Serena Apoligies To Linesperson

RalphNYC

RalphNYC

Semi-Pro
http://www.serenawilliams.com/blog_message_detail.php?msg=125

Monday, September 14, 2009

Press Statement Amendment
Hey guys!!!

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

Xxxx,

S
 
jones101

jones101

Hall of Fame
Hey guys!!!

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

Xxxx,

S


http://www.serenawilliams.com/blog_message_detail.php?msg=125



Im glad she has seen sense and admitted that it was completely inappropriate and I applaud her for that.

Obviously on reflection she has seen the error of her ways and hopefully, with her fine, a line can be drawn under this.
 
G

gashandburn

New User
okay... now do another press conference openly, this time actually apologizing for what you did and said, don't "amend" what you said yesterday in your freaking blog... come on...
 
H

HellBunni

Rookie
yawn...

this is just a PR act. and a lazy one at that.
like other said, she didn't even bother to put together a press conf.
 
Rabbit

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
I suspect the "apology" was only issued after she figured out she was a likely candidate to lose all her prize money and be suspended from a future major or two...

further...the "apology" is really close to the one George S. Patton issued after slapping a soldier.....
 
CyBorg

CyBorg

Legend
Frankly, I don't really care about the hoopla involved here and actually believe that the incident is not that bad a thing (we all loved Mac's outbursts and the sport made money on them). Nor do I want to hop on the blame Serena bandwagon.

However, if you're going to apologize just plain apologize. No pseudo-apologies.

"I want to apologize" is not an apology. You're just stating that you may apologize or would apologize.

"I'm sorry" is an apology. "I apologize" is an apology.

Language pet peeve.
 
K

Kegzz

Rookie
Get over it people, she apologized. You all demanded it, she did it, yet you still find flaws in it. It's ridiculous.
 
G

Grover Sparkman

Rookie
It does nothing to change my opinion of her. I've never liked the way she has carried herself, and the outburst this weekend only solidified my opinion. The apology is meaningless.

She ought to send Kanye West a 'thanks for bailing me out' card for taking a lot of heat off of her.
 
T

three eights

Rookie
What a sorry excuse for an apology. Did you count the number of times she talked and glorified herself in the process? No humility. Obviously the apology came (2 days late) because of the heat she's getting. Her true self was shown in the real post-game press conference.

We don't buy this PR oiled machine apology.
 
J

jms007

Professional
Apologizing on blog eh...
She should have apologized to the lines woman in person, like she did with Kim.
 
eagle

eagle

Hall of Fame
Okay. That's a start.

But writing it on a blog is almost meaningless.

She needs to do an in-person apology to the USTA officials and most especially to the lineswoman.

I just wonder if deep down she really is remorseful or is she doing it simply because her stock with the tour and sponsors is plummeting every second. Given her history for deflecting blame and never accountable to anything, I'm thinking it's the former which is a shame.

r,
eagle
 
J

jwbarrientos

Hall of Fame
I'd repeat... apology is nice, smart and welcomed, I'd suggest Serena call a conference, phone the lineperson, send flowers and whatever, anyhow fine is there, suspension (hmmm sounds too much).
 
babbette

babbette

Legend
Apology accepted!!!

Here is someone that accepts her apology too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrvMTv_r8sA

It made it worse because the lineswoman just sat there like a scared little child. She was surrounded by umpire, and tournament people this time, how will she stick up for herself in the real world. Grow some balls lineswoman!
 
G

Grigollif1

Semi-Pro
I have never realized how much Serena was detested by some. I bet if wasn`t a woman or specially not Serena, it wouldn`t be much made about it.

I have seen guys literally throw raquets in anger and hit the linesman, that is some physical threat for you.

Serena gets one of the most random stupid calls I have ever seen in the history of the game and has a natural outburst and people want to judge her with an iron fist. As if saying ` I am going to shove this F bull up your f throat` is meant to be taken literally. Ow, how pathetic is that.

And I am no fan of Serena at all.
 
CaptainInsano

CaptainInsano

New User
drakulie said:
<<Yawn>>, no I won't get over it. She needs to be suspended.
Click to expand...

I second that.

When does simply appologizing on a BLOG makes everything right again?

