Should Naomi Osaka pull a Marshawn Lynch at press conferences?

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In recent news, the French Federation is threatening to expel Osaka from the French Open if she continues to skip press conferences. They've also done with a show of force by having all the other grand slam tournament chairs join their call for her to stop this.

I'm intrigued to see what she will do. Will she dare them to do so, and ignite a fury from fans? Or will she yield and finally go to the conferences? Unless other players join her media boycott, she's on her own. Most top players are not totally against her, but they also acknowledge that speaking to the media is just part of the job. I think the French Federation seems pretty intent on following through with their threat, even if she continues to win/advance.

I think it'd be quite comical if she does what Marshawn Lynch did before the 2015 superbowl and just respond with "I'm just here so I won't get fined / kicked out of the tournament" to every question, every time she faces the media in any tournament. To my knowledge, there's no rule stating that one can't do this. It'd become a viral Youtube video, and eventually the media would stop asking her questions entirely b/c they'll just get the same response. But then who knows, the Slams may change the rules stating you have to answer questions with more than just "I'm here so I won't get fined/expelled"

Video references:

Marshawn Lynch's famed "I'm just here so I won't get fined"

youtube.com/watch?v=G1kvwXsZtU8

Osaka leaves only 4 minutes after starting her Wimbledon 2019 press conference after first round defeat due to feeling uncomfortable with questioning and telling the moderator she's about to cry
 
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mahesh69a

Professional
She wants to speak her personal truth using social media. Let her be in her safe space. /s

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Go wipe your tears with your stacks of 100's Naomi
Can you imagine for a second if someone has been diagnosed with depression or mental illness, and they're told this by a mental health professional when they go to see them in a clinic?

It's sounds very callous and cruelly disregards people[s mental health.

I don't agree with Osaka skipping the conferences, but at the same time I respect the fact that some people struggle with mental illness, and sometimes they feel a strong urge to protect it.
 
She can show up and not saying anything if they really force her hand.
As far as I see from the ITF rulebook, this would be allowed. There's no formal rule stating that they have to respond to the questions.

"Unless injured and physically unable to appear, a player or team must attend the post-match media conference(s) organised immediately or within thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of each match, including walkovers, whether the player or team was the winner or loser, unless such time is extended or otherwise modified by the Referee for good cause. In addition, all Main Draw players must participate, if requested, in a pre-event press conference to be arranged during the two days before the start of the Main Draw. All media obligations include, but are not limited to, interviews with the host and player’s national broadcaster. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000. "
 

Jason Swerve

Hall of Fame
As far as I see from the ITF rulebook, this would be allowed. There's no formal rule stating that they have to respond to the questions.

"Unless injured and physically unable to appear, a player or team must attend the post-match media conference(s) organised immediately or within thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of each match, including walkovers, whether the player or team was the winner or loser, unless such time is extended or otherwise modified by the Referee for good cause. In addition, all Main Draw players must participate, if requested, in a pre-event press conference to be arranged during the two days before the start of the Main Draw. All media obligations include, but are not limited to, interviews with the host and player’s national broadcaster. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000. "
It's polite to give credit when you get your thread ideas from someone else.
 
I posted the same Marshawn video this past Wednesday. Have other threads regarding the ITF's response, no need for another thread on the subject.

My sincerest utmost apologies. In doing extensive research prior to posting my thread, I only reviewed the first 137 posts of that particular thread. Had I been more meticulous, I would have seen that post #138 which linked to the video. I should ensure that I meticulously read every single word of every single thread on the subject prior to posting my own, even if the post is on the 4th page of the thread.

On a more serious note, sometimes people want a dedicated thread for one particular aspect of a subject, and asking one particular question, rather than posting it in a super thread where it becomes marginalized. You can't expect people to read every page of every thread to see if a particular aspect of that has been brought up.

I skimmed through the original posts of each Naomi thread on the front wall of this forum prior to making my own post, and didn't see any mention of the Marshawn video. Therefore, I felt it reasonable to make a dedicated thread for it.
 
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dumb-person

Rookie
This person is known from enganging in conversations with trolls, insulting people and blocking everyone who disagrees with her on social medias. Very insecure and unstable person, im actually ready to believe she needs some professional help.
 

FlamingCheeto

Hall of Fame
This person is known from enganging in conversations with trolls, insulting people and blocking everyone who disagrees with her on social medias. Very insecure and unstable person, im actually ready to believe she needs some professional help.
lol didn't you just get banned recently? nice sock 40-15 LOL. reported.
 
D

Deleted member 771911

Guest
Funny thing is only few tens of thousand tennis fans are really interested in what she says in those post match interviews. The world is not listening to what tennis players say after their matches. Most fans are not even listening.
 
