Tennis champ Serena Williams is under an International Tennis Federation investigation and faces a ban of up to two grand slams under the sporting body's code of conduct.
Williams was fined the maximum of US $10,500 by authorities at the US Open 2009 semi-final after twice breaching the code-of-conduct regulations in a clash with eventual champion Kim Clijsters, of Belgium.
Enraged by a foot-fault call, Williams threatened the baseline judge with a profanity-laced, finger-pointing tirade: "You don't &^%*$# know me. You better be &^%*$# right. I swear to God I'm going to take this &^%*$# ball and shove it down your throat," she roared.
Is the ITF justified in its investigation of Serena Williams's conduct? Or is it far too harsh in a generation where almost every person sports a serpent's tongue?
Readers' comments:
Yes. She was threatening the line judge. If the match had continued, would it had been possible for the line judge to make her call without fear? I do not think so. On a social pyramid, Serena Williams is sitting way above the line judge, so one should consider that before bringing race, gender etc into the issue.
Friday, October 9, 2009 7:04 IST
Sanjeev, New Delhi
If the ITF never banned McEnroe from a Grand Slam, why Serena? Is this a sexist decision, or truly one for the good of the sport? I am not saying what she did was right. In fact, it was very wrong. But haven't we all "lost our cookies" and said and done things we regret? Two grand slams is huge in a year of tennis competitions. I think the punishment in that case would not fit the crime.
Thursday, October 8, 2009 8:10 IST
K Moore, Asheville, NC
I think the person to be thoroughly investigated should be the line official. My guts tell me there was a conspiracy behind such a bizarre wrong call. As for baring it all for ESPN, Serena should be punished. Lawn tennis is for ladies and gentlemen, not for porn stars.
Thursday, October 8, 2009 5:07 IST
vince, glen burnie
I think it is ridiculous she is even under investigation. So what, she yelled at a line judge who made a wrong call in the first place. No one talked about Federer's outburst against del Potro. It would be such an injustice if she gets banned even for 1 grand slam, let alone 2, and if she does I won't be watching any of those events. Serena makes the women's game interesting and banning her would loose a lot of TV viewers.
Thursday, October 8, 2009 0:24 IST
marion galloway, glasgow
