Safin on Agassi..we'll miss his interviews

pound cat

G.O.A.T.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10112009/58/safin-agassi-hand-money.html


Marat Safin has come up with an instant remedy to help Andre Agassi clear his conscience after his admission that he lied about using drugs - hand back the millions of dollars he made in prize money.

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Safin also suggested Agassi might also want to consider forfeitting all the titles he won during his long and celebrated career if he was serious about coming clean.

"He feels guilty? So let him just give back his titles, money, his Grand Slams!" Safin told French sports daily L'Equipe.

"If he is so fair play, he should go all the way. You know, ATP have a bank account, he can refund if he wants to."

Safin, currently playing his last tournament in Paris this week, also questioned Agassi's motives for revealing his past drug use in his autobiography "Open".

In his book, Agassi revealed he had used and tested positive for crystal meth in 1997 but escaped punishment by lying to the investigators.

The American has since spoken about his remorse over his actions but Safin said was concerned about the way in which he confessed.

"I won't write my biography. I do not need any money. The question is: why did he do it?" Safin said.

"What's done is done. He hopes to sell more books. But he is completely stupid!"

"I do not defend the ATP but what he said put them in a bad position. ATP allowed him to win a lot of tournaments, to make a lot of money.

"They kept his secret so why be so cruel with them? There are times you need to be able to shut up."

Earlier this month, the World Anti-Doping Agency said they were investigating whether to lay fresh charges against Agassi.

Reuters


http://d.yimg.com/i//ng/sp/eurosport/20091110/25/0b859880f488c108ce8c07a4b4e9fde1.jpg
 

Bengt

Semi-Pro
. . . but maybe a moron's right occasionally.

So you agree that Andre Agassi should, as Safin demands, transfer millions in prize money into the "ATP bank account" and forfeit his titles (including Grand Slams) for using a non-performance enhancing drug back in '97 when he was ranked 140th in the world? Ridiculous. Safin's just trying to make some noise as his underwhelming, uninspiring career mercifully winds down.
 

jrod

Hall of Fame
...
Marat Safin has come up with an instant remedy to help Andre Agassi clear his conscience after his admission that he lied about using drugs - hand back the millions of dollars he made in prize money.


Is Marat really that clueless? Does he have any idea as to how much $ Andre has given back? Not just given back, but actually done something productive for underprivileged children.

Has Marat ever done anything for anyone besides himself? Go climb another mountain Marat...only do us all a favor and make the summit this time and stay there.
 

Richie Rich

Legend
he does have a point though. the atp quietly swept the drug use under the carpet. but this does out the ATP and make them look bad - who else have they covered up for?
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
Is Marat really that clueless? Does he have any idea as to how much $ Andre has given back? Not just given back, but actually done something productive for underprivileged children.

Has Marat ever done anything for anyone besides himself? Go climb another mountain Marat...only do us all a favor and make the summit this time and stay there.

Errh.. hes talking about the ATP, not underprivileged children. They covered up his secret and now he hurts them with all these confessions. Why? To sell more books. Safin has a point.
 

Bud

Bionic Poster
"I do not defend the ATP but what he said put them in a bad position. ATP allowed him to win a lot of tournaments, to make a lot of money.

"They kept his secret so why be so cruel with them? There are times you need to be able to shut up."

Bingo! Safin hit the nail on the head.
 

jrod

Hall of Fame
Errh.. hes talking about the ATP, not underprivileged children. They covered up his secret and now he hurts them with all these confessions. Why? To sell more books. Safin has a point.

Andre lied and has more than made up for it and continues to pour $ into charitable causes.

Again, what the hell has Safin ever done for anyone other than himself?
 

Gemini

Hall of Fame
Then why ask Agassi to give up his money if the ATP allowed him to earn it anyway??? As far as I'm concerned, the ATP's at fault for not taking the proper steps in banning Agassi like Coria, Puerta, Hingis (WTA/ITF), etc.

If you haven't noticed, bans usually are imposed on unknown to lesser known players on tour. Players that have less of global reach/appeal are subject as well. Hingis, in my opinion, was the exception but the governing bodies realized that she wasn't the player she used to be when they imposed the ban and therefore really had nothing to lose.
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
Andre lied and has more than made up for it and continues to poor $ into charitable causes.

