Andre Agassi: "This is what you call an **** watch(Raymond Weil)"

[MikeMcKenzie]

Andre Agassi: "This is what you call an e Bay watch(Raymond Weil)"

I believe he said something to the effect in the post match trophy presentation when they gave him a Raymond Weil luxury watch. Can anyone believe this?! I can not belive he said this openly. He basically said that he was going to auction off this luxury watch on e Bay because that is what you do when you receive something like this. Has he gone out of his mind?! I mean, Raymond Weil must be furious. They must have paid out a couple hundred grand for sponsorship. Anyone else see this? I thought it was just insane.

 

[keenanj_08]

Anyone else see this?

Anyone else think he was joking?

 

[divito]

I'm not sure I understand. He was given a watch, and said "this is what you call an **** watch" ?? That is a bad thing? I'm lost.

 

[MikeMcKenzie]

basically he made it sound like this is junk, I am going to sell it on e Bay. Then as half the crowd was laughing, the other half in disbelief, he said all money would go to his foundation....I was watching this with 5 other tennis friends and they couldn't believe it. It was definitely a blow to the sponsor.

 

[BaseLineBash]

Yes he did say that...but he was just being a smart ass to the tourney and sponsor tools. Plus he did say he would e-b-a-y it for his foundation.

 

[Craig Sheppard]

Heh at this point Andre doesn't have to apologize for anything. He's earned it the privilege.

 

[MikeMcKenzie]

good point.

 

[Matthew]

Yea I caught that too and I was like "can he say that??". A bit off color but who cares, he was probably just excited about the win and wasn't exactly thinking. And who is going to question him anyway? The guy is legendary.

 

[ch4ng]

i also saw and heard him say that about the watch, i just think it just slipped, then again hes andre agassi

 

[Max G.]

I heard he made fun of other sponsors too? Or is that just rumors.

Sounds like he was just having some fun out there.

 

[devila]

He also said, "Don't give me the envelope. It's empty. There's no check inside."
Arrogant and unfunny.

 

[dearingfilm]

hehe... he speaks his mind and that is something I find rather refreshing

 

[hoosierbr]

To put this to bed here's what Andre said about that comment:

During the ceremony following the match, Agassi joked about taking the watch awarded to him and selling it on the Internet. He wished he hadn't.

"That was a dumb thing to say all the way around," Agassi said, shaking his head. "Nine out of 10 times I say something, I'm glad I said it. One out of 10, I go, 'Haven't you learned yet to keep your mouth shut?' That was one of those times.

"I haven't worn a watch for so many years, but I may wear this one a few times now."

http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8693615

 

[A-rodd]

I think he was trying to be funny, but like most people he's not funny, so his comment turned out to be stupid, like most people.

 

[Coda]

I was there and everyone around me was half laughing half shocked in disbelief...he was being a smart ass, but like others have said he's earned it. The match was a pretty good one...Muller definetly has some serious talent.

 

[Coda]

Forgot to say that during the various speeches by the tournament officials he put the watch on and was showing it to Muller acting very interested in it. He obviously was trying to redeem himself for his comment.

 

[muklucke]

You can totally tell he was just being light hearted. I was there and it was just fun and games. Im sure he really didnt mean anything by it.

 

[Exile]

i think he meant it, and was only apologizing so they wouldnt get on his ass about dissing the sponsor

 

[devila]

Just like Federer, Agassi can be a moron and the apologists enjoy the ignorance.

 

[Deuce]

I'm all for spontaneity - whether it makes one appear foolish or not. It beats the hell out of the standard, boring, 'polite', 'politically correct', rehearsed, artificial words usually uttered. Anyone who has a problem with this kind of stuff takes petty things much too seriously.

Agassi's nearing retirement, and might just be deciding to say and do some of the things he hasn't had the 'guts' to say or do previously. Time to take both the leash and the muzzle off - more should do the same, and not wait until they're near retirement.

 

[BreakPoint]

I heard it, too. and thought that was a really stupid thing to say. He slimed a sponsor big time. He was basically saying, "This watch is a P.O.S." or "I would never be caught dead wearing this ugly watch so first thing tomorrow, I'm listing it on e-Bay." Pretty arrogant IMHO. Yes, he's got enough money to buy thousands of watches himself, but when you're presented an award by a sponsor, you always just accept it graciously and say, "Thank you very much, what a beautiful watch", even if you don't really like it. You don't announce to the sponsor (gift giver), the presenters, and the whole crowd that you don't want it because you're too good for that watch.

I bet Raymond Weil won't be sponsoring this tournament again.

