ITF president says ban unlikely for Serena; Agassi comments

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/10334402/ITF-president-says-ban-unlikely-for-Serena

Associated Press
Updated: November 7, 2009, 12:55 PM EST

REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy (AP) - Top-ranked Serena Williams will receive a hefty monetary fine but will not be suspended for her U.S. Open tirade, the president of the International Tennis Federation believes.

Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock is due to hand his recommendation to the Grand Slam committee, which will likely announce the sanction Monday or Tuesday.

"I don't think (an Australian Open ban) would make much sense, because it would penalize the people handing out the punishment," Francesco Ricci Bitti told The Associated Press on Saturday. "For the Grand Slam committee to exclude her from a Grand Slam doesn't seem likely."

The Grand Slam committee is composed of Ricci Bitti and the four Grand Slam presidents.

Williams was fined $10,000 after her profanity-laced, finger-pointing outburst at a lineswoman during her semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters in September. An eventual fine from the ITF could be much greater.

"A significant financial penalty makes much more sense. But it has to be significant enough for the fans (to appreciate) it," Ricci Bitti said. "Of course it may not be significant for Serena Williams, who earns tens of millions."

Ricci Bitti spoke at the Fed Cup final between the United States in Italy, which Williams and her sister Venus skipped.

The ITF president is also involved in a request by the World Anti-Doping Agency to investigate Andre Agassi's recent admission that he took crystal meth in 1997.

Agassi wrote in his soon-to-be-released autobiography "Open" that he ingested the drug and then lied to the ATP to avoid a suspension after failing a doping test.

Ricci Bitti is also a member of WADA's executive committee.

"The WADA code is our reference point and in every doping case the rules are quite clear. There is an eight-year period for sanctions to apply," Ricci Bitti said. "In terms of the regulations, there is nothing that can be done because we're past the eight-year period. It's more upsetting than anything else - for our sport and for the players."

Still, Ricci Bitti noted that the ATP should have a dossier on the case.

"We'll see what happens," he said.

In another drug-related case, the ITF confirmed a one-year suspension for Belgian tennis players Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse on Saturday. The duo was suspended by a Belgian tribunal this week for failing to report their whereabouts to anti-doping officials three times during 2009.

"This reminds me of the cases of Italian players involved in betting a little while ago," Ricci Bitti said. "These players need to be aware of their responsibilities. If they don't know, this is the result.

"These cases create discussion because they're not reliant on positive tests, but there are rules to respect," Ricci Bitti added. "We're awaiting the details from the Belgian federation. These kids need to wake up. They're professionals and they earn a lot of money. They don't need to merely know the rules, they should also respect them."

So, after all of the anti-SW faux legal threats, cries for Serena being permanently banned, etc., it is likely to come down to another fine, which--as Bitti points out--"Of course it may not be significant for Serena Williams, who earns tens of millions." In any case, we will all know the real turn-out by Tuesday.

On the other hand, Agassi's mouth opened a door he may not have predicted in the wake of his gossipy tell-all....

 

[JankovicFan]

"I don't think (an Australian Open ban) would make much sense, because it would penalize the people handing out the punishment," Francesco Ricci Bitti told The Associated Press on Saturday. "For the Grand Slam committee to exclude her from a Grand Slam doesn't seem likely."

USTA would be included, if any ban was for the US Open instead. It involves USTA, ITF, and I assume WTA. Yes, the Australian is the upcoming ITF level pro event, but it is not a USTA event. USTA governs the event at which the offense took place. However, she was already cleared to play doubles immediately afterward, so I expect it is all a tempest in a teapot, dragging it out long enough for the outrage to die down.

What seems offensive still is referring to the scripted apologies offered as sincere or genuine. You just can't have the same person playing both characters. Give us a break. Unless there is schizophrenia or some other alternate personality involved here, everyone is just going through the motions, trying to "fix it". Skip the unconvincing, sweet and innocent, "don't know what got into me" act. It feels like "I'm sorry (smirk), but meant every word of it. I am never wrong. Do you know who I am?"

I don't hate Serena. What I hate is not doing the right thing because of who it is.

 

[Richie Rich]

If Malisse and Wickmeyer didn't report their whereabouts then they are as guilty as anyone who tests positive. Especially a guy like Malisse who has been around long enough. I know most tennis players are not rocket scientists but they must understand, or have someone in their camp that understands. the rules. no excuse.

 

[settolove]

Is anyone really surprised? WTA is in a terrible state as far as marquee players go, they can't afford to ban her.

