Serena's official 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.”
Is that supposed to be an apology? I fully expected Serena to come out today and issue an apology. This, combined with the pithy $10.5k fires me up. I'm ready to move on but Jesus, your brand of crazy is something else, Serna.
I shall be returning my 46 copies of "On The Line" forthwith.
Oh, and here's the WTA's statement:
Serena Williams’ conduct last night was inappropriate and unprofessional. No matter what the circumstances, no player should be allowed to engage in such behavior without suffering consequences. I have spoken with the USTA about this matter and I agree with the action they have taken.
Serena is a great player who has done so much for our sport and I am certain she will continue to be a role model to millions of young women who want to play the game and excel as Serena has done. As a role model, it's important for a leader like Serena to step forward and recognize her behavior last night was unacceptable, and I believe that her statement earlier today is an acknowledgement of her responsibility to her fans.
Gottta love how carefully worded that statement is. Serena has no responsibility to her fans. That's just stupid and completely irrelevant that she "acknowledged" whatever it is that's supposed to be. What she does have is a responsibility to the sport she plays and to others involved in it. She owes an apology to the lineswoman, plain and simple. It's a damn shame that she doesn't seem to want to acknowledge that.