I also thought Agassi's comment about the "empty envelope" was also kind of childish and unclassy, if not condescending. Just accept the envelope graciously and smile and say, "Thank you". It's pretty rude to refuse the envelope and announce to the crowd that's it's empty IMHO. Maybe Agassi has gotten just a little bit too rich and his head has gotten a little too big.

I doubt you will ever see Federer or Borg say and do what Andre did today.

 

[tennisadict]

it was stupid and when he said it sounds like he was serious..... and about the envelope was very stupid and rude......did he know that he was on espn........

 

[Yours!05]

Breakpoint -

I also thought Agassi's comment about the "empty envelope" was also kind of childish and unclassy

There's something of a consensus around (not meaning Breakpoint's post particularly)that Agassi is classy and therefore this is a surprise. Just Mr. Hyde loose again

 

[Deuce]

You guys get all bent out of shape about this meaningless, trivial nonsense, and don't say a word when, for example, companies like Nike use Asian children as slaves to make their grotesquely expensive junk. On the contrary - you go and purchase the junk, thus directly contribute to the fates of the slaves.

Glad to see that your anger and disgust is channeled in the proper direction, guys.. toward the truly important matters in life.

 

[Yours!05]

You guys get all bent out of shape about this meaningless, trivial nonsense, and don't say a word when, for example, companies like Nike use Asian children as slaves to make their grotesquely expensive junk. On the contrary - you go and purchase the junk, thus directly contribute to the fates of the slaves.

Glad to see that your anger and disgust is channeled in the proper direction, guys.. toward the truly important matters in life.

For me, this is about player behaviour in all its myriad, often unpleasant, varieties - frequently including the Williams'. The thousands of corporations that now outsource market to all of us - nothing exclusively pro tennis player about it, except they can afford the shiniest bling, and most of us can't. And some of us try to avoid it where practicable.

 

[Richie Rich]

You guys get all bent out of shape about this meaningless, trivial nonsense, and don't say a word when, for example, companies like Nike use Asian children as slaves to make their grotesquely expensive junk. On the contrary - you go and purchase the junk, thus directly contribute to the fates of the slaves.

Glad to see that your anger and disgust is channeled in the proper direction, guys.. toward the truly important matters in life.

I guess you don't play tennes then since about 99% of tennis racquets and equipment is made in China/Asia. Nike is probably the worst offender but it's not like they are the only ones.

 

[doriancito]

well you see andre agassi is a simple guy he likes to keep it simple....you almost never see him arrive in super luxury cars but in his all time sorent (kia) so he might not wear a watch and just said that buy joking saying he doesnt know about watch brands and he doesnt care!

 

[swedechris]

good idea

if andre decide to sell the wacth and then donate the money i think he is bioth generuos and setting an example and is showing good human character.. more stuff like that from all the people that are loaded is cool.

 

[fantom]

It must be tough to have so many moments of your life watched by people all over the world. I'm sure everybody here has said things that they regretted later.

Andre obviously regretted what he said.....he mentioned this in his press conference.

I think he was just trying to give an interesting and light-hearted interview, and didn't think about the sponsors at the time.

I was in Houston a few years ago when he won the US Men's Claycourts and mentioned to Mattress Mac (the owner of the club) in his interview after the final that he wouldn't buy any of the furniture that was in his furniture store. The comment was basically insinuating that the furniture was sub-par. I think he was just trying to be funny then, too, but may have insulted somebody in the process...

 

[Dirky]

http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=29&item=fy04

It's a long report but for those interested please read it so you can filter out the myths from reality.

 

[Indiantwist]

I recorded the entire thing and rereviewed it. he is basically trying to be jovial. I know it might have rubbed a few on the wrong side, But thats what it is..funny.

Even if he is wrong, he can be totally excused for this humour back firing. He is one of the game's greatest players and above all a nice Gentlemen. He knows that his wins are far and few these days and he wants to give some light moments to crowd .

It didnt work this time.

I thoroughly enjoyed his Win.

The Sponsors need not be worried off so much. The watches we are talking about are reasonably expensive and their customer base are mostly people with Great $$$$$$. Those people know the watches worth and also waht Agassi meant.

 

[Cavaleer]

You guys get all bent out of shape about this meaningless, trivial nonsense, and don't say a word when, for example, companies like Nike use Asian children as slaves to make their grotesquely expensive junk. On the contrary - you go and purchase the junk, thus directly contribute to the fates of the slaves.

Glad to see that your anger and disgust is channeled in the proper direction, guys.. toward the truly important matters in life.

Is this the same man who "gets all bent out of shape" and devotes entire threads to the Williams sisters' religion and the way they spend their money?

You are comic relief.



Cavaleer

 

[bismark]

You guys get all bent out of shape about this meaningless, trivial nonsense, and don't say a word when, for example, companies like Nike use Asian children as slaves to make their grotesquely expensive junk. On the contrary - you go and purchase the junk, thus directly contribute to the fates of the slaves.

