
were right six out of seven times.

How can there be that many bad calls against one person?

September 14th, 2009 at 12:22 am

KCH: What abut turning that CAPS LOCK off? Just a hint…

September 14th, 2009 at 12:37 am

Gordon: „But, that lines woman should have been hit with the ball Serena had in her hand.“

Really? Why?

September 14th, 2009 at 12:37 am

Serena’s tirade was indeed worse than anyone else’s.She didn’t just curse someone out. She threatened an official. Huge difference. Let’s face it, she was pissed throughout the whole match and when it became obvious that she was going to lose, she had to take it out on someone other than just admitting that her opponent played better than she did. She’s never been able to give appropriate credit to anyone so why did anyone think she could apologize appropriately? I’m so happy she was exposed on National TV. Grow on THAT one Serena. There’s no way of hiding your true colors now.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:39 am

I encourage all those who support Serena to go to ESPN website and give them feedback on what Pam Shriver and Mary Carillo said regarding Serena’s fine. Let’s let ESPN know that Serena has support.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:53 am

Susan:

How do you know? Have you attended every WTA or ATP match to know whether any other player has said anything worse? Have you heard 100% of what the players have said at every match? You can’t make that statement and consider it credible. I know you guys are Serena haters, but to bring your torches out and lynch her in this manner with lies and false inuendos is disgusting. Far more disgusting than anything Serena did last night.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:56 am

Susan, you got it girl. The attitude shines through in the game of Serena and watching her has always been a drudge for me. I love watching other black players by the way. Her energy just sucks the life outta me. Congrats cool Kimmy. The Williams sisters are undeveloped as people, they are angry and frost over it with syrupy speech that is senseless much of the time- it makes such a weird and inauthentic picture. Mac has long matured out of his brattiness and is such a giver to the game, Roddick too… Serena seems to say, what can tennis do for me.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:57 am

Does anyone remember Hewitt’s tirade vs. James Blake and the umpire at the USO a few years ago?

September 14th, 2009 at 1:07 am

Jerk Controller Says:

So, Joe. If one gets upset, it’s a ‘return to the ghetto?’ When you’re posted up in front of your tube watching McEnroe and others in those classic matches display the behavior of rabid monkeys, are you making the same comments? I highly doubt it. She simply got upset at a high pressure moment…has nothing to do with a ‘ghetto!’ Have you ever lost control? Of course you have…you just more than likely don’t have any superior skill set that would land you in the public eye. The sisters have had to deal with racists like you since the start of their careers and it’s a shame that the underlying sentiment is still ‘perform perfectly and behave how we say you should’ or we’ll alienate you from OUR sport and send you ‘back to the ‘ghetto.’ You can take one of her many grand slam trophies and ram it down YOUR racist throat, JOE. Thanks.
———————————–

Is there an award for BEST POST EVER!!!???

Because this my friend, is the best I’ve seen on this subject.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:18 am

ShayHay:

“Is there an award for BEST POST EVER!!!???

“Because this my friend, is the best I’ve seen on this subject.”

Awhhh shucks, I thought I had won THE Oscar. LOL.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:23 am

Joe Says:
…YOU can take the Serena out the ghetto but you can’t take the low class ghetto attitude out of Serena…ban her for life…

Come on Joe, give me a break with your righteous indignation. Like you’ve never cussed someone out before out of frustration. And how about laying off on the coded racism? Sheesh.

All you Serena haters just crack me up.

Look, Serena was trounced by an unseeded mom who took 4 years off the game and came back to go through all the top seeds like a hot knife through butter. Are you really telling me you can’t put yourself in Serena’s place? You can’t imagine what that was doing to her ego? These gladiators entertain us by getting into the arena to fight it out in front of the whole world. No blood is spilled, but the ego of the loser is broken publicly for all to see. Following that, the loser is expected to put on a gracious act. It’s not surprising that sometimes it’s just too hard to hold the humiliation in.

