I heard the interview..I don’t think she was classless…she was PISSED off. I think she acted okay considering the circumstances of what she ccould’ve said.

Men are taught to be blunt, forward and unapologetic….dont blame Serena blame biology.

do ur thang vns

I’m pissed too - dammit!

The media are always trying to criticise the Williams sisters.

I don’t know if she was being arrogant, but it’s NATURAL to be UPSET. I believe that she may have been taken out of context, or might have been suffering from fatigue or exhaustion. Let her regain her breath and then let her talk. It’s not fair to bash her right away.

Still, I’m supporting Venus. Girls really found form since winning Wimbledon.

the media always wants to tear you down! do your thing Serena!

D-MAN shut the fuck up. Serena is an athlete so of course she is going to be shaped like one. I’m sick of you losers coming on here dissing her. She earned her spot in the history books, what the fuck have you done?

Thanx for keeping us updated Angel.

Should Serena have done some cartwheels or something?? Give her a break. She loss. And the media needs to stop asking stupid questions.

see what I mean, but don’t blame BABYGINA either…..its biology

WTF!?!?!? The “media” has ALWAYS had something negative to say about the Williams sisters. Maybe they rose to fame too quickly & basically gave a new face to tennis. I don’t want to say it’s racially driven but I do have to wonder why they are always being discussed.

What do U expect from a someone who did so much to get back at a level to compete . She was upset but I’ve seen similar interviews from other tennis greats and John Mack would have smack a reporter for same questions . It’s like when U ain’t coonin’ for the media and show some actual emotions . They try to make U look all fucked up !!!!!!!!!!!

The Media is so stupid.. its because they don’t want her to be the best that’s why they are responding that way… this happens with every sport where the players are upset after losing a big game.. NFL, NBA… Stop jumping on her because she is one of the best players. I’d be pissed for when not winning also, but she isn’t blaming anyone, she is blaming herself. better luck next time ReRe. Who gives a damn about the media.. they are just hating of course

who in the hell is happy about losing. give the girl a break. its human nature to be upset about a lose especially if you didnt perform to your best. the media is a bunch of jerks fa real. they just love putting salt in a wound. i love the williams sisters. i wish them much success.

it was funny how she said that she had to come or she would have been fined cuz if she keeps losing she wont have the money to pay them. now thats keeping it real

The reason why she is so good is because she is competitive. She was upset about losing. Point blank. She didn’t disrespect anyone.

I bet they’d feel all sad and sympathetic if it was some blonde tennis chick losing like Maria Sharapova, who then felt sad.

She was clearly hurt- absolutely devastated by that loss. Is that the whole clip? There was nothing tasteless about it, really.
These white devil commentators aren’t biting their tongues anymore, and its quite obvious they’re just trying to drag her name in the mud.
I hope Venus avenges her loss.

The only thing about that interview that lacked class was the “lucky shots” comment. That was disrespectful to her opponent. I understand being upset, but sometimes you have to suck it up, put your poker face on & admit your faults & that the other man won. I work in the women’s professional sports industry (WNBA), after a loss best believe our girls are pissed!…but once that reporter gets in their face..they put that poker face on. They wouldn’t dare discredit the other team (publicly), because at the end of the day, no matter how many “lucky shots” you think the opponent had….the fault still falls on you, and your lack of whatever.

I still have love for Serena. Her & her sister have done great things for the black community.

i wonder if it had anything to do with her new love..i know sometimes that can distract you maybe partying more too can keep you from doing your best..i don’t know just a guess..but i’m really sad she lost ..we all know that she’s capable of winning it all but i know she’ll come back harder next year and take it…

#2 YOU COULD HAVE KEPT THAT TO YOU’RE DAM SELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHE WAS UPSET AT HER LOSS DAM THE WHITE MEDIA.

THATS O.K VENUS WILL SURELY BRING THE SILENCE ON THIS FOOLISHNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the William sisters and as a black man was impressed in seeing some sisters running shit and being unapologetic about it and being strong role models. None of that im thankful that you let me in but SHIT i belong here because i am the shit and can play the best tennis in the world BUT the MEDIA is right to an extent especially if this was simply being upset about losing. You are supposed to be arrogant and unapologetic to get to the star status that the Williams sisters have achieved which is a place in the history books and the Tennis hall of fame but if you almost NEVER can give an opponent “You know what she played a better game today than i did” Not she made lucky shots i call a sore loser.
I watched the match which was great the first set they both were really aggressive because they have a rivalry (which is a certain mutual respect) but being gracious to an opponent is good sportsmanship.
I do agree that the media does blow things out of proportion and does pick on the William’s sisters but after watching them play for their entire career and seeing press conference after press conference when they lose and almost never give an opponent credit for winning speaks for itself - sore loser. I wouldn’t call it class less (the media was dead wrong for that shit) but i don’t think Justine Henin who has won 6 of the last 10 tournaments shes been in this year and is currently ranked #1 in the world won because she made lucky shots.