Funny thing is only few tens of thousand tennis fans are really interested in what she says in those post match interviews. The world is not listening to what tennis players say after their matches. Most fans are not even listening.
Few people tune into the conferences, yes, but what they do say in the conferences inevitably finds itself in front page headlines of tennis news websites. Fans want to hear from the players, which we do from both their own prepared statements to the media from their agents, as well as in post-match interviews. I think most fans would support keeping post-match interviews.

When you consider some of the questions that made Naomi walk away in that Wimbledon 2019 post-match interview, they weren't disrespectful at all, but they were still difficult questions for a young 21 year old not used to that fame and scrutiny.
 
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Deleted member 771911

Guest
Few people tune into the conferences, yes, but what they do say in the conferences inevitably finds itself in front page headlines of tennis news websites. Fans want to hear from the players, which we do from both their own prepared statements to the media from their agents, as well as in post-match interviews. I think most fans would support keeping post-match interviews.

When you consider some of the questions that made Naomi walk away in that Wimbledon 2019 post-match interview, they weren't disrespectful at all, but they were still difficult questions for a young 21 year old not used to that fame and scrutiny.

That's fine if others are interested. I'm not, so probably why I side with Naomi on this.
 

topher

Hall of Fame
Can you imagine for a second if someone has been diagnosed with depression or mental illness, and they're told this by a mental health professional when they go to see them in a clinic?

It's sounds very callous and cruelly disregards people[s mental health.

I don't agree with Osaka skipping the conferences, but at the same time I respect the fact that some people struggle with mental illness, and sometimes they feel a strong urge to protect it.

If Osaka has been diagnosed with anything or even if not, I’m sure she could ask her therapist for a note and forward it to the ITF. Then they’d have their hand forced and a new exception would be created for players with mental health issues.

She can end this at anytime. It seems like a lot of controversy over nothing.
 

TennisDawg

Hall of Fame
Funny thing is only few tens of thousand tennis fans are really interested in what she says in those post match interviews. The world is not listening to what tennis players say after their matches. Most fans are not even listening.
Kind of ironic, her saying she won’t do press conferences is far more interesting than anything she’s ever said in a press conference.
 
Kind of ironic, her saying she won’t do press conferences is far more interesting than anything she’s ever said in a press conference.
Her BLM protests last year certainly caught some attention, especially one point I remember where she was going to pull out of a match (semi or final) until the tournament finally agreed to push back the match by a day to recognize/honor the cause.

Ultimately it's just one athlete, even if it is the #2 women's player. Every other player still goes to conferences; some may skip one here or there, and occasionally get fined. But this is a new trend that the grand slams are very concerned with should it evolve to other players, which is why they are showing a strong show of force.

I think if she does what Marshawn Lynch does every press conference, no media outlets will bother to want to waste their time asking her in the first place. If she truly wants to avoid future media interactions, she should just do a "I'm just here so I won't get fined" everytime in multiple tournaments.

She could get a therapist's note. But she may not want to be open with the world about the fact of whether or not she has a clinical mental health problem, rather than just the media affecting her mental health. I think the Marshawn Lynch approach would address this very well.
 
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stringertom

Bionic Poster
In recent news, the French Federation is threatening to expel Osaka from the French Open if she continues to skip press conferences. They've also done with a show of force by having all the other grand slam tournament chairs join their call for her to stop this.

I'm intrigued to see what she will do. Will she dare them to do so, and ignite a fury from fans? Or will she yield and finally go to the conferences? Unless other players join her media boycott, she's on her own. Most top players are not totally against her, but they also acknowledge that speaking to the media is just part of the job. I think the French Federation seems pretty intent on following through with their threat, even if she continues to win/advance.

I think it'd be quite comical if she does what Marshawn Lynch did before the 2015 superbowl and just respond with "I'm just here so I won't get fined / kicked out of the tournament" to every question, every time she faces the media in any tournament. To my knowledge, there's no rule stating that one can't do this. It'd become a viral Youtube video, and eventually the media would stop asking her questions entirely b/c they'll just get the same response. But then who knows, the Slams may change the rules stating you have to answer questions with more than just "I'm here so I won't get fined/expelled"

Video references:

Marshawn Lynch's famed "I'm just here so I won't get fined"

youtube.com/watch?v=G1kvwXsZtU8

Osaka leaves only 4 minutes after starting her Wimbledon 2019 press conference after first round defeat due to feeling uncomfortable with questioning and telling the moderator she's about to cry
Everyone will leave happy if she just shows up and throws Skittles to the reporters lobbing softball questions to her.
 

Soianka

Hall of Fame
As far as I see from the ITF rulebook, this would be allowed. There's no formal rule stating that they have to respond to the questions.