I’m not here to excuse her behavior. It doesn’t need excusing. It is what it is. It wasn’t in the script, but so what?
Serena really let that linesperson have it. She vented all her frustration, and humiliation at her, and she paid a price for the privilege.

Loss of match. $10500.00 A public apology.
You want to humiliate her further? Come on.
Serena is not one to grovel. No way!

Someone called her a narcissist. And your point? Did you see G.O.A.T. after he beat Roddick at Wimbledon? He donned a suit that had the number 15 on it. I can just see him packing that in his bag before the match. Wow, if that’s not narcissistic, I don’t know what is. And with poor Roddick standing right there playing the part of the ‘gracious loser’. Fed, you really know how to hurt a guy!

Anyway, maybe this will be the roar that launches the Serena Cam. Then players can challenge questionable foot-faults calls and smugly pat themselves on the back when the challenge is successful.

They can all go “Wow, I’m so glad I’m not like that Serena, gosh she got so mad at the nice lineslady. Why didn’t she just use one of her challenges?”

Yeah, aren’t you glad you’re not like that McEnroe…

“…Ban her for life…” LOL!

September 14th, 2009 at 1:31 am

The race card just is not relevant. Every race, nationality, ethnicity is out there in the slams with their character to show the world. We love Monfils, Blake, Noah, many black athletes are a joy for all of us. Serena stands out with bad character. What would Arthur Ashe think? Would he be proud? Man or woman, black or white. It’s 2009, not 1975. Her whole handling has been just a pity and a spectacle and she brought it down on herself. Maybe this can be her chance to do a true reevaluation of who she wants to be. So far there is no indication of anything as profound as is it profane.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:31 am

Jerk controller:

“….the underlying sentiment is still ‘perform perfectly and behave how we say you should’ or we’ll alienate you …”

I think this is the MO that’s been selected for me here on this site. In other words, say what we want you to say, or else you’ll be shunned and beaten up. OY

September 14th, 2009 at 1:33 am

“The race card just is not relevant. Every race, nationality, ethnicity is out there in the slams with their character to show the world.”

Then if the ‘race card’ is not there, why is it that Serena’s race was attributed to her behaviour, e.g., she’s showing her ‘black side’ and has disappointed ‘African Americans everywhere’? Also, why is her neighborhood or former place of residence linked to her behaviour?

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the logic and rationalizations put forth.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:39 am

yeah i agree fed at wimbledon looked like a freakazoid in that jumpsuit. He shouldn’t be hard to love cause he’s pretty cute, but the monograms and bad fasion, ho…it’s a little dated, or…something.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:40 am

Leave Arthur Ashe out of the Serena debate. Believe it or not, black people have lives outside of being a “perfect shiny beacon for their people.”

September 14th, 2009 at 1:59 am

I think the headline needs to be changed. I can’t see an apology in the statement.

Even if the call was wrong Serena had no right to go off at the lineswomen like that.

I think even the Fonz managed to say sorry once, or was it that he said he was wrong.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:59 am

“I let my passion and emotion get the better of me”

So Serena was just exercising her ‘passion’ Saturday night. I guess my dad wasn’t an abusive father after all. Better call him and tell him what a passionate man he was.

September 14th, 2009 at 2:15 am

Clearly you can see that Serena was way out of line but she should not apologize to the line judge for constant harassment throughout the game. People like that should NOT be allowed to be a line judge. You can see on the judges body language that she is guilty licking her chops as if she were about to feast. This line judge represents the kind of caveman conduct that has kept the game in the dark since it’s creation.

September 14th, 2009 at 5:37 am

ShayHay,

You and Von should get a room. Both of you defend Serena Williams actions.

Serena subliminally uses the race card at every turn to get her way. She is arrogant and believes to be above the rules. She crossed the line farther than any player I have ever seen including Nastase, McEnroe, and Connors. She threatened to kill that half pint over weight Asian lines woman and then lied about it on national TV for the whole world to sea and hear. So is this the darling role model we want our children to be?