 

[JennyS]

Is anyone really surprised? WTA is in a terrible state as far as marquee players go, they can't afford to ban her.

John McEnroe said her punishment should be being forced to play a lot of tournaments!

 

[jimbo333]

John McEnroe said her punishment should be being forced to play a lot of tournaments!

LOL, Absolutely

 

[zagor]

So they're sending a message that you can get away with death threat to an official as long as you're star? Typical.

 

[1970CRBase]

So they're sending a message that you can get away with death threat to an official as long as you're star? Typical.

The message seems to be : you can get away with death threats to an official (and whatever else) as long as THEY think you are of use to them.

"I don't think (an Australian Open ban) would make much sense, because it would penalize the people handing out the punishment," Francesco Ricci Bitti told The Associated Press on Saturday. "For the Grand Slam committee to exclude her from a Grand Slam doesn't seem likely."

And after her threats of death, threats of violence, threats of shoving of a ball down a throat; Serena Williams just wanted to give the lines judge (whom she threatened) "a big ol hug"! How forgiving of her. Everybody really owes Serena Williams the apology!

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

So they're sending a message that you can get away with death threat to an official as long as you're star? Typical.

...which means nothing as no one took her rant as a serious intent to commit murder. Why? Because it was not. Some have the ability to understand this sans emotionalism generated by personal issues with a certain player.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

What seems offensive still is referring to the scripted apologies offered as sincere or genuine. You just can't have the same person playing both characters.

The point is to issue an apology, which occured; that random people are not convinced is irrelevant, as no one needs to put on a teary-eyed, head-in-shame show for an apology to be accepted.

 

[some6uy008]

...which means nothing as no one took her rant as a serious intent to commit murder. Why? Because it was not. Some have the ability to understand this sans emotionalism generated by personal issues with a certain player.

I agree. Seriously, some people actually thought she meant that?:roll: I think some people here just don't like her and will say anything against her

 

[jwbarrientos]

John McEnroe said her punishment should be being forced to play a lot of tournaments!

NO Mac Donald's access would be also appreciated :twisted:

 

[jwbarrientos]

Back to Agassi

Someone must say something serious, ATP should say that back 1997 rules an people running ATP were other people, but they are concern or worry about.

ITF should say sth like that Agassi doesn't represent Tennis'values.

Holy crap, nobody is paying attention to main issue, Agassi cheat everyone, waited for 12 years to go public?

 

[zagor]

...which means nothing as no one took her rant as a serious intent to commit murder. Why? Because it was not. Some have the ability to understand this sans emotionalism generated by personal issues with a certain player.

I don't care much about Serena either way so I'm far from having personal issues with her or letting my emotions cloud my judgement.

Yes I don't think there was an actual intent on her part(I doubt anyone does)and what was said was in the heat of moment but I still think that threatening official in such a way(with physical harm)should be sanctioned more(say being forced to miss the next slam)than the average outburst that is common for players.I would feel that way if any other player did the same(even some of my favourites like Fed or Nalbandian).

With that said this doesn't surprise me as I never expected that there will be any serious sanction against Serena because she's by far the biggest draw in tennis(for a good reason,I'm not disputing that)and the field that is lacking star players at the moment on top of that fact so they need Serena even more.

 

[jimbo333]

What this means though is that any player can now threaten violence and shout at officials on court and only get a fine!

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

What this means though is that any player can now threaten violence and shout at officials on court and only get a fine!

As of this day, the response is "only" a fine because TPB do not see it as a real threat.

 

[Love Game]

. . . "I don't think (an Australian Open ban) would make much sense, because it would penalize the people handing out the punishment," Francesco Ricci Bitti told The Associated Press on Saturday. "For the Grand Slam committee to exclude her from a Grand Slam doesn't seem likely." . . .

In another drug-related case, the ITF confirmed a one-year suspension for Belgian tennis players Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse on Saturday. The duo was suspended by a Belgian tribunal this week for failing to report their whereabouts to anti-doping officials three times during 2009. . . .

one player not banned at all for offensive behavior witnessed world-wide.

two players banned FOR ONE YEAR for failing to report whereabouts!!!
Guess that ban won't "penalize the people handing out the punishment"!!!

Tennis justice obviously isnt blind to the incomes of the players being judged! :shock:

 

[some6uy008]

one player not banned at all for offensive behavior witnessed world-wide.

two players banned FOR ONE YEAR for failing to report whereabouts!!!
Guess that ban won't "penalize the people handing out the punishment"!!!

