The Visor

Williams’ outburst is unjustifiable

September 25, 2009

Danielle Hale

Celebrities think they can do whatever they want. They think that rules don’t apply to them and they won’t receive punishment for inappropriate actions. Point in case- Serena Williams.

On Sept. 12, Williams played in the U.S. Open in a game that had been delayed 32 hours. In a critical moment an unusual foot foul was called on Williams. Not only was she emotional about the close game, but Williams was flabbergasted about the rare call.

Williams was upset about the call and that’s understandable, but the way she handled it was unjustifiable.

“I’m going to shove this ball down your @##!&#@ throat,” Williams said.

The threats continued to worsen and an avalanche of profanity followed. Williams later had to defend herself against the accusation that she tried to kill the line judge.
Williams’ outburst proves that it’s not only the men who have outbursts in this sport. Many times women are the ones who know how to control their anger, but that clearly isn’t always the case as men are typicaaly the culprits.

In 2001 Andre Agassi whacked a 120mph serve at a Wimbledon lineswoman during a semifinal match. He then questioned her sex life. John McEnroe, Ilie Nastase and Jeff Tarango are also on the list of male players who have acted poorly in tennis history.

People say Williams could not have won and she knew that. She was upset about that and when the call was made she exploded. That reason would make her actions justifiable.

Williams was fined $10,500 by the tormented referee, but there was no suspension given. In an interview, she admitted her actions were wrong.

“(Saturday) night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job,” Williams stated. “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.”

It is good that she admits her wrongdoing to the public, but many people question the level of sincerity. The only way to know for sure is if she proves it with her future actions. Let’s hope she does.

Williams needs to realize she is a role model to many. Tennis players value her talent and want to emulate it. Even people who do not normally watch Williams, heard about this outrageous reaction. She has a lot of making up to do to the public.

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