Again, this has nothing to do with charitable causes.

Again, what the hell has Safin ever done for anyone other than himself?

Stupid question. We are talking about Agassi. Safin never tested positive for drugs and lied about it.
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
Ignore the other post (;

Andre lied and has more than made up for it and continues to pour $ into charitable causes.

Again, this has nothing to do with charitable causes.

Again, what the hell has Safin ever done for anyone other than himself?

Stupid question. We are talking about Agassi. Safin never tested positive for drugs and lied about it.
 

jrod

Hall of Fame
Stupid question. We are talking about Agassi. Safin never tested positive for drugs and lied about it.

Does the bigger picture escape you all the time, or just on occassion?

Again, Andre lied to the ATP. He benefited from this, and made the ATP look foolish (not that they needed any help). Safin's remedy is a pathetic attempt at humor. It does nothing to rectify the situation.

What exactly would you have Andre do differently to make up for his mistakes?
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
Does the bigger picture escape you all the time, or just on occassion?

Lol do u always miss the point the oint make meaningless arguments?

Again, Andre lied to the ATP. He benefited from this, and made the ATP look foolish (not that they needed any help). Safin's remedy is a pathetic attempt at humor. It does nothing to rectify the situation.

Well, there you kinda just admitted Safin is right so how the hell can his statement be a "pathetic attemt at humor? Lol but atleast you're making some progress.

What exactly would you have Andre do differently to make up for his mistakes?

Well, he probably never should have said anything in the first place and if he did, he shouldnt have done it to sell more books. But it doesnt matter now, its too late.
 
T

TheMagicianOfPrecision

Guest
Is Marat really that clueless? Does he have any idea as to how much $ Andre has given back? Not just given back, but actually done something productive for underprivileged children.

Has Marat ever done anything for anyone besides himself? Go climb another mountain Marat...only do us all a favor and make the summit this time and stay there.

Very good post! Totally agree, go buy some hard liquor instead and stfu!
 

G&G

New User
I think that all of you don't understand russian humor. Safin just said that if you did something wrong and ATP did not catch you, keep your mouth shut. that's it. That is not good for the tennis. All Agassi wants is just money, to sell the book. I believe that in a year nobody will remember his book, but his reputation will be damaged forever. If i was Longiness would terminate the contract with Agassi.
 

jrod

Hall of Fame
Lol do u always miss the point the oint make meaningless arguments?

Thanks. You've answered my question.

Well, there you kinda just admitted Safin is right so how the hell can his statement be a "pathetic attemt at humor? Lol but atleast you're making some progress.

Let me get this straight. I paraphrase what Andre said, and you interpret this as justification of Safin's position? Pretzel logic.

Well, he probably never should have said anything in the first place and if he did, he shouldnt have done it to sell more books. But it doesnt matter now, its too late.

That's your remedy? Impressive.
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
Thanks. You've answered my question.



Let me get this straight. I paraphrase what Andre said, and you interpret this as justification of Safin's position? Pretzel logic.



That's your remedy? Impressive.

LMAO c'mon now you cant even make a single argument so you are limited to small arrogant remarks? Have you forgotten what the topic is or have you just given up on trying to make sense?
 

jrod

Hall of Fame
LMAO c'mon now you cant even make a single argument so you are limited to small arrogant remarks? Have you forgotten what the topic is or have you just given up on trying to make sense?

Well, if you take a look back at the thread and read my posts I think it's pretty clear what my position is here. When I read what you've contributed, the only thing you've made clear is that you disagree with me. While that's nice to know, I'm not sure anyone really cares. I certainly don't.
 

hankash

Rookie
The best part is when Agassi said he made these confessions to get it off his chest. I guess the only way to get it off your chest (or maybe it's the most easy and profitable way) is by writing about it in a book. He couldn't have held a press conference all these years to get it off his chest?
 

rommil

Legend
The best part is when Agassi said he made these confessions to get it off his chest. I guess the only way to get it off your chest (or maybe it's the most easy and profitable way) is by writing about it in a book. He couldn't have held a press conference all these years to get it off his chest?