I’ve seen the same behavior on episodes of “Cops” where drug addicts lie through their teeth to the police as they are caught red handed with crack. Serena did the same thing. She is a liar. I will never believe her again or route for her.

She needs to be boiled in oil and publicly stoned by the village for her despicable actions Saturday night.

September 14th, 2009 at 6:33 am

ANd besides any rational person would realise… that she was THREATENIGN THe woman not to go and sit on that position again ..

SHE DID IT NOT ONCE BUT TWICE .. Second time raising her racket and telling the woman to fuck off from there.. thats the time the referees came in ..

FIRSTLY SERENA IS LIKE A FREAKIN MAN .. hwo on earth is that tiny woman not sposed to be scared >?

SEND THE SERENA BACK TO THE JUNGLE Pls.. its high time tennis is eradicated of this GHOST FACED lookking person who scares the wits out of women !

September 14th, 2009 at 6:40 am

Hmmm. There’s something missing. What is it? Oh, that’s right – the words “apologise” and “sorry”. Where is it? I thought that this was an apology?

September 14th, 2009 at 8:13 am

To everyone missing the point –

There is a difference – a huge one – between a stupid outburst and a violent threat.

If ANYONE can show me an example of Nastase, McEnroe or Roddick THREATENING BODILY HARM to an official please show me the link. Otherwise, phone up your local police force and ask them the following –

I have a neighbor who parties late into the night and he plays music way too loud it keeps me up. Yesterday I went over to his place and told him he is an idiot and inconsiderate. Did I do anything wrong?

Now call up the police and ask them this question –

I have a neighbor who parties late into the night and he plays music way too loud it keeps me up. Yesterday I went over to his place and told him I was going to smash his head in with his stereo system. Did I do anything wrong?

Think you will get the same answer???? Hmnn ?

September 14th, 2009 at 9:13 am

In his fourth round match against Mikael Pernfors at the 1990 Australian Open, John McEnroe was disqualified for swearing at the umpire, supervisor, and referee. He was warned by the umpire for intimidating a lineswoman and then docked a point for smashing a racket. McEnroe was apparently unaware that a new Code of Conduct, which had been introduced just before the tournament, meant that a third code violation would not lead to the deduction of a game but instead would result in immediate disqualification. So when McEnroe unleashed a volley of abuse at umpire Gerry Armstrong, he was defaulted. He lost all prize money for the tournament and was not allowed to finish his competition in either mens doubles or mixed doubles.

Serena will play in the womens doubles today.

Yes – it should be equal rules for both mens and womens but apparently it is not. There are bloggers in here who think it is unfairly weighted in favor of the men. If that were the case why is Serena still playing in this tournament – hmnn?

September 14th, 2009 at 9:36 am

Serena should be suspended from all events she’s entered for a specified time period. And she should NOT be allowed to play in next year’s U.S Open.

A strong message needs to be sent. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. I don’t care who you are, what your rank is, how popular you are, how much money you have, how many tournaments you’ve won or what revenue you generate. You are not above the rules.

Young kids are watching. What message is to be sent. It’s all right to do this?, because you will only get a slap on the wrist with a pathetic fine. It’s OK to threaten and/or abuse referees and lines people?

OR

OMG, Serena got suspended for two years. We better behave and follow the rules or else we may not have the privileged of playing again and our careers may be in jeopardy. Yes, Serena it’s privilege to play. Not a right.

September 14th, 2009 at 9:59 am

The Modern Apology:

Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job. [I threatened to cram a tennis ball down a judge’s throat because I love tennis].

Now that I have had time to gain my composure, [now that my agents, PR team, attorneys, and dad have had damage control meetings]

I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call, [I may have foot faulted but it was unfair because I deserved to win]

in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. [This is as close as I am going to get to apologizing, and I didn’t create the “situation,” the line judge did]

I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human [Yes, as great as I am, believe it or not, I am mortal, just like you, and because I am imperfect, I have no reason to apologize, this is just how I roll]

and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, [I am glad that I threatened to cram a f****** tennis ball down the throat of an official. Otherwise, we would not have had this opportunity to grow together . . .]

with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience.[Nothing more to see folks, move on].

