Updated on 9/14: Serena Williams' statement is no apology
Serena Williams Statement: "I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong. I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act — win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner. I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad, I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.”
Analysis by Liza Horan: Why wasn't this her first statement? She may have lost a lot of goodwill by waiting more than 36 hours after the incident—which gave her plenty of time to see all the headlines and coverage and replays of her offending actions—to make this apology. I believe it is sincere because I can hear her voice in those sentences. However, people may not believe her words until they see actions to back them up.
Prediction: Expect to see her charitable work getting a lot of press in the coming months to position her soft, kind side in efforts to repair the damage.
Original posting is below.
Regarding Serena Williams' verbal abuse of a linesperson during her semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters Saturday night, Williams was deducted a point—which happened to be match point—and fined $10,500 for unsportsmanlike behavior. Her eligibility to compete in the women's doubles final with sister Venus is unaffected. After the semifinal match, Williams made a bee line to the media interview room after convening with Venus, and appeared to have put the incident behind her.
The following statement was shared with the media on Sept. 13 at 7:24 p.m.:
Serena Williams statement: “Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job. Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience.”
Analysis by Liza Horan: It is a statement, but not an apology for those who may have been waiting for one. Williams has displayed a protective shell of denial, as she has done for the last six years in press conferences. She provides pat, innocuous answers. She lets no raw emotions (positive or negative) show. She shows no vulnerability.
Perhaps this toughness (sometimes read as arrogance) is what makes her capable of domination on the pro tour.
Still, this statement steers clear of any apology, as if no wrong is done.
To me, this is a PR mistake. Generally the public wants someone who committed a wrong—whether a Wall Street swindler or a cheating politician or an arrested celebrity—to say "I'm sorry."
Unfortunately, Williams' tirade obscured the issue of what may have been a faulty foot fault call. No one is blaming Williams for questioning the call. Everyone is questioning her response to it.
CBS and ESPN commentator Mary Carillo said she believes Williams should be suspended from play for a few tournaments to make the statement that tennis will not stand unsportsmanlike behavior. It is a matter of protecting the integrity of the game, she said.
Thoughts?
Fans of Serena Williams (including myself) have come to expect certain behaviors from her - the "Serena factor" if you will. Last night she took it to a new and unacceptable level and she should be strongly penalized for her action. During the Federer/Djokovic SF match this afternoon, it was announced that Serena would be fined the maximum amount: $10,000 plus $500 for the racquet abuse warning at the end of the first set. That, plus her "statement" above, is an insult to the tennis fans who spent their hard earned money for the opportunity to see their favorite sports figure in action in a fun-filled environment. In her selfish and unsportsmanlike display, Serena took that fun away and for that she should pay - a lot more.
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absolutely not an apology. right/wrong foot-fault call, she was horribly wrong. that's not "passion" as SHE states. its pure arrogance & indifference. she rarely praises other players. sister Venus much more humble & genuine.
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I agree that Serena should apologize, but it must be genuine. To apologize because it is "the thing to do" is both hollow and dishonest. It is equally appalling that Serena doesn't seem to see the need to apologize. This is an even sadder commentary to the incident, and a larger one on our society as a whole. The fact that this incident will not adversely affect Serena in any real way is testament to the double standard applied to celebrities today. If you think there is no class distinctions in America today, think again. All you need is money and celebrity, and you are in the upper class. Sadly, class is a status now, and not a set of values.
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Suspend her from the next grand slam. Hit her where it really hurts her because clearly the financial peanlty won't.
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u hit it right on the head Tim.. word is she may not receive the $350000 for this event & be banned from ALL future slams. she has no remorse !!
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I agree with Ms. Carillo! I also feel the Ms. Williams should have been faster with a statement.
I understand being in the heat of the moment, however, to threaten someone with bodily harm! Over the top!
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Serena's behavior was disgraceful. Her final apology was well-written by her PR people but it was too late. Her remark about giving the lines person a "big old hug" was weird. I can't believe she said that. She should be punished by the Grand Slam Committee with at least a 90-day suspension and prohibited from participating in the Australian Open.....and all the Grand Slams in 2010.
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I think she should be ban from all Grand Slams in 2010.
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"Inappropriate" hardly describes Serena's behavior and language (wow!!) used on the lines woman. When she told the lines woman "you don't know me" that was tantamount to a threat. After seeing the way she treated her racket earlier, and the way she was waving it at the lines woman, I believe that was a threat in itself. Just watching it, I thought she was going to go over and crack the lady over the head with her racket. Seemingly, this woman is allowed to get away with bullying, wearing clothing inappropriate to USTA standards (t-shirt with the "nasty" remark)and lack of regard for fans (especially the impressionable youth). I'm appalled that Nike would come out in support of her. For the sake of the game and tennis fans everywhere, I hope more appropriate actions will be taken against this out-of-control woman.
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She owes everything she's got to the game...and whether she wins this match or any other match is not going to change her standard of living... so why the big chip on the shoulder?!... she comes off as arrogant, disingenuous and only caring about oneself. I have had so many tennis fans tell me that they simply cannot root for her because of she exhibits this "me me me" attitude.
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Serena offered too little, too late. Whether the call is wrong or right isn't the issue -- this kind of bad behavior is and threatening linespeople was way over the top. I agree with Mary Carillo -- she or anyone for that matter, shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. The 10K fine is NOTHING to her--but being banned from a Slam means something. Great players are measured by how they handle themselves in times of adversity in terms of how they comport themselves as well as their playing ability. Serena has never learned the meaning of sportsmanship -- while Venus seems to get it. Get with the program Serena!!
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Serena has an anger problem. She should be made to seek help before it gets worse.
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Wonder why no one has anything to say about the timing of the incorrect call. And isn't funny how no other players has been called for the "FOOT FAULT" but the Williams sisters. It's almost like the NBA players fighting and a big mockery is made and somehow they're verbally made out to be animals. Oh, but Hockey players can fight and take a stick, knock each other teeth out and beat each other bloody, all with cheers. Professional standards? When was the last time anyone was fined in Tennis for anything. So, is there a hidden agenda? Serena is not perfect and will never be and unlike most other players she wasn't raised in a strict conservative environment that's somewhat required for Tennis.My comments are not to excuse her reactions to a bad call at a critical time, but I do wonder how much attention is given to court behavior when they are training in these Tennis camps. I've yet to see a video, free or for sale on this subject.
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