"Unless injured and physically unable to appear, a player or team must attend the post-match media conference(s) organised immediately or within thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of each match, including walkovers, whether the player or team was the winner or loser, unless such time is extended or otherwise modified by the Referee for good cause. In addition, all Main Draw players must participate, if requested, in a pre-event press conference to be arranged during the two days before the start of the Main Draw. All media obligations include, but are not limited to, interviews with the host and player’s national broadcaster. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000. "

It seems if they make an exception for physical injury, they also must make an exception for mental injury under rules such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. Not sure which countries laws would apply but I'm guessing every major country has similar laws in place to protect people with mental and physical disabilities/injuries/illnesses.

While Naomi has much to lose if she doesn't back down, so does the ITF. This just might become a legal battle that they won't win. And it will set a precedent for other players to do the same.
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
That's an interesting argument, but one that would take a long time through the courts.

The IOC is telling athletes if they get ill in Tokyo it's none of their concern.

The IOC is also telling Japan if they cancel the games, they'll be paying the IOC tens of billions.

Organisations control the horizontal and the vertical, even when it comes to countries and not just individuals.

It seems if they make an exception for physical injury, they also must make an exception for mental injury.

While Naomi has much to lose if she doesn't back down, so do these tournaments. It might become a legal battle that they won't win.
 

Soianka

Hall of Fame
The biggest problem with all of this is Naomi has put more pressure on herself by making this announcement. And that probably means a lot more stress.

None of us know what it feels like to be grilled by an insensitive press corps after a tough match. So I can't speak to the validity of her feelings in wanting to avoid the press. Couple that with how the current pandemic has affected so many people's mental health and I don't find it hard to believe that Naomi is struggling and suffering with some anxiety and mental health issues.

But I think in letting the world know about it, things will be that much harder. It shines a much bigger spotlight on her than if she wouldnt have said anything.

I respect her taking a stand for things she believes in though.

And maybe she is right that players should be able to skip press conferences if they feel they are being harmed by them.
 

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
Oh look! Another attention-seeking pro athlete throwing a tantrum and behaving like an entitled spoiled brat or self-anointed diva with a bad attitude. If she is too "fragile" to cope with media duties :rolleyes:
why doesn't she forfeit the millions she makes (thanks to promotion from same media) and take a low-profile job as a teacher at her local tennis club? :unsure:
Fortunately for her -ss, she'll probably lose before the tournament decides to kick her out as they should.
She has a job to do. The job involves 2 things: playing tennis and doing media. If you don't want to do the job, then LEAVE.
Lots of other people would give anything to take her place.
Cut the arrogant crap, sheesh.
 

PMChambers

Hall of Fame
Majors are invitationals, they are not compulsory ATP /WTA events. If she treats Majors poorly they are quite in their rights to not invite her. If she acts poorly her sponsors may not support her, granted there are those looking for rebel attitude but mainstream high family value companies don't want controversy.

So if she turns up to a presser says nothing or claims she only has to make an appearance she might find her ability to play Majors affected.

She's still young so hopefully she'll mature and realise kicking the boss in the balls ain't healthy long term.
 

thomasferrett

Hall of Fame
What else should be done to protect Osaka's mental health?

I mean, playing a French woman in front of a French crowd must be pretty stressful, right? In order to protect Osaka's mental health - if this situation ever arose, shouldn't she be allowed to replace the entire audience with Japanese tourists who could support her and make the situation less stressful? We don't want to risk giving her PTSD by making her go through that, do we?
 

thrust

Legend
Can you imagine for a second if someone has been diagnosed with depression or mental illness, and they're told this by a mental health professional when they go to see them in a clinic?

It's sounds very callous and cruelly disregards people[s mental health.

I don't agree with Osaka skipping the conferences, but at the same time I respect the fact that some people struggle with mental illness, and sometimes they feel a strong urge to protect it.
Osaka talking about mental health issues, in this instance, is just an excuse for her to not talk to the press after her matches. I would just fine her for every presser she does not attend.
 

SonnyT

Legend
Osaka is reputedly the highest paid female athlete in the world, due to her many sponsors in Japan and US. All of them surely expect her to be on good terms with the media.

When you're a star athlete, dealing with the media is part of your job! As someone here said, you're just piling pressure on yourself by not doing it properly!
 

randomtoss

Semi-Pro
Oh look! Another attention-seeking pro athlete throwing a tantrum and behaving like an entitled spoiled brat or self-anointed diva with a bad attitude. If she is too "fragile" to cope with media duties :rolleyes:
why doesn't she forfeit the millions she makes (thanks to promotion from same media) and take a low-profile job as a teacher at her local tennis club? :unsure:
Fortunately for her -ss, she'll probably lose before the tournament decides to kick her out as they should.
She has a job to do. The job involves 2 things: playing tennis and doing media. If you don't want to do the job, then LEAVE.
Lots of other people would give anything to take her place.
Cut the arrogant crap, sheesh.
Bu un peu trop de café ce matin ? :)
 

randomtoss

Semi-Pro
What else should be done to protect Osaka's mental health?