The Williams sisters still run shit they both won grand slam titles this year - Venus, Wimbeldon and Serina the Australian Open.

Yeah, but the media tolerated “MUCH” worse from John McEnroe and he’s their hero. Gotta watch out for media and entertainment and all that, it’s double edged.

They just hating on a sista. She can be mad if she lost hell is she supposed to be happy?

I don’t see a classless woman, I see a very competative woman who’s upset that she lost. Now, she does occasionally have temper tantrums but give her a break!

What she should’ve done was taken a few hours or a day to relax her mind and then do the press conference.

I agree complexndope

The price of being a celebrity…u can’t even get pissed off!

She deserves to be a little upset, she’s human ! We still love ya Serena !!!

I THINK IT WAS CLASSLESS AS WELL..

MANY OF YOU WHO AGREE WITH HER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS MAY NOT BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE TENNIS WORLD, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING KNOWN AS “COURT COURTESY” AND SERENA LACKS THAT.

YES, SHE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO BE UPSET BECAUSE SHE LOST, BUT YOU DONT DISRESPECT YOUR OPPONENT BY CLAIMING SHE MADE “LUCKY” SHOTS.

THATS BLATANT DISRESPECT TO THE # 1 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD.

I DONT THINK THE MEDIA IS OVER EXAGGERATING AT ALL BECAUSE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS CONTINUALLY A PROBLEM WITH SERENA. WHEN SHE LOSES, SHE WONT GIVE CREDIT TO HER OPPONENT.

WHEN VENUS BEAT JELENA LAST NIGHT, JELENA WAS SO GRACIOUS AND CLASSY, SHE THANKED VENUS FOR A GREAT MATCH AND STATED THAT SHE SIMPLY LOST TO THE BETTER PLAYER ON THAT PARTICULAR NIGHT AND WISHED HER LUCK IN THE REMAINDER OF THE TOURNAMENT.

THATS WHAT TENNIS IS ABOUT! KINGS AND QUEENS PLAYED TENNIS IN THE 1800S SO IT WILL FOREVER BE A GAME OF CLASS AND DIGNITY..

P.S. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY SHES SO DISAPPOINTED IN THE LOSS, ITS NOT LIKE SHES BEEN PLAYING GOOD TENNIS THROUGHOUT THE TOURNAMENT.

P.P.S. CONGRATS TO MY GIRL VENUS! GREAT MATCH AND I WILL BE ROOTING FOR YOU IN THE SEMI AGAINST HENIN!

nah….admit it. Serena was a little salty in that interview. i mean, gone are the days when she dominated everyone and everything on the tennis court. this wasn’t a very professional response from her….and i’m not gonna pretend like how she behaved was acceptable.

HOWEVER……it’s not extremely noteworthy either. the media that’s still harping on this, need to get a life. ASAP!

@complexndope… I concur 100%…

Serena is still awesome at Tennis. Go Venus

What’s is wrong with being upset. I think (especially) in a sport like tennis, you can only be angry at yourself. So what she used the term ‘lucky shots’…that is no big deal. She admitted that the girl played well …blah blah blah. Get off her back. She JUST finished playing and people are trying to pick apart everything she said. Gimme a break.

I just realized something, she would get fined if she didn’t show up at the press conference. If thats true, then what does the media expect? What they got was raw emotion from a talented, competative champion who’s probably disappointed in herself.

Serena’s is probably saying, “Today, I’m piss the F@%k off….Tomorrow, I’ll say congratualtions and send flowers. Until then, leave a bitch alone!!!”

Yean Serena was a sore ass loser of a woman. But she aint classless. But I think she need to get out of that dream world. Justine Henin, the number one player in the world dont win becuz SHE JUST MADE LUCKY SHOTS. No Serena she won becuz she stay in the gym, stay on the court training and practicing. While your out doing photoshoots and movie premieres.

You got your but kicked Serena. Now learn from it and focus back on tennis so you can be