Tennis justice obviously isnt blind to the incomes of the players being judged! :shock:

One on court outburst during the FINALS where emotions were flying high versus violating the rules 3 times.

 

[Eviscerator]

Just goes to show that the powers that be cannot be trusted to make a decision that can effect their own bottom line.
It is like politics where someone from the other side is vilified for the same actions that someone from their own party did, yet they defended them a few years back.

I do not know why the USTA is giving her a pass especially since she is not playing Fed cup for us this year, and we will lose in the finals as a result. They should have at least coerced her to play otherwise they would drop the hammer on her. Then again the PC types and apologists for their racist father would scream racism just to help minimize her punishment.

 

[jimbo333]

I still think that Serena getting a bit nasty on court, shows she is passionate about winning, but also shows she is sometimes a bit nasty!

What annoys me about her is that afterwards she pretends that she is this lovely gentle person, and what happened that day didn't really happen!

My message to Serena is carry on expessing yourself, but don't pretend to be someone your not!

I'll stay a fan as long as you stop being a hypocrite

 

[paulfreda]

One on court outburst during the FINALS where emotions were flying high versus violating the rules 3 times.

No, not "ONE on court outburst".
Serena committed TWO assaults on the lineswoman.
First with the finger pointing and death threat.
The lineswoman went to the umpire chair.
Then Serena approached her again waving her racquet a few feet from the woman's head.
That SECOND assault then became an assault with a deadly weapon.

If this pair of rulings were not so sad, they would be laughable.
Failure to report location ..... one year ban.
[ Is that not a Pre-Crime conviction ? ]

Threat of violence which includes a death threat.......... no ban at all.

Very sad. These officials should be ashamed of themselves.
And their names should be remembered for the future record.

 

[TheTruth]

It might go waay back to when they slapped Johnny Mac on the wrists for his tirades.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

No, not "ONE on court outburst".
Serena committed TWO assaults on the lineswoman.
First with the finger pointing and death threat.
The lineswoman went to the umpire chair.
Then Serena approached her again waving her racquet a few feet from the woman's head.
That SECOND assault then became an assault with a deadly weapon.

If this pair of rulings were not so sad, they would be laughable.
Failure to report location ..... one year ban.
[ Is that not a Pre-Crime conviction ? ]

Threat of violence which includes a death threat.......... no ban at all.

Very sad. These officials should be ashamed of themselves.
And their names should be remembered for the future record.

What is sad is how some actually believe SW posed any danger beyond a heat-of-the-monent rant. The law (as some were desperately hoping) did not step in as no crime occured. This imagined "assualt" was nothing of the sort, hence zero legal action from any involved up to this day.

 

[sureshs]

I agree - the assault and threat were imagined. The lineswoman who made the (incorrect) call tried to play the victim by claiming to the umpire that Serena threatened to kill her. That is why I have always said that there was something shady about her. She seemed to have been waiting for the right opportunity to bait Serena with an incorrect call and then play victim. I would not be surprised if it was motivated by something else, which is also speculated in the latest issue of Inside Tennis.

 

[jimbo333]

I would have thought that if you did what Serena did in an office at work, it could be seen as assault of some sort?

I doubt if it would be, but it could be surely!

 

[sureshs]

I would have thought that if you did what Serena did in an office at work, it could be seen as assault of some sort?

I doubt if it would be, but it could be surely!

Yes, it would be grounds for immediate firing.

 

[rommil]

All tennis governing bodies decided not to suspend Serena when they found out it will require twice the amount of cables and metals to that of the Golden Gate bridge.

 

[paulfreda]

I agree - the assault and threat were imagined. The lineswoman who made the (incorrect) call tried to play the victim by claiming to the umpire that Serena threatened to kill her.

Imagined ??

Assault does not require that you touch someone. Only that you make a threatening move toward them. Battery requires touching and there was no battery. And there were not one, but two assaults on Serena's part; before and after the lineswoman went to the umpire's chair. The second assault was an assault with a deadly weapon because she was waving her racquet a few feet from the woman's head..

I think these are undisputed facts.
Check with a lawyer if you do not believe me.

And I am told several members of the crowd distinctly heard Serena say "she would like to" kill the woman.
That is a death threat.

I wish I was wrong.
And I wish Serena's advisors gave her better advice.
But she did commit a crime and so far has not received the appropriate punishment.
If it had happened in an office or restaurant, she'd have been in jail within the hour.

Equal opportunity for all ?
Equal justice under the law ?

