Serena Williams' Behavior May Be Major Offense

As a lesbian I'm usually a big fan of the ladies, but I can’t get behind Serena Williams' behavior during the US Open semi finals. She was fined $10,000 for telling a lines official that she would "stick a fucking ball down her fucking throat, so help me God!" That outburst came close behind her smashing her racket, resulting in a fine of $500.

Instead of playing like an adult, Williams pouted like a child and threatened like a schoolyard bully. She should be ashamed that her antics took away from a superb performance by Kim Clijsters, who went on to win in the finals.

It’s not a matter of racism or sexism here...just a fine for being a poor loser. Oh wait...there was one person on Serena's side...John McEnroe. He and Dick Enberg criticized the official for the foot fault call, which sent Williams into her rage. Only Mary Carillo, who kept trying to have her voice heard over the other two, stated that Williams' behavior was unacceptable. Remember McEnroe was also fined $10,000 and almost lost a Grand Slam for one of his tirades. Of course he's going to think it's OK. He was King of the Bully Brats back in his day.

No one should be able to intimidate the officials into getting the call you want. That's why umpires can throw you out of a game for complaining about a call in baseball. That's why you can't touch a referee in football. Don't try to muscle your way to the next game by intimidating the official. Just play your best, and realize that you might get beaten by someone better.
As the dust settles on the women’s singles, Serena is starting to make official statements about what happened:

“Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job.”

That falls way short of an apology for her behavior and the Grand Slam Committee is not impressed. They have the authority to strip her of her $350,000 prize purse, plus hand down a ban for future Slams starting with the 2010 Australian Open. They will first determine if her actions warrant a “major offense.”

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