Where did you learn that from? The media?

 

[spirit]

I think its too bad that Andre made such a foolish remark in an attempt at being "flippant" and funny. It fell flat. It wasn't funny.

You would think that after being around the block so many times he would be good at this. I agree with the post that suggested that a player should just be gracious in these ceremonies and "after match" interviews. And never, never say that you were playing lousy, or not your best after you have just defeated an opponent (not that Agassi did that this time). And there is no reason to even say that after just losing. Just congratulate your opponent and admit how well they played.

It was a few years ago that after a loss in Washington, Agassi said - to paraphrase - I played like a jerk (jerk is the word he used). It didn't go over well, and ever since then I am prepared to wince at any time during an Agassi interview. Though I must say, that on the whole, Agassi is a class act and some of his interviews have been gems.

 

[devila]

What's so funny is the Americans like Roddick view Agassi as a God who does no wrong.
No no don't criticize his majesty. There's a lot of insecurity and anger inside that bald man. He's incredibly politically correct one second and the next second, his true colors show--unsophisticated, smug, humorless and ingratiating. He's not as smart as he thinks.

 

[devila]

When you were lucky to win a tiebreak in the Queen's Club match against a tired opponent who almost lost after he won the 1st set 1-6, you don't say, "It's almost like I WILLED myself to lose." Disgusting. Agassi's lack of respect for an opponent who worshipped the ground he walked on and recently, a pathetic attitude in front of sponsors and fans.

 

[BreakPoint]

well you see andre agassi is a simple guy he likes to keep it simple....you almost never see him arrive in super luxury cars but in his all time sorent (kia) so he might not wear a watch and just said that buy joking saying he doesnt know about watch brands and he doesnt care!

Are you kidding me? Agassi arrives to some tournaments in his own private helicopter! Much more expensive than any luxury car. Most players just use the tournament's car service to get picked up.

 

[A-rodd]

What's so funny is the Americans like Roddick view Agassi as a God who does no wrong.
No no don't criticize his majesty. There's a lot of insecurity and anger inside that bald man. He's incredibly politically correct one second and the next second, his true colors show--unsophisticated, smug, humorless and ingratiating. He's not as smart as he thinks.

Good point I agree.

 

[BreakPoint]

You guys get all bent out of shape about this meaningless, trivial nonsense, and don't say a word when, for example, companies like Nike use Asian children as slaves to make their grotesquely expensive junk. On the contrary - you go and purchase the junk, thus directly contribute to the fates of the slaves.

Glad to see that your anger and disgust is channeled in the proper direction, guys.. toward the truly important matters in life.

I don't want to get started on this. But I agree those Asian children have terrible jobs. But a terrible job is better than NO JOB at all! If we didn't buy this stuff and keep them working, many of them would likely starve or resort to prostitution to make a living.

I've seen news reports in which reporters went to these factories and interviewed the people working there, and most of them are very glad that these corporations have moved in and given them jobs, because otherwise, they'd be toiling at even tougher and harder work on farms or starving. This is the avenue that most third world countries have to go through to eventually become a first world country that can provide better jobs and livelihoods to its people. Remember that America was once full of sweatshops with millions of children working as slaves, too. China will eventually move up the economic ladder as well.

 

[Indiantwist]

I respect Agassi's Tennis talent and admire his Tennis skills. Rest of it hardly matters to me. He can be good/bad/ugly or whatever.

But then thats me. Same guy who likes KobeBryant (NBA's elite player) still after the court allegations. Similarly i liked Hansie Cronje (south african cricket team ex-captain) even after the match fixing allegations.

Its not normal to xpect them to be God like behaviour. They are humans and they are prone for errors.


Agassi made a mistake....tried to be funny...couldnt....end of story. That doesnt change anything. Just because agassi said its from **** doesnt make the Raymond blah blah watch maker a momNpop watch maker.

 

[scotus]

Andre's remark didn't go over very well.

He hadn't won tournaments in a while, so his state of mind was probably not the best it could have been. Perhaps he was way jumpy, too excited yet tried to play "cool." Or perhaps he knew the tournament director and the representatives from the sponsors too well. You can tell from the way Andre joked about the envelope being empty and all. I think a joke that might have worked well just between him and the powers-that-be there did not go over well with the audience who did not share the same closeness (Just a guess). But I'm glad Andre issue an apology later on.