Sadly, a lot of people in well commercialized communities feel that way, that if they were going to do a tell all, might as well make money out of it, right? When Agassi was on 60 minutes, he talked a lot about his dad and their relations and how he really "hated" tennis. I thought, I hope he has resolved their differences or his grudge with his long time ago before he writes stuffs like these for other people to read.
On Marat's opinion, well it's just that. Navratilova, Federer, Nadal et al have already said their pieces on it and I'm afraid others will too. That's Agassi's burden. It would be interesting to see how they are next time they have a tournament where they bump into each other.
 

vandre

Hall of Fame
Is Marat really that clueless? Does he have any idea as to how much $ Andre has given back? Not just given back, but actually done something productive for underprivileged children.

Has Marat ever done anything for anyone besides himself? Go climb another mountain Marat...only do us all a favor and make the summit this time and stay there.

that's not true, marat has work extensively with the "adopt a callgirl" program. to date, marat has adopted oodles of them!!!! :twisted:

lol
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
When I read what you've contributed, the only thing you've made clear is that you disagree with me. While that's nice to know, I'm not sure anyone really cares. I certainly don't.

Yeah, that and I've ruined your weak arguments. And if you didn't care, you could have just avoided this discussion.
 

Chadwixx

Banned
Safin said exactly what i did. Agassi's accomplishments after 1997 dont count. He shouldnt give the money to the corrupt atp, he should give the money to guys like medvedev whom he cheated in matches.
 
I don't think Safin is actually saying that he should give back the money. I think what Safin is doing is questioning Agassi's motivation for revealing something that damages the ATP now(just before his book comes out). Safin is questioning his motivation and timing of the information. Something that I agree with Safin on.
 

BlakeGOAT

Banned
I don't think Safin is actually saying that he should give back the money. I think what Safin is doing is questioning Agassi's motivation for revealing something that damages the ATP now(just before his book comes out). Safin is questioning his motivation and timing of the information. Something that I agree with Safin on.

Exactly. Good post.
 

CyBorg

Legend
Safin's right. Agassi's apology does have a certain stench to it, considering that it comes in the form of a commodity that puts money in his pocket.
 

ac3111

Professional
I don't think Agassi should give anything back simply because the crystal meth hurt his health, it was not an enhancer drug, did not improve Agassi's ability to play or his stamina. So he has nothing to give back. And the fact he has built a whole school that says a lot.
Safin may be right though about revealing all those things in an autobiography is a bit like you want to make the autobiography a best-seller. I mean he could have confessed all those things without writing a book.
But I am divided a bit... I mean Agassi with his statements I think shows that a no1 player can get away with it if he uses the right excuses...
I don't know what would have happened if he was not a no1 or top player.
So from that point of you I think it's good he brought up the matter because it shows all of us that it is money and interests that rule... everywhere...
 

THESEXPISTOL

Hall of Fame
Safin, Federer, Nadal.. They all play the 'right game' while they're still on tour.
Wait a few years after they retire and you will see they have their dirt too.
Nobody is perfect.

I like safin, i really do.. But he's one of the guys who throw his career from the window. I mean.. They guy had such a potential. He wouldn't be a Federer, but he could at least won 5 slams.
 

Mick

Legend
"They kept his secret so why be so cruel with them? There are times you need to be able to shut up."

Safin sounded like Robert DeNiro in GoodFellas:

"I'm not mad, I'm proud of you. You took your first pinch like a man and you learn two great things in your life. Look at me, never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut." :)
 

endbegin

Rookie
Safin really should think before he speaks sometimes. It can be funny sometimes, but it would be nice to grow up a bit too.

There might be some credence to the argument that Agassi is coming out with all of this to sell his book, but he is clearly coming clean from a psychological standpoint. Personally, it is refreshing to see someone who has been at the very top write something honest and open and admit to being incredibly flawed because that is the reality.

I don't believe that Agassi wanted to put the ATP down. This is all about exposing his personal demons. More power to him. If anyone thinks that he is purely financially motivated, then don't buy his book.
 

bluetrain4

G.O.A.T.
I don't agree with Safin, but if you do believe Agassi should give back "titles and prize money" then it should only be titles and prize money from the period where he would have been banned had he not lied to the ATP, which I think would have been 3 or 6 months. That would make some sense.

As far as Agassi's financial motivations, they are without question. But, it doesn't have to be his only motivation. If he really wanted to keep things secret, he never would say anything. But, as a famous athlete he can come clean to ease his mind and make a dollar doing so.