 

[TennisandMusic]

I agree - the assault and threat were imagined. The lineswoman who made the (incorrect) call tried to play the victim by claiming to the umpire that Serena threatened to kill her. That is why I have always said that there was something shady about her. She seemed to have been waiting for the right opportunity to bait Serena with an incorrect call and then play victim. I would not be surprised if it was motivated by something else, which is also speculated in the latest issue of Inside Tennis.

Dude...just go watch it on youtube. She says shes going to kill her TWICE. The second time she storms over to the line and says "I'm going to ******* kill you!" The first time she said the thing about the ball. You can hear it on the direct feed footage. Now it's the lines woman's fault? Come on now...

There is simply no excuse for what Serena did. To all those that say it was not "assault" try doing that in public with something you could use to beat someone in the same manner she did. See how far that gets you.

 

[Objective Danny]

Dude...just go watch it on youtube. She says shes going to kill her TWICE. The second time she storms over to the line and says "I'm going to ******* kill you!" The first time she said the thing about the ball. You can hear it on the direct feed footage. Now it's the lines woman's fault? Come on now...

There is simply no excuse for what Serena did. To all those that say it was not "assault" try doing that in public with something you could use to beat someone in the same manner she did. See how far that gets you.

I not sure but I believe the post you quoted was sacrasm. All rational, Objective posters think the punishment should be a 6 month ban and a 250k fine.

That'll get her attention.

 

[TennisandMusic]

I not sure but I believe the post you quoted was sacrasm. All rational, Objective posters think the punishment should be a 6 month ban and a 250k fine.

That'll get her attention.

Man I hope it was, it's hard to tell around here sometimes. I'm sure there are people who believe what he wrote so...if it was sarcasm my bad. It's just that it's too accurate to tell.

 

[veroniquem]

No, not "ONE on court outburst".
Serena committed TWO assaults on the lineswoman.
First with the finger pointing and death threat.
The lineswoman went to the umpire chair.
Then Serena approached her again waving her racquet a few feet from the woman's head.
That SECOND assault then became an assault with a deadly weapon.

If this pair of rulings were not so sad, they would be laughable.
Failure to report location ..... one year ban.
[ Is that not a Pre-Crime conviction ? ]

Threat of violence which includes a death threat.......... no ban at all.

Very sad. These officials should be ashamed of themselves.
And their names should be remembered for the future record.

The name I would like to remember is that lineswoman's because frankly her call was absolutely outrageous and I can only hope she's looking for another job at the moment. She had it coming big time, I don't mean threats, but a furious reaction by ANY player who would have been a victim of a call like that at that moment in the match! I'm really looking forward to not seeing that woman judge a tennis match ever again. Of course Serena should have controlled herself but still...

 

[TennisandMusic]

The name I would like to remember is that lineswoman's because frankly her call was absolutely outrageous and I can only hope she's looking for another job at the moment. She had it coming big time, I don't mean threats, but a furious reaction by ANY player who would have been a victim of a call like that at that moment in the match! I'm really looking forward to not seeing that woman judge a tennis match ever again. Of course Serena should have controlled herself but still...

But if she foot faulted...it's a fault! So if Serena hit the second serve a few millimeters long they should play the point? They should just let a fault go? I hope you do realize that a fault is a fault. There are two ways to do it, with your feet or with the ball. The video makes it clear Serena's foot moved in some fashion. Hard to tell where it was from the angle. Calling it "absolutely outrageous" is what is absolutely outrageous.

Listen people...a fault is a fault..ok? There is no "don't call it on big points" rule. If you are inside the court, or your ball is outside the box, the serve is not good.

Can this argument please be laid to rest? (wishful thinking I know)

 

[jimbo333]

Was it a footfault then or not, that's what I want to know?

 

[veroniquem]

But if she foot faulted...it's a fault! So if Serena hit the second serve a few millimeters long they should play the point? They should just let a fault go? I hope you do realize that a fault is a fault. There are two ways to do it, with your feet or with the ball. The video makes it clear Serena's foot moved in some fashion. Hard to tell where it was from the angle. Calling it "absolutely outrageous" is what is absolutely outrageous.

Listen people...a fault is a fault..ok? There is no "don't call it on big points" rule. If you are inside the court, or your ball is outside the box, the serve is not good.