 

[aramis]

I kinda agree with Duece on this one. First of all AA was really happy about his win so of course in that excited state of mind anyone would be more 'open' and in a good humor. He was just trying to have a little fun with tournament directors and the crowd. Unfortunately his remarks did come out the wrong way, I admit, because I saw it on TV, but I don't doubt his intentions. I mean some people just have an ability to translate their intentions into the proper words and some not as much. I have seen many interviews with Agassi and, believe me, out of all the pros who are competent in English he seems to be able to voice his intent better than anyone else; it just wasn't the case yesterday, that's all there is to it

Oh, and besides, big companies like Raymond Weil are filthy rich and don't worry about their business falling apart because of "Andre the Terrible's" rude and "childish" remarks :roll:

 

[BreakPoint]

Oh, and besides, big companies like Raymond Weil are filthy rich and don't worry about their business falling apart because of "Andre the Terrible's" rude and "childish" remarks :roll:

Think again. RW is a small Swiss watch manufacturer, and I'll bet they are royally pissed at what Andre said yesterday. Do you know a lot of people that wear Raymond Weil watches?

I've heard even a huge, ultra rich behemoth like Nike will cut off negotiations with an athlete if they just merely mention the name of a competitor.

Sponsors pay big, big bucks to sponsor a tournament, and they get really upset when they get dissed by the hired help, which is what all the players are.

 

[rob61]

Yeah, like the ATP...

You're right, companies who pay huge sums of money for sponsorship don't take kindly to even mentioning "competitors".

Yes, even the ATP! Venus Williams wanted to wear the visor she brought (and likes) but was forced to not use it during the Bank Of the West Classic because it had a World Team Tennis logo on it!

So, it even goes beyond manufacturers.

 

[big ted]

agassi made a light joke about a watch. most of u are acting like he was responsible for the holocaust or something. seriously what is he suppossed to say about it. like he doesnt have probly a billion watches already he could probably buy the whole company. him getting a free watch is like u or me getting a free tic tac.

 

[BreakPoint]

agassi made a light joke about a watch. most of u are acting like he was responsible for the holocaust or something. seriously what is he suppossed to say about it. like he doesnt have probly a billion watches already he could probably buy the whole company. him getting a free watch is like u or me getting a free tic tac.

It's totally irrelevant how many watches Agassi already has. He was awarded a prize, or "gift", if you will, for winning a tournament. The cordial thing to do is to accept it graciously and to say "Thank you'.

You can also say Andre already has hundreds of millions of dollars, so another $75,000 check (or whatever it was) is like you or me getting a dollar. So would it be alright for him to have said, "Only a lousy $75,000 check? Man, you guys are cheapskates!", which is akin to what he said yesterday regarding the watch. Especially when I'll bet you he was paid a huge (much more than the prize money) appearance fee just to show up at the tournament!

You NEVER diss a sponsor in public. They are the reason you can make a living playing tennis.

It would be like if they gave him a Mercedes for winning, and him saying, "Man, that car looks and drives like crap, so I'm going to put it up for sale on e-Bay tomorrow.", right in the face of the Mercedes VP. Talk about sliming a company and its product. You keep your negative thoughts to yourself in public. Would it be alright for him to announce to the crowd and to the tournament director's face that he thinks he's fat and that his wife is both fat and ugly even though he thinks it's true?

 

[Yours!05]

It's totally irrelevant how many watches Agassi already has. He was awarded a prize, or "gift", if you will, for winning a tournament. The cordial thing to do is to accept it graciously and to say "Thank you'.

Best of luck with this Breakpoint!

 

[Matthew]

No BP is right, that would be the right thing to do and it is what has become expected from Andre, and what should be expected from anyone. Andre would be a much poorer man today if it weren't for his sponserships, and he recognized that he let something slip he shouldn't have. Not the end of the world, just a little out of character for him.

 

[aramis]

Think again. RW is a small Swiss watch manufacturer, and I'll bet they are royally pissed at what Andre said yesterday. Do you know a lot of people that wear Raymond Weil watches?

I've heard even a huge, ultra rich behemoth like Nike will cut off negotiations with an athlete if they just merely mention the name of a competitor.

Sponsors pay big, big bucks to sponsor a tournament, and they get really upset when they get dissed by the hired help, which is what all the players are.

Well if RW is indeed a small company that just manages to get by, than I was wrong. But that still doesn't change my point that Agassi's comments were meant in good humor; they just came out the wrong way. He wanted to say something funny but he ended up saying the wrong thing, I agree. However, I think we're carrying this too far because Agassi himself immediately went out and did the mature, responsible thing to do, which was to make a truthful apology. I don't think it's fair to still call him "arrogant" or "smart ass" after he admitted his own mistake, which some people have done in this post.

 

[newnuse]

Wow, such venom over a silly joke. He knows it was in poor taste and acknowledged he shouldn't have said it. People say stuff and regret it later all the time.

He made a simple mistake and he knows it. The guy is not the devil, nor is he perfect. Cut the guy some slack. It was just a silly joke.