He was paid a huge advance ($5 million) for the book. There is no way the publisher would advance that sort of money without guarantees that Agassi would "spill the dirt" -- reveal things that were controversial enough to sell books. And, he did that. he probably wanted to "come clean" anyway, but this made it all the easier.
 
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Chadwixx

Banned
Safin really should think before he speaks sometimes. It can be funny sometimes, but it would be nice to grow up a bit too.

There might be some credence to the argument that Agassi is coming out with all of this to sell his book, but he is clearly coming clean from a psychological standpoint. Personally, it is refreshing to see someone who has been at the very top write something honest and open and admit to being incredibly flawed because that is the reality.

I don't believe that Agassi wanted to put the ATP down. This is all about exposing his personal demons. More power to him. If anyone thinks that he is purely financially motivated, then don't buy his book.

Wanna buy a bridge?
 
D

Deleted member 21996

Guest
this is getting more than annoiying.

The guy tested once positive and lied about it during the lowest point of his carreer.

not like he spent his whole life on dope and dodged his testings like a junkie...

...
 

tdent

Rookie
Agassi

A lot of people who have actually know Agassi are really not supporting him, I would have expected more support from the players, but he is not getting it. I think he has a false persona with the public, and has always been out to promote himself and this just verifies it. Safin is 100 times the person Agassi will ever be.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
If i was Longiness would terminate the contract with Agassi.

I could think of a new Longine commercial.

A school bus stops for a bunch of little kids in school uniform. The door opens and reveals none other than Andre Agassi behind the wheel.

As Andre greets the school kids coming on board the bus, he opens his hands ... with something in each hand.

A female voice whispers: "It is time to give ..."
Andre's voice follows: "Speed or Meth?"
 
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mtommer

Hall of Fame
a non-performance enhancing drug back in '97

This has no bearing on the severity of what Andre did. The fact is, he should have been banned. Period. Everything he won/received as a result of playing during his "ban period" should be given back. This opinion, whether one agrees or not, is perfectly acceptable (I'm one who doesn't agree) and reasonable. It's only the "desireability" of what to "do" that should be discussed.
 

Richie Rich

Legend
This has no bearing on the severity of what Andre did. The fact is, he should have been banned. Period. Everything he won/received as a result of playing during his "ban period" should be given back. This opinion, whether one agrees or not, is perfectly acceptable (I'm one who doesn't agree) and reasonable. It's only the "desireability" of what to "do" that should be discussed.

fair enough. wasn't 2007 the year he lost very early in tournaments and played challengers? not a lot of prize money there
 

Ripper014

Hall of Fame
I agree with Safin and have always thought of him as saying what he thinks... unlike other that wish to be politically correct, I find it refreshing.

If Agassi is truly repentant then pay restitution... he may not have won tournaments during the time he took drugs 1997? But if suspended how long would he have been banned from tennis...? In 1998 during his road back he won 5 titles that took him from 122 to 6 in the world. If he had been under suspension I doubt he would have made his comeback and would probably have gone back to the drugs... What else would he do if he had to wait a year to play competitive tennis.

At this point it seems like he is just bringing attention to himself... there are some that just cannot live away from the limelight they have become accustom too, unlike a Pete Sampras.

So... I will state it again... I agree with Safin.. give back the money and titles during the period you would have been suspended. I am not sure what the ATP can do to him now... afterall how would you force him to pay a fine... not like you can forfeit his ability to play in touraments.

I echo what Safin said... you got away with it... keep your mouth shut or give it back. How honorable is a person that cheats the system... not that meth is a performance enhancing drug but it was against the by-laws, and then you made false statements when caught. But the ATP are not innocent in this either turning a blind eye because it was one of the stars (though tarnished) of their tour.

The sad part is he is trying in some way to be portrayed as a victim... asking for compassion... man up, and accept the consequences of what you did.
 
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Safin said exactly what i did. Agassi's accomplishments after 1997 dont count. He shouldnt give the money to the corrupt atp, he should give the money to guys like medvedev whom he cheated in matches.

What the heck are you talking about? Meth is not a PED, far from it. Your statements on this matter continue to be ludicrous and misinformed.
 
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