If you didn’t know, Serena Williams was knocked out of the U.S. open on Tuesday after losing to number 1 seed Justine Henin. After the press conference (above) the media pounced on her saying she was graceless, and one reporter even said:
“Who’s classless now? The grumpy, borderline nasty disposition that Williams displayed after her loss was a little jarring considering she had her own lack of preparation to blame for giving in so easily to Henin. Serena was bitter, angry and upset. She directed some of that at Henin. Who could use charm school now?” [SOURCE]
Personally, I think the media is blowing this out of proportion. She was obviously upset (almost to the point of tears) so she let it out. Watch the video and give your take.
Venus ecstatic after her win. (GETTY IMAGES)
In other tennis news, Venus is still in the competition. She just beat Jelena Jankovic in the quarterfinals and is matching up with Henin in the semifinals. Here is her take on the Serena situation:
“I wasn’t happy with that result at all. I was sad that she lost. I didn’t like to see her so upset,” Venus said. “I definitely have to try to win for Williams.” [SOURCE]
Good luck Venus and keep your head up Serena!
@ 96 Ash
You’re lucky I even responded to you because you came at me kinda weak, but I digress.
In response to your comment, since you just so happen to be an ex-tennis player AND work in the media, lol — Even if Serena felt she should have beat Henin…she didnt! In fact, she lost to her 3 times!! Not once, not twice, but three times! that goes to show that even if Serena THOUGHT she should be able to jump over the moon, she still should have been cordial and professional about her loss. That’s the bottom line. Your next excuse will be — She didnt have time to compose herself after she lost…None of them do, they all go to Press before leaving the match, and even if she didnt have time, she’s no rookie. This is a routine and as a professional she has agreed to follow the rules in order to get paid…bottom line. Since she was upset she rebelled and spit out the comments about her being fined if she was not present, and she couldnt afford the fines for not showing up, so she came. Again..was that necessary? We all know the media is looking for a reason to tear a celebrity up…why give them that? As someone else said, why let them see you sweat and mentally defeated? Its okay to lose, but her action towards the victor were sour and distastefull. After all this is her JOB and she represents brands, vendors, etc. I can agree with you in reference to John McEnroe cuz he was often out of line, but in THIS case Serena is the one at fault. I just want us to stop pointing the finger the other way ALL the time, not just in her situation. I’m black, but I’m professional and I dont give white people a reason to try to tear me apart. If I mess up, I can admit to it and take pride in correcting it, but at the same time I’ll be damned if I stand for rediculous criticism and racial ignorance towards me. That Charm-School comment would have definately pissed me off though! Some will nit-pick I’m sure (ignorance) but when you’re on top of your sh*t its kinda hard for people to do, ya dig?
@119
I’m not going to strive with you about the scripture and how it has been taken completely out of context by people that don’t understand the Old Testament which established the concepts and precepts of the Bible. If you’re proud of your heritage than good for you. Everyone should be proud because you are who and what you are and you can’t change that, but you are an edomite and the scripture speaks expressly on what will befall those people.
Oh, and for all the people who are calling her man-ish, it’s old. It’s been done. Pick something new. She’s an athlete. People always talk shit about the bodies of female athletes. They don’t care. Their bodies are in the way it needs to be to do what they love. Before them, it was Gabrielle Reece, Mia Hamm and the entire WNBA. They are not built like Anna Kournikova, but then how much has she won? And even when she quit playing, she shrank to a little twig so obviously she’s naturally bony. Well, Serena wouldn’t be a twig if she wasn’t an athlete so of course she’s bulkier.
They better leave her alone! She’ll eat them alive.
@ Judah …. Are we not suppose to love everyone? Or does your Bible not say that?
The old Testament and the new Testament are just as relevant as it was in Biblical times.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17) 16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.
There are principles and guidelines we can use today.
@ Judah HOW pleasant life is when members of a family deeply care about one another! Strong bonds of natural affection prevent jealousies, bitterness and hatreds from developing and wrecking family peace and unity. But when natural affection breaks down, untold trouble can result. In one case, the corroding of natural ties finally led to the total extinction of an entire people, the Edomites.