I mean, playing a French woman in front of a French crowd must be pretty stressful, right? In order to protect Osaka's mental health - if this situation ever arose, shouldn't she be allowed to replace the entire audience with Japanese tourists who could support her and make the situation less stressful? We don't want to risk giving her PTSD by making her go through that, do we?
I can absolutely see what's different between playing in front of many people and doing a presser. One is a situation where you play a role, in a way. The other asks you to put your person and your inner world in front of a few inquisitive persons.

I know because I am a pretty shy person, who can get really stressed in a face to face meeting, but I'm also an opera singer who can perform in front of an audience of hundreds without being particularly frightened.
 

NAS

Hall of Fame
I personally believe she did the right thing by withdrawing.
She should talk to doctors and and take treatment before coming back, don't rush things
 

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
Your post is foolish. You just have to look at one of her press conferences to see how socially awkward she is. She says she's in distress and there is no reason to disbelieve her.

QUOTE="veroniquem, post: 15344953, member: 29340"]
I stand by my post. She's doing this HUGE drama/diversion/victim act just because she sucks on clay. You want to be a pro? Start by acting like one.
[/QUOTE]
Oh please, she is an entitled super wealthy sport star with an attitude. She needs a reality check and some humble pie. And it's certainly no coincidence this happened at RG. She can't handle being criticized for her clay game, really? That qualifies as MENTAL HEALTH now???? Come on. If she doesn't like being a pro, give the millions back and find a low profile job instead. People are starving now. Literally. How about some decency from Miss "I get millions from sponsors but rules should not apply to me"
 

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
Oh look! Another attention-seeking pro athlete throwing a tantrum and behaving like an entitled spoiled brat or self-anointed diva with a bad attitude

Everybody is a victim.

It is very telling that none of her fellow players have a problem doing these 10 minute softball pressers. Their silence in the wake of this is deafening.

The problem lies entirely with her. If she really has a problem, the solution is not to avoid pressers or dictate what questions can be asked?! Don't ask me about my double fault or my clay record. That is an attack on my mental health. :rolleyes:

The solution is to take some speech lessons and learn how to talk like an adult instead of a nine year old child and respond to these innocuous questions that every other player manages to do without breaking down and crying.

It is basically the same five questions that are asked over and over at every presser. This is not rocket science.
 
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veroniquem

Bionic Poster
Not to mention the reason she gave : that the questions were "boring" and "repetitious". Oh wow, traumatic indeed :rolleyes:
Who does she think she is? She needs to get down a notch and be reminded she's not bigger than the sport. Nor anyone else.
There is a difference between skipping a press conf in the heat of a bad moment, pay the fine for it and put the incident behind and deliberately provoking a major tournament AFTER entering it by
trumpeting out of the blue she won't do press at all, non negotiable. Sometimes one has to learn the hard way. Lesson well earned in this case.
 

MichaelNadal

Bionic Poster
I guarantee you that because of this, press conferences will become non-mandatory. And that's a shame. Once someone gets "woke" on something, the movement doesn't stop.
 

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
Everybody is a victim.

It is very telling that none of her fellow players have a problem doing these 10 minute softball pressers. Their silence in the wake of this is deafening.

The problem lies entirely with her. If she really has a problem, the solution is not to avoid pressers or dictate what questions can be asked?! Don't ask me about my double fault or my clay record. That is an attack on my mental health. :rolleyes:

The solution is to take some speech lessons and learn how to talk like an adult instead of a nine year old child and respond to these innocuous questions that every other player manages to do without breaking down and crying.

It is basically the same five questions that are asked over and over at every presser. This is not rocket science.
She is taking a page off the quintessential diva playbook: how to get all the attention and ironically enough all media coverage in a tournament where she has no chance to do well on the court.
There is no such thing as bad publicity, or is there?
 

Dolgopolov85

G.O.A.T.
Not to mention the reason she gave : that the questions were "boring" and "repetitious". Oh wow, traumatic indeed :rolleyes:
Who does she think she is? She needs to get down a notch and be reminded she's not bigger than the sport. Nor anyone else.
There is a difference between skipping a press conf in the heat of a bad moment, pay the fine for it and put the incident behind and deliberately provoking a major tournament AFTER entering it by
trumpeting out of the blue she won't do press at all, non negotiable. Sometimes one has to learn the hard way. Lesson well earned in this case.
Indeed. Her complete lack of smarts about this cost her. Ever since I heard her diss her coach in press conferences (the irony!), I have come around to the view that her shyness is to mask her vanity. She really thought she could turn this into a cause celebre but other players didn't back her up. Found herself isolated from the start and then Mari's bid to help did more damage so she beat a hasty retreat. And what for? She actually won her first round match. So she could have done well, at least better than previous appearances.
 
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