Now, sit back and wait for the race stuff to start. “Society cannot tolerate a strong black woman . . . ” Etc.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:06 am

Maybe this is a signal for the future to come.
All abuse should be punished quickly, hard and relentlessly. These people must not be allowed to set examples of unacceptable behavior to others just because they are famous and rich. Leave the idiocy to Britney.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:53 am

serena was about to lose the match. the footfault call freaked her out. it was her 3rd footfault in the match and 4th in the tournament. it was a questionable call. time wise it was a bad call. grand slam was in the line.

the umpire should have jumped in and should have asked serena to direct her concerns to the umpire.
the umpire chose to play a spectator. serena should have taken it to the umpire instead of the lineswoman. etc.

whatever serena said to the lineswoman was indefensible and condemnable. she did not tell the whole truth in the interview. her apology should have been more direct and genuine. she should have received greater punishment, monetarily and/ or otherwise.

all these are valid points.

but comments like the following are overtly racist, coming from KKK or Aryan Brothers who wear hoods or those who collect Swastika memorabilia or their sympathizers:

(1) “The Ghetto/hood F-bomb language was colorful. Serena’s black side sure surfaced. She did an injustice to African American’s everywhere.”
(2) “YOU can take the Serena out the ghetto but you can’t take the low class ghetto attitude out of Serena.”
(3) “I think this type of threat must be normal banter in the hood.
“What the hell? Why don’t you just call the sisters “nappy-headed h*s”
(4) “Not with some half pint, fat Asian woman inflicting her two cents in the matter.”

mind you these comments are worse than what serena said or did and deserve to be deplored.
by allowing these comments, tennis x is an accomplice in the heinous racist act.

September 14th, 2009 at 11:09 am

I Love Tennis,

“Society cannot tolerate a strong black woman”

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

BUT

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i65/jacestar911/thats_racist.gif

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo208/mrfluffball/racist.jpg

September 14th, 2009 at 11:14 am

A close review of the video shows there was no foot fault. The lines person should reprimanded and should issue an apology. To make such a call on such a vital point is an act of total incompetence.
What is needed is the same ability to challenge a foot fault call as we have for line calls. Temper tantrums over line calls have completely disappeared since we got the challenge system. The technology exists today for them to review the footage on the big screen and determine if there was a foot fault or not. Chair umpires should have their own monitors and be able to control the review.
Having said all this, Serena should not have lost her cool so badly. What is sad is that she doesn’t seem to realize just how bad she looked. And yes, Mac behaved even worse- remember him smashing the water pitcher and glasses to the court – and he has a highly paid job covering these matches. You notice, he wasn’t particularly critical of Serena and was one of the first to point out that the lines person made a bad call.
Serena should at least say how sorry she is that she behaved so badly.

September 14th, 2009 at 11:15 am

i am it,

mind you these comments are worse than what serena said or did and deserve to be deplored.
by allowing these comments, tennis x is an accomplice in the heinous racist act.

LOL….You cannot be serious?

Serena threatened bodily harm on a real person with viciousness. I think that trumps a few comments about her character over the internet. You’re as bad as Von with your low end logic.

What are you a “white night” for African American’s now? Usually people who act like you do, are the most racist of all. They mask them selves behind flowery words but are really ugly inside.