Edom is but another name for Esau, the twin brother of Jacob from whom the Israelites descended. So the Israelites and the Edomites were as closely related as any people could be. The Originator of the family arrangement, God, therefore commanded the Israelites to show due regard for their fleshly relationship with the Edomites. They were instructed: “You must not detest an Edomite, for he is your brother.”—Deut. 23:7.
From the start of their contact with the Israelites as a nation, however, the Edomites, who settled in “the land of Seir,” gave no consideration to this brotherly relationship. (Gen. 32:3-8) They treated their brother nation as an outright enemy. It was an Edomite tribe, the Amalekites, who launched the first unprovoked attack against the Israelites after their leaving Egypt under Moses’ leadership.—Ex. 17:8-16; Gen. 36:12.
About forty years later, Moses’ respectful request for the Israelites to be allowed to pass through Edom over the king’s highway met stiff opposition. Twice the Edomites refused permission, threatening to stop the Israelites by force of arms. The second time a strong military force actually took a position to block the Israelites from going through the land. This was despite the fact that the appeal had been made on the basis of a brotherly relationship. The message conveyed through the messengers sent by Moses began: “This is what your brother Israel has said, ‘You yourself well know all the hardship that has overtaken us.’”—Num. 20:14-21.
In the centuries that passed, the attitude of the Edomites did not change toward their brother nation. During the reign of Israel’s first king, Saul, warfare broke out with Edom. (1 Sam. 14:47, 48) Then, when David was king, the Edomites seized the opportunity to invade Judah. From Psalm 60 and its superscription, it appears that at this time the Israelites had suffered reverses while warring in the north with the forces of Aram-naharaim and Aram-Zobah. Nevertheless, the Edomites were subdued, and David stationed garrisons of Israelite troops throughout Edom.—2 Sam. 8:14.
Thereafter, whenever the power of the Judean kings weakened, the Edomites were quick to take advantage, even allying themselves with other peoples in fighting against Israel.—2 Chron. 20:1, 2, 10, 11, 22; 28:16-20; Ps. 83:4-8.
Toward the close of the seventh century B.C.E. the intensity of Edom’s hatred for Israel came especially to the fore. At that time the Babylonians conquered the Kingdom of Judah. The Edomites rejoiced over the disaster of their brother nation, shared in taking spoil and even turned over Judean escapees to the Babylonians. (Obad. 1, 12-14) They greedily sought to enlarge their territory by taking over the land formerly controlled by the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.—Ezek. 35:10-12.
These unbrotherly deeds did not escape the notice of God . By means of his prophets Obadiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah, he decreed doom for Edom. In essence, Jeremiah and Obadiah presented the same message, making the fulfillment of God’s word about Edom’s downfall doubly certain: “If it were thieves that came in to you, if despoilers came in by night, to what extent would you have been silenced? Would they not steal as much as they wanted? Or if it were grape gatherers that came in to you, would they not let some gleanings remain? O the extent to which those of Esau have been searched out! How his concealed treasures have been sought out!” (Obad. 5, 6; Jer. 49:9, 10) Yes, thieves steal only what they want, and grape gatherers leave gleanings. But, in the case of Esau (Edom), nothing would be passed over at their going down in defeat.
And through whom would the calamity come? The prophetic answer was: “The very men in covenant with you have all deceived you. The men at peace with you have prevailed against you. Those eating food with you will place a net under you as one in whom there is no discernment.” (Obad. 7) So defeat would come at the hands of the very ones with whom the Edomites had been in alliance, evidently the Babylonians to whom they had handed over escapees from Judah.
In time, according to Obadiah’s prophecy, ‘there would prove to be no survivor to the house of Esau.’ (Obad. 18) The Edomites were to cease to exist as a people. According to the prophetic word through Ezekiel, the Israelites were going to share in the fulfillment of God’s judgment against them. God’s word through Ezekiel was: “I will bring my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel; and they must do in Edom according to my anger and according to my rage.”—Ezek. 25:14.
No one today can deny that the prophetic word about Edom has been fulfilled. The Edomites have completely disappeared as a people. And this has happened in the manner pointed to in Bible prophecy.
