Wednesday, September 16, 2009
F***** Role Models
Although Tennis is a sport considered by many to be a “gentleman's game,” we have all seen or heard of John McEnroe and his, putting it lightly, unorthodox style of playing the game. But when famed female Tennis superstar Serena Williams went on her own tirade of verbal abuse, she shocked the nation and disgraced her name in ways McEnroe could never dream to achieve. “If I could, I'd take this f***** ball and shove it down your f****** throat,” what a terribly immature and unprofessional way to express your opinion. Serena later got further upset with the line judge when the judge claimed Serena threatened to kill her, which Serena denies. Shoving a ball down someone's throat would likely result in death, so she basically did indirectly say she wanted to kill this woman. Her penalty was a mere point given to the opponent, which just so happened to be the deciding point in the game. The game wasn't close or anything, Serena was badly losing by the time of her outburst and any chance of a miraculous comeback was highly unlikely. So to say she got off with one point hardly does any justice. If I remember correctly, back in high-school if a student made alleged threats to kill someone, that student was punished severely, often suspended. Is Serena's expulsion from this year's U.S. Open satisfactory? Maybe, if she had a chance of actually winning. But she didn't, she knew she was likely about to lose, and knew there were thousands of Williams fans watching world-wide. So why would she do something so childish? We've all been upset when facing defeat, but to get violent about it, especially to someone who has nothing to do with your loss, is irresponsible and downright foolish. This is another example of what Sports Talk mentions as the “decay of moral's in today's sports,” and the rapidly decreasing number of athletic role-models who actually fit the mold. I think Serena should face a more serious punishment for her actions, say expulsion from the next few Tennis tournaments, to help her get a grip on herself the next time she gets upset with the fact that she's no longer a very good tennis player.
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I've got to agree with you on this one. The punishment she was served (do you like that pun on words?) was nothing useless. She was going to lose. Set the example so it doesn't happen again from her or any other player. I saw Whoopi discussing this on the "View". She repeatedly said, "she's human..." I say she's human with some heavy pockets that should be a little lighter after this unprofessional outburst.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, what Serena did was very chilidish flipping out like that. However, I am an athlete myself and I can most certainly understand where she was coming from also. I did happen to see the match on television and it really surprised me that Serena flipped out like that, but it happens. Athletes get very heated no matter what sport they play if they are serious about the sport. I think her reaction to the call the judge made was a little immature, but it does happen. In regards to Yolanda bringing up what Whoopi said, she is only human. She's right! She got a fine and racket abuse charge, and even though that probably won't make a dent in her pocket - things happen in sports. Everyone has some sort of attatchment to their sport, whether it be a passion or just something to do, if you are serious about your game outburts like that are very common.
ReplyDeleteHearing about this outburst from Serena made me very surprised. I know she is a tennis superstar but she has to understand that her actions million of vieweres are watching and imitating her every move. In my last paper I wrote about the Williams sisters and Serena specifically that she used to watch professional tennis players on the tv and imitate their every move. She is doing exactly what she shouldnt she should be setting a good example to all young athletes how to have good sportsmanship.
ReplyDeleteSerena Williams was clearly out of line and her 80,000 fine isn't going to teach her anything. I mean the women makes millions a year. She really ripped into that line judge without even thinking. It was almost scary to watch such an outburst. Well at least we get to see who Serena really is. And like you said a terrible role model.
ReplyDeleteI wrote about the same thing with the whole Serena incidence. There are many ways to write about it and you did a really good job. I enjoyed reading you article and as i believe maybe the fine was too harsh, but at the same time they are making big bucks, so how much is it really if we put it down to how much we make?
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