Ironically, she already knew she's doing something wrong to attract that kind of attention. She's been there long enough, is an adult now and at her level, you'd expect some dignity and respect so things like this don't even happen.

post-match interview in FO 2009: http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/interviews/2009-05-30/200905301243674770687.html

I'm like one of those girls on a realityshow that has all the drama, and everyone in the house hates them because nomatter what they do, like, drama follows them. I don't want to be that girl.

Q. Sowhy is that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. Maybe I can understand how they feel. I don't mean for this stuff to happen to me. It just kind of happens.
Click to expand...

It doesn't "just kind of happens" like she says... you're responsible for your actions.
 
R

rob61

Rookie
If they don't ban her for a sizable period of time and fine her seriously (up to 250,000) the sport of tennis is irreparably harmed.
 
max

max

Legend
It's good she apologized.

What really sucks is when you get such a call on an important point! But my view, in my opinion, is that she did commit a foot fault. What a shame.
 
H

HellBunni

Rookie
babbette said:
It made it worse because the lineswoman just sat there like a scared little child. She was surrounded by umpire, and tournament people this time, how will she stick up for herself in the real world. Grow some balls lineswoman!
Click to expand...

the lineswoman was being professional as opposed to Serena.
 
E

Enigma_87

Professional
babbette said:
Apology accepted!!!

Here is someone that accepts her apology too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrvMTv_r8sA

It made it worse because the lineswoman just sat there like a scared little child. She was surrounded by umpire, and tournament people this time, how will she stick up for herself in the real world. Grow some balls lineswoman!
Click to expand...
Complete and utter bollocks.

Issuing a death threat, in front of 23 thousand spectators and millions of tennis fans across the world, can't go by this way.

She should be banned for at least 2 slams or 6 months for being an utter classless tool.
 
Tennis Fan

Tennis Fan

Rookie
jms007 said:
Apologizing on blog eh...
She should have apologized to the lines woman in person, like she did with Kim.
Click to expand...

They just read those same apology words of hers on ESPN2 before the sisters are about to play their doubles champ match. I'm so glad no one booed when they came out & I still hope they win.
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
CaptainInsano said:
I second that.

When does simply appologizing on a BLOG makes everything right again?

Ironically, she already knew she's doing something wrong to attract that kind of attention. She's been there long enough, is an adult now and at her level, you'd expect some dignity and respect so things like this don't even happen.

post-match interview in FO 2009: http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/interviews/2009-05-30/200905301243674770687.html



It doesn't "just kind of happens" like she says... you're responsible for your actions.
Click to expand...


Good stuff.

For me, I put my money where my mouth is, contacted the USTA and cancelled my membership. Along with a cancellation, I inculded an "apology" to them, citing I couldn't support an organization that puts so little value on a woman who is being paid very little money, and taking that kind of abuse from a Giant of the game. Serena is not in any way shape or form above the rules, or the game of tennis. The WTA/ITF/USTA IMO sank pretty low on this one.
 
G

Grigollif1

Semi-Pro
I don`t want to generilize it, but I lived there for a long time. And I bet most of the people doing the judging and the political correctness bid. Are part of that fake repressive part of the American culture, where we are all living in a little fable cookie cut world. With the `good morning my lovely neighboor` `have a nice day` No wonder why all that repressed anger comes out in many ways. Specially in judging others from the Net.

If I was Serena, I would expect an apology from the lines woman. I have seen tennis for years, I have watch pretty much all there is to watch in tennis historically and I have never seen such a random stupid call at a big event. As an athlete you dedicate your life towards goals, you problably wake up every morning working and concentrating in how to achieve them. Only to be hit by such a random call. I and problably every Man player would reacted worse and it would be considered natural. Agassi has done it, Sampras has asked if the umpire was on dope ? Mcernoe ( not even going there too obvios) Connors called the umpire an abortion and people thought it was pretty and party of the show, during the 1991 US open.

Serena curses, and suddenly she is a real threat. There is such a double standard. People can`t seem to get their personal views on her out of the question. Again, just pathetic...
 
deltox

deltox

Hall of Fame
well, as many know i am a serenhater. but this is not on the menu for todays post.


let me first say that she did only one thing wrong during this fit of rage. She communicated a threat. In my opinion, all else was fair game as my boy roddick, jmac and others before them have spewed more profanities than she did in those few seconds.

let me clarify a few points here as i see them

1. Serena was obviously already worked up and frustrated by losing to Kim.

2. Ive watched the videos at every angle they have shown and i can see where it would be hella close, but i cant see it clearly so i have to assume it was REALLLLY close. at such a big stage in a tourney if it was thatttt close, i say dont call it.