The ancient Jewish historian Josephus tells of Nebuchadnezzar’s military campaign in Syria-Palestine during that monarch’s twenty-third year. Doubtless at that time Edomites were subjugated, but that defeat did not yet spell total ruin for their land. From about the fifth century B.C.E. onward, Arabian nomads began pressuring the Edomites. By the third century B.C.E. the Nabataeans had pushed them out of their heartland into the Negeb to the south of Judah. Eventually the Edomites moved farther north, into the region around Hebron. According to the apocryphal book of 1 Maccabees (5:3) they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Levite Judas Maccabaeus. Later, according to Josephus, John Hyrcanus, Jewish king of the tribe of Levi, subdued the Edomites, permitting them to remain in the land only if they submitted to circumcision and agreed to abide by Jewish law. The Edomites complied with the condition and were in time absorbed by the Jews. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 C.E. the Edomites ceased totally to exist as a people.
Thus an unbrotherly attitude led to the end of the Edomites as a people, in fulfillment of God’s prophetic decree. This forcefully illustrates that God does not overlook willful disregard for his will and purpose. Moreover, those who persist in attitudes and actions contrary to his ways will not escape adverse judgment. Wise indeed are all who live in harmony with his Word. For, as the inspired apostle John wrote, “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”—1 John 2:17.
I still love you…… FYI I am fully aware of who the edomites are…
ah- they should lay off Serena, who’s happy after a loss? I’ve seen that same kind of reaction in golf, car racing, bullriding, soccer, football, basketball, etc. just watch ESPN for their highlights. It’s only natural to be mad that you lost and not want to talk to anyone.
And way to go for Venus.
@Mallato- hey lady.
Hi Judah:
Bill Said:
“In Football & Basketball, they give the Athletes time to shower/shave & COMPOSE themselves after a game, before asking them dumb questions”
I disagreed stating,
“I remember many a mic being trust in the face of Michael Jordan and others while dripping sweat on the court fresh after a loss. ”
This is not to say that MJ was always gracious (or even that I wanted him to be).
I appreciate the occasional bravada and even cockiness that comes along with professional sports.
But Serena’s tantrum, while understandable and quite common in the sports world, was childish and I WILL NOT excuse it just cause she a Sista. Black folk need to realize White people DO NOT own the patton to socially acceptable standards. They are, in fact, just plain ol common sense.
My bigger issue is that she GIVES the media the oh so badly wanted excuse to demonize her and make her appear unlikable and therefore unmarketable. It does not matter how good u are if people won’t buy your products.
Venus and Serena are playing on an International stage. Very few Black Women from Compton can say that. Their is a BIGGER game at play…..Much more important than a little yellow ball. That’s the game I want them to win.
kind
I feel the question the media ask were pointless. Serena is a heart of a champion and she should’ve been treated like one. Whites want to dominate shit to much. They don’t care about BROWN SISTA and never will. All that SERENA and VENUS accomplish means nothing to white media it all about them. She handle much better than I would have.
@noeatingheretonite… Hey you! How are you?…. Where have you been?…. Judah is beating me up….LOL
Some of you all need to stop making excuses for Serena.
Why is it that other players when they lose can keep their composure and be complimentary to their opponents, but with Serena it’s like pulling teeth?
I agree that this issue was blown out of proportion somewhat, but this would not be a story if Serena could suck it up and be a good sport.
I watched that match, and Henin gave Serena a dose of the All Star Beatdown, and if Serena can’t take that, then she needs to STOP LOSING.
@ 131
YOU JUST MADE MY DAY. I APPLAUD YOUR ARGUMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY
@mallato- my laptop was down for maint. I’ve had CL withdrawal from catching up on work. hahaha. Say a prayer for me this weekend, that I party safe in Vegas…:-)
as for what’s his face..whatever…hahaha.
Those motherfuckers don’t know what it feels like to lose.
She was upset.
And the last thing somebody wants is to be asked questions about a game they JUST loss.
i love how black people always throw in the whole race card. if she didnt act the way she did, they wouldnt be discussing this. plain and simple. get over it.