Can this argument please be laid to rest? (wishful thinking I know)

The foot fault in question was completely controversial. You saw a foot fault, good for you. I and half the viewers saw no footfault at all (I guess it all depends on the camera angle, doesn't it?). The least you can do if you're gonna call a footfault for matchpoint is to call it on something blatant, not on something very arguable where maybe the tip of the toes scratched the line. I know we won't agree on this though since both camps are adamant about what they saw. No doubt Serena should have kept her wits about her no matter what but the match was extremely tense and I would have liked a proper ending. Yes, Serena's reaction was inappropriate but the call was absurd as well.

 

[sureshs]

Imagined ??

Assault does not require that you touch someone. Only that you make a threatening move toward them. Battery requires touching and there was no battery. And there were not one, but two assaults on Serena's part; before and after the lineswoman went to the umpire's chair. The second assault was an assault with a deadly weapon because she was waving her racquet a few feet from the woman's head..

I think these are undisputed facts.
Check with a lawyer if you do not believe me.

And I am told several members of the crowd distinctly heard Serena say "she would like to" kill the woman.
That is a death threat.

I wish I was wrong.
And I wish Serena's advisors gave her better advice.
But she did commit a crime and so far has not received the appropriate punishment.
If it had happened in an office or restaurant, she'd have been in jail within the hour.

Equal opportunity for all ?
Equal justice under the law ?

Who are those "several members of the crowd?" The same ones who tried to run the Williams out of Indian Wells?

A guy head butted another guy after a tennis match and left him with a bloody nose, and there was no prosecution. Check the Adults Tournament section.

If it was a deadly weapon, why was it allowed on court? What a stupid logic to associate a racquet in a player's hand with a deadly weapon. If it is deadly, it should not be allowed inside the premises.

I think anyone with common sense can understand what happened - a bad line call, probably deliberate, a lying and baiting lineswoman, and words spoken in the heat of the moment.

 

[jimbo333]

It wasn't actually on matchpoint.

And from what you've said the camera angle does not show if it was actually a footfault?

So I would reckon the person with the best view was the lineswoman!

I can't believe some people are actually having a go at her, this is ridiculous!

 

[jimbo333]

I think anyone with common sense can understand what happened - a bad line call, probably deliberate, a lying and baiting lineswoman, and words spoken in the heat of the moment.

What on earth are you on about?

"A lying and baiting lineswoman"????????????????

 

[veroniquem]

It wasn't actually on matchpoint.

And from what you've said the camera angle does not show if it was actually a footfault?

So I would reckon the person with the best view was the lineswoman!

I can't believe some people are actually having a go at her, this is ridiculous!

It led to match point. Well, you're gonna have to accept this incident was controversial and give Serena a break because personally I did feel the lineswoman was baiting, maybe it's the wide smile that was plastered on her face during and after her call and her general attitude. I can't prove it of course and it doesn't really matter in the end (Serena was still wrong to do what she did) but Suresh is not the only one who saw it this way so you just have to accept that sometimes things are more grey and grey than black and white and Serena did have some mitigating circumstances. And for the record I was watching this match as a neutral spectator, I am neither a fan nor a hater of either player.

 

[sureshs]

It led to match point. Well, you're gonna have to accept this incident was controversial and give Serena a break because personally I did feel the lineswoman was baiting, maybe it's the wide smile that was plastered on her face during and after her call and her general attitude. I can't prove it of course but Suresh is not the only one who saw it this way so you just have to accept that sometimes things are more grey and grey than black and white. And for the record I was watching this match as a neutral spectator, I am neither a fan or a hater of either player.

A possible motive behind the lineswoman's actions was alluded to in the latest issue of Inside Tennis, as well as the correctness of the call. And I have nothing whatsoever to do with the magazine.

 

[TennisandMusic]

The foot fault in question was completely controversial. You saw a foot fault, good for you. I and half the viewers saw no footfault at all (I guess it all depends on the camera angle, doesn't it?). The least you can do if you're gonna call a footfault for matchpoint is to call it on something blatant, not on something very arguable where maybe the tip of the toes scratched the line. I know we won't agree on this though since both camps are adamant about what they saw. No doubt Serena should have kept her wits about her no matter what but the match was extremely tense and I would have liked a proper ending. Yes, Serena's reaction was inappropriate but the call was absurd as well.

Umm...where exactly did I say I saw a foot fault? I said it was hard to tell from the angle they showed. However movement was clearly visible. I swear, you gotta be able to read and understand what other people are saying before you basically say you're going to agree to disagree. But, how can you say she barely scratched the line? If she was a half cm on the line that is, IMO, a CLEAR foot fault. Is that what happened? Not sure. But I would hope the lady was just doing her job.