3. The WTA could have made this all better by suspending serena for say 1 month (which everyone knows serena wouldnt have been terribly upset about), but instead they drop the ball and fine her 10,500.00

4. The ITF (Grand Slam tennis) has yet to rule on the situation and proably wont til after the conclusion of the USO + a couple days.

5. Serena then proceeded to lie about her behevior on court to the umpires and then again in the press conference.


with all things there weighed out id say the WTA recourse for her actions were to small and inadequate. i think her recourse was immature and spiteful, and sadly as some have stated a blog entry cannot cover a formal apology, although she could simply make a single statement to ESPN or any like stations and that would suffice. She will almost certainly be heavily fined or possibly suspended from the AO by the ITF.

But all this talk of lifetime suspensions and year long suspensions are insane. I hate saying this but on that bigga stage, in front of that many people, losing on your home turf while competing would make me frustrated as well.

be patient, the ITF has yet to finish with this situation, but i can assure you no more than one event will be taken away and thats not likely to happen either.
 
malakas

malakas

Banned
RalphNYC said:
http://www.serenawilliams.com/blog_message_detail.php?msg=125

Monday, September 14, 2009

Press Statement Amendment
Hey guys!!!

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

Xxxx,

S
Click to expand...

wow she must have been really frightened for losing her prize money/points to throw down her face and make this.So it's good.But good start!

She didn't do this in a press,while she seems to be in love with the media :rolleyes:
She didn't say I'm sorry loud and clear..but I would like to apologise.This is different for me.
This is supposed to be an apology to the lineswoman and YET she spends half the time talking about herself and how good she is.

So,good step in the right direction Serena.Well done.But not enough.
 
jamesblakefan#1

jamesblakefan#1

G.O.A.T.
deltox said:
well, as many know i am a serenhater. but this is not on the menu for todays post.


let me first say that she did only one thing wrong during this fit of rage. She communicated a threat. In my opinion, all else was fair game as my boy roddick, jmac and others before them have spewed more profanities than she did in those few seconds.

let me clarify a few points here as i see them

1. Serena was obviously already worked up and frustrated by losing to Kim.

2. Ive watched the videos at every angle they have shown and i can see where it would be hella close, but i cant see it clearly so i have to assume it was REALLLLY close. at such a big stage in a tourney if it was thatttt close, i say dont call it.

3. The WTA could have made this all better by suspending serena for say 1 month (which everyone knows serena wouldnt have been terribly upset about), but instead they drop the ball and fine her 10,500.00

4. The ITF (Grand Slam tennis) has yet to rule on the situation and proably wont til after the conclusion of the USO + a couple days.

5. Serena then proceeded to lie about her behevior on court to the umpires and then again in the press conference.


with all things there weighed out id say the WTA recourse for her actions were to small and inadequate. i think her recourse was immature and spiteful, and sadly as some have stated a blog entry cannot cover a formal apology, although she could simply make a single statement to ESPN or any like stations and that would suffice. She will almost certainly be heavily fined or possibly suspended from the AO by the ITF.

But all this talk of lifetime suspensions and year long suspensions are insane. I hate saying this but on that bigga stage, in front of that many people, losing on your home turf while competing would make me frustrated as well.

be patient, the ITF has yet to finish with this situation, but i can assure you no more than one event will be taken away and thats not likely to happen either.
Click to expand...

Good levelheaded post.
 
E

Enigma_87

Professional
Grigollif1 said:
I don`t want to generilize it, but I lived there for a long time. And I bet most of the people doing the judging and the political correctness bid. Are part of that fake repressive part of the American culture, where we are all living in a little fable cookie cut world. With the `good morning my lovely neighboor` `have a nice day` No wonder why all that repressed anger comes out in many ways. Specially in judging others from the Net.