I admit I never liked that aspect of serena, but
it’s no big deal because she’s always been
like that.
I hope venus wins the whole thing!
SHE WAS STANK AND RUDE. IT WAS OBVIOUS SHE DIDN’T WANT TO BE BOTHERED BUT THAT COMES WITH THE TERRITORY. YEAH SHE DID SAY SHE DIDN’T WANT TO BE THERE BUT SHE HAD TO BE THERE SO SHE SHOULD’VE SUCKED IT UP AND GOT UPSET AT HERSELF FOR GETTING HER ASS BEAT. THAT WASNT THE FIRST TIME SHE LOST TO JUSTINE. I LOVE ME SOME SERENA BUT SHE SHOULD’VE HANDLED THAT BETTER.
Awwwww venus it’s cool your still my champion both you and serena. keep ur head up, girl!
that man just hating on her…how ypu gon talk about somebody being classless..i’m so glad i aint famous..and they had the nerve to ask serena those stupid questions..she good for keeping her cool..
Sorry, she was classless. Let’s put our energy into race issues like the Jena 6. To hell with rich-assed celebrities who get themselves into silliness, and here we come running. What about New Orleans and the gentrification that’s going on there. Serena’s just acting like her stupid father, on this occasion.
she’s human, she has a right to get upset…big deal
Atleast she was honest and straight to the point. Yea, the right thing to do would be to suck it up and get over it , but we have all had times were we said how we really felt . She happens to be in the public eye so they’re making something out of nothing. whatever, the media needs to stop !
The bottom line is that eveyone would agree that Serena could have handled herself better. No one is or should be applauding Serena’s post match actions, sure she could have been more graciuos. But it is understandable, (not condoning ) that giving the circumstances a tough loss and a bad second set, when usually Serena and Justine at least always go three sets was embarrassing and frustrating for her. The people who are defended Serena understand why she reacted the way she did- she was upset, bitter, and dsiappointed. But the people who are criticizing her for that press conference and her career in general just need to understand that at times athletes loose their grace and poise. Both Venus and Serena have handle themselves considerable well overall within the sport. When one considers the racism that sometimes appears in tennis wheter its from the spectators,or players
( the Williams family has spoke about this, as has former bi-racial tennis palyer Amanda Stevens) and the spotlight. Now I don’t think this incident is race related at all, just some media outlets seizing yet another opportunity to crticize the Williams sisters, for whatever reason, mainly because they do it their way. Serena gave them the opportunity to.But few people can display tact under stressful and humilating circumstances, atletes or otherwise, those that do should be commended, but those that don’t should not be mercilessly crticize ( especially when in my opinion the good outweighs the bad), as we all can agree it is “just sport” .Yes they are two of the most high profile athletes and celebrities, and of course multi millionnaires, some people love them, so hate them andsome are indifferent and that is fine but everyone gets mad and then realizes perhaps thry should not have said that . Also Serena is a firey player, I remember her even being mad when she lost to Venus one time, and Venus even joke about Serena’s whinning. Was it un-becoming? Of course, but not the most classless thing I have seen in sports.
I think she was just upset. Come on, she Serena, one of the queens of tennis. People look up to her to win every single time. She’s used to winning. I mean who the hell would be happy to lose especially if you’re known to be a champion.
STFU media. Get @ them Serena.
Serena has been a professional athlete for quite a while now, so emotions be damned she should know how to handle a press conference. ESPECIALLY when she knows the media is gunning for her (and Venus). I was just embarrassed for her talking about not being able to pay fines. Why announce that you are brokeass (which I doubt she is anyway)?