You fit profile perfectly

September 14th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

I am female, I am black, and I have followed tennis closely for years. There are no documented outbursts on record to match this for sheer profanity in a close and threatening way to an official. There is no “good” or “bad” time for a call – the call is made whenever an official believes there is a violation. Where will sports be if officials try to make tough calls at “good”times? It is not rascist. She has been called on foot faults before. Other players have had bad or unfortunate calls, including Federer, and they play on, as all athletes must learn to do. It was a terrible example of bad behavior, followed by a press interview with no apology, followed by a press release which again was missing any apology or really even any acknowledgement of the egregiousness of the misconduct. The Williams sisters do not hold up women’s tennis. Tennis will go on when they retire, when Federer retires and so on. A fine amounting to “pocket change” is disrespectfulto the sport and the rules. Suspend her and send a message as to what is and is not tolerated behavior. I would not think suspension if there had been any sign of remorse or true acknowledgement of this deplorable behavior. “Strong Black Woman”??? Maybe someone either too weak or too arrogant to admit wrongdoing. Shame on the USTA to even issue that “statement”.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:18 pm

“mind you these comments are worse than what serena said or did and deserve to be deplored.
by allowing these comments, tennis x is an accomplice in the heinous racist act.”

Amen! And people question why Serena does not ‘give back’ to the sport. Enough already. sure, go ahead and condemn her behaviour on that day, but there is no room for racism. People are using serena’s tirade to unveil their suppressed racist affiliations on the web simply because they are no longer free to do so in public. Seems like the idea of a strong black successful woman is still a bit too much for a few people. Pretty sad & pathetic. My goodness. I can’t believe this is 2009!!

September 14th, 2009 at 12:30 pm

“‘Someone called her a narcissist. And your point? Did you see G.O.A.T. after he beat Roddick at Wimbledon? He donned a suit that had the number 15 on it. I can just see him packing that in his bag before the match. Wow, if that’s not narcissistic, I don’t know what is.'”

Actually, that isn’t narcissim at all. You would do well to understand what narcissism is before you make that call.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

[…] getting ripped across the internet yesterday for her non-apology apology statement  press release, Serena Williams issued another statement through the USTA today regarding the US […]

September 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

the brady: “Serena threatened bodily harm on a real person with viciousness. I think that trumps a few comments about her character over the internet. You’re as bad as Von with your low end logic.”

So this is how you rationalize and trivialize your racist remarks? For the sake of argument, even if Serena is a vicious person, does that justify your racism and racist remarks about her ‘black side’ and ‘ghetto’ upbringing? No, it doesn’t, not in a million years. However, you’re unashamedly using your *perceived Serena viciousness* to cover up your many, many racist remarks used on this site with respect to Serena. FYI, Serena’s actions can’t touch the racist cancer that’s eating way at you. How do you live with yourself, you wicked, lying racist? The words I’d like to use here to describe your kind would be bleeped out, what a pity. OY

“What are you a “white night” for African American’s now? Usually people who act like you do, are the most racist of all. They mask them selves behind flowery words but are really ugly inside.

“You fit profile perfectly”

Ahhsoo, because someone possesses a code of morals and disagree with your thinking, you’re lashing out at them and accusing them of being ugly inside? Lord help us. You are even more demented and psychologically damaged than I had realized. OUCH. It must be some kind of hell living with your sick mind, and I don’t envy you one little bit. In fact you have my sympathy. Every time you write you expose another piece of your messed up thought processes.

People here accuse Serena of not seeing her faults, but you’re the exact carbon copy. You are a prime example of monomania, and I pity you. Now run crazy and true to form by hurling some more insults at me and harassing me non-stop. Tennis.X should be ashamed to allow you to blog here. You’re disruptive, bellicose and overbearing. If you were a man I’d say you epitomize cockalorum. And, what’s even more sad, we have people like Gordo who can’t or don’t see you doing anything wrong, and asks the stupid question of what started this problem. Either he has selective memory or is he has a reading comprehension problem. OY VEY

September 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

Hey y’all. Your racism is showing. John McEnroe treated refs and linemen to much worse treatment, over a much longer time period, and no one ever said ‘go back to the ghetto.
Since none of us have a clue what it takes to crank up the pressure on ourselves to that level of competitiveness, none of us are in a position to talk smack about the lady. As she said, she handled it badly. So What? You can’t tell me you haven’t screamed at someone in traffic, or worse, within the last month. Only difference, you weren’t televised.

September 15th, 2009 at 10:16 am