If I was Serena, I would expect an apology from the lines woman. I have seen tennis for years, I have watch pretty much all there is to watch in tennis historically and I have never seen such a random stupid call at a big event. As an athlete you dedicate your life towards goals, you problably wake up every morning working and concentrating in how to achieve them. Only to be hit by such a random call. I and problably every Man player would reacted worse and it would be considered natural. Agassi has done it, Sampras has asked if the umpire was on dope ? Mcernoe ( not even going there too obvios) Connors called the umpire an abortion and people thought it was pretty and party of the show, during the 1991 US open.

Serena curses, and suddenly she is a real threat. There is such a double standard. People can`t seem to get their personal vies on her out of the question. Again, just pathetic...
Click to expand...

So I guess you would have no problem if on a TV show, that is televised all across the globe, a certain man issues death threats to his host.

Did Agassi, Connors or Sampras ever though of killing a linesman or an umpire? Did any of them said that out loud?

Hewitt was foot faulted on BP against Federer at the USO, did he threatened the linesman?
 
malakas

malakas

Banned
babbette said:
Apology accepted!!!

Here is someone that accepts her apology too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrvMTv_r8sA

It made it worse because the lineswoman just sat there like a scared little child. She was surrounded by umpire, and tournament people this time, how will she stick up for herself in the real world. Grow some balls lineswoman!
Click to expand...

sorry babbette but this is complete bull.The lineswoman according to you,should stand up and shouting back at Serena?????Are you serious??

and of course the lineswoman cares and gives a f*ck,as you put it.She had to endure this in front of million people watching,her family and children.

Think sometimes.
 
canadave

canadave

Professional
I'm of the mind that there's been a bit of an overreaction to Serena's outburst (I mean really--criminal charges? Permanent Grand Slam bans? Come on....) But, that being said, I think this is a pretty tepid and lame apology. Should've done it in front of cameras, personally, rather than making a blog post on her website, and it should've been a day earlier.
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Grigollif1 said:
As an athlete you dedicate your life towards goals, you problably wake up every morning working and concentrating in how to achieve them.
Click to expand...


Too bad she forgot to read the rule book when she was dedicating all this time to playing tennis.
 
E

Enigma_87

Professional
canadave said:
I'm of the mind that there's been a bit of an overreaction to Serena's outburst (I mean really--criminal charges? Permanent Grand Slam bans? Come on....) But, that being said, I think this is a pretty tepid and lame apology. Should've done it in front of cameras, personally, rather than making a blog post on her website, and it should've been a day earlier.
Click to expand...

So if I say to you in front of 20 000 people that I will smother you with a tennis ball in your throat and kill you, you would have no problem whatsoever and this is not a criminal offense? Really?
 
jamesblakefan#1

jamesblakefan#1

G.O.A.T.
Enigma_87 said:
So if I say to you in front of 20 000 people that I will smother you with a tennis ball in your throat and kill you, you would have no problem whatsoever and this is not a criminal offense? Really?
Click to expand...

If we got in trouble for everything we said/threatened to do when we were p!ssed off, I'd be in jail for life right now, if not worse. Don't act as if you've never gotten angry and threatened bodily harm to someone else. Get off the high horse.
 
G

Grigollif1

Semi-Pro
Enigma_87 said:
So I guess you would have no problem if on a TV show, that is televised all across the globe, a certain man issues death threats to his host.

Did Agassi, Connors or Sampras ever though of killing a linesman or an umpire? Did any of them said that out loud?

Hewitt was foot faulted on BP against Federer at the USO, did he threatened the linesman?
Click to expand...


Are you serious, you must be laughing writing this post, I can`t beleive you. She was cursing to the lines woman. I have said many times to opponets when pissed, things such as `I am gonna to destroy you` or soemthing. We would have many sports professionals in jail if cursing used in the competition setting were taking literally. Boxing would cease to exist.

Not even in sports, it happens everywhere people curse and say things not to be taken literally all the time all the time. There is a little important word here called context
 
Last edited:
mcshift

mcshift

Rookie
I agree that this was very fake...wouldnt be surprised if this wasnt even written by her and that its just to save her image.
 
M

MagPro

Semi-Pro
I dont know if this was discussed but, was it actually a foot fault? I didnt think from the replay it was. Johnny Mac didnt seem to think so either? If it was an over zealous line call. I would have been pissed too.
 
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