I personally don’t think that they hate on the williams’s sisters esp. Serena they give that girl alot of praise because she is an excellent tennis player. I do think that the comment “luck shot” did sound arrogant and classless maybe she should’ve calm down before doing the press conference because she seem upset and when you are upset you say shit that is uncall for. It’s not a racial issue neither because they love Venus and Serena ,and this is the first time Serena has ever reacted negatively towards anything so they might blow it out of proportion. nonethelss I love her but she needs to calm down and come back harder than ever..she has become a little too complacent
srena don’t like henin to begi with because henin fuked her game up a couple years ago at the french open tennis heads know what i’m talking about. henin is like serena’s arch enenmy in the tennis wolrd and she’s lost to her 3 times. i would’ve been pissed too. at the same time i flet serena wasn’t playing her best but i am rooting for venus
Liza said it perfectly please people let’s not put up the race card
Media is 100% right on this one. As much as I ride with the girls who went from Compton to Wimbledon and serve harder than most men, it was completely unprofessional. I wouldn’t mind so much if she just said she really feels frustrated and doesn’t feel like talking, but she gives smart ass answers for everything. What’s worst about the situation is that in sports sometimes you just have to take you hat off to the other person. The girls (yes, both of them) are always so jovial and hot dog in everybody’s face after they win. But you have to take the good with the bad.
To ride with this chick when you know she’s wrong — just because you love the sisters — is just as racist as anything else.
This is blown out of proportion. Sure she said Henin had lucky shots but Serena also admitted that Henin played better. Serena said she herself made alot of mistakes. Interesting how folks like to spin problems for people based on selective hearing. Serena gave credit where it was due. The media needs to chill rather than have her for lunch. It’s a cheap of them to jump on her, seriously, but then… the world has been getting cheaper and cheaper and the media has been biased and paid to report a certain way for many areas of coverage so there’s really no merit there and we shouldn’t expect anything but sensationalism at this point…
Sh’s and athelete. Atheletes get pissed when they train hard and loose. It’s not classless, it being pissed off and dissapointed. If she was a man this would’nt even be a discussion. It’s a pure double standard – Period!
I have always loved the Williams’ sisters, if not for the unbelievable talent-but for their strong familial bond. But Serena should have SERIOUSLY had some time before that press conference. She was obviously very upset and disappointed in her loss, and she, like all other human beings, would need time to gather themselves. However, I must agree that it was distasteful for her make the “lucky shots” comment, and to be so hostile towards those same reporters who are there to do their jobs in asking questions of her, regardless of a win or loss. AND to lose against Justine Henin is not like losing to Michael Jordan (when he was playing of course), so I wouldn’t think that would be so absolutely devastating. (Even though I’m sure Serena expects more from herself) So in that respect, she was wrong. But I can understand that emotions tend to take over rationality most of the time. So. yeah.
Funny, a while back Lindsay Davenport kicked Alexandra Stevenson’s bag cuz she was angry she lost, but you didnt hear much about that. Of course she was angry she lost, when someone works hard for something and lose, it hurts that much more. Why does the media hate black people?
‘ll be brief – other sports (especially hge events, NBA finals, Superbowl, World Series) have a press conference for winners and losers immediately after. the conference for sarina was not directly after the match, she had time to chill, shower and change into a different outfit. Yes she was angry, and yes she should be able to express anger, but people there is no way to compare Johnny Mac or Chrissie Everett to her because they are white. No we are not going to tap dance anymore, but you can’t be surprised that any LITTLE thing that is done or said to show disrespect to an opponent WILL BE blasted all over the media. Especially in a profession like tennis or golf – all players must show gratitude and professialism – especially black folks and you have people who are trying to foow in your footsteps.
As a black woman, yes, I understand the emotions and all of that, but this is her JOB. I can’t rant and be pissed off I eff up at my job. I have to go to my Director or whoever – with respect – and try to come up with a plan to be more successful next time. I would get fired if I walked in talking about some “only reason I’m here is because you’re gonna dock my pay if I don’t show.” I know it’s not the same as being a professional athlete, but it’s about being PROFESSIONAL. I love Serena and Venus and been watching them for years, but we all know we all cringed a little when we watched that video.
^^follow in your footsteps^^
I cant believe they put the charm school comment…
She was lying to say she was happy but yeah they are blowing this up………….sh-t she’s handling it well in the video after being knocked out of the number 1 spot which we are pretty much sure she’s very used to. wtfever to the guy who was like “winners”…….stfu d-ckhead. Graceless? These guys are douches….I freakin’ hate guys like these. Most of our media sucks anyways so screw them.
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