The only thing "controversial" about it, was that Serena flipped out. If she would have just said "shoot I goofed" to herself, no one would be going off on that woman for doing her job. That's just an age old smear tactic really. I really see zero ground for Serena or her defenders to stand on. Maybe it wasn't a foot fault at all, even though there was movement, but the way it was handled was atrocious.

I still completely disagree with the idea that you don't call foot faults on big points. Unless it's obvious? You're either touching the line or you're not, should be an easy call to me. Bottom line.

 

[veroniquem]

A possible motive behind the lineswoman's actions was alluded to in the latest issue of Inside Tennis, as well as the correctness of the call. And I have nothing whatsoever to do with the magazine.

Thanks. I really want to read it. Is it something you can find online or do I have to buy the magazine?

 

[jimbo333]

I am neutral as well, and I was actually there!

It was a really entertaining incident to be honest, the crowd went absolutely mental, but did ruin what could have been a really good end to the match!

 

[veroniquem]

Umm...where exactly did I say I saw a foot fault? I said it was hard to tell from the angle they showed. However movement was clearly visible. I swear, you gotta be able to read and understand what other people are saying before you basically say you're going to agree to disagree. But, how can you say she barely scratched the line? If she was a half cm on the line that is, IMO, a CLEAR foot fault. Is that what happened? Not sure. But I would hope the lady was just doing her job.

The only thing "controversial" about it, was that Serena flipped out. If she would have just said "shoot I goofed" to herself, no one would be going off on that woman for doing her job. That's just an age old smear tactic really. I really see zero ground for Serena or her defenders to stand on. Maybe it wasn't a foot fault at all, even though there was movement, but the way it was handled was atrocious.

I still completely disagree with the idea that you don't call foot faults on big points. Unless it's obvious? You're either touching the line or you're not, should be an easy call to me. Bottom line.

As I said I couldn't see a foot fault and I found the way the linesjudge called it (exaggeratedly gleefully) disconcerting. I know I won't convince you, that's OK but I'm happy with the WTA's decision. This didn't deserve being banned from the tour. She was already penalized by losing the USO semi-final, since her outburst lost the match for her, not her racquet. That's a pretty big punishment already, adding a fine is OK, demanding an apology is OK, doing more than that would be harassment.

 

[sureshs]

As I said I couldn't see a foot fault and I found the way the linesjudge called it (exaggeratedly gleefully) disconcerting. I know I won't convince you, that's OK but I'm happy with the WTA's decision. This didn't deserve being banned from the tour. She was already penalized by losing the USO semi-final, since her outburst lost the match for her, not her racquet. That's a pretty big punishment already, adding a fine is OK, demanding an apology is OK, doing more than that would be harassment.

She was playing the little poor victim of the big rich spoiled girl, and she was thrilled at having been able to take out her anger on Serena. It was plastered all over her face. And she is not a young girl who didn't know what was going on. It is a way in which insignificant people get a kick out of hitting out at rich and powerful people.

 

[jimbo333]

She would have almost certainly lost that match anyway, so that's not really a punishment is it!

Let's face it, if almost any other player had done that they'd probably have had some sort of ban!

Like I said earlier, this now sets a precedent, and anyone shouting and threatening officials in this way will only get a fine, which isn't really good is it?

 

[jimbo333]

She was playing the little poor victim of the big rich spoiled girl, and she was thrilled at having been able to take out her anger on Serena. It was plastered all over her face. And she is not a young girl who didn't know what was going on. It is a way in which insignificant people get a kick out of hitting out at rich and powerful people.

Put it this way, if the lineswoman had walked up to Serena and shouted threats etc what do you think would have happened?

Face it, rich/famous people are privileged and get away with things they shouldn't, it happens all the time!

But it ideally it shouldn't happen this way, but it always will becuase they have the power!

 

[sureshs]

Put it this way, if the lineswoman had walked up to Serena and shouted threats etc what do you think would have happened?

The same thing that would have happened to me if I go and shout a threat at someone in the mall.

However, it is NOT the same thing as when a soccer player is upset with a foul call and hurls insults at the referee. He gets fined and penalized, but nobody calculates that his boot with spikes is a deadly weapon and could be used to kill the referee.

 

[jimbo333]

^^^^^^Fair point!

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Imagined ??

But she did commit a crime and so far has not received the appropriate punishment.

BS. No crime was commited, no legal action taken or suggested by any legal body in the state on behalf of the so-called "victim." There was no "assault," no matter how anyone wants to rewrite the books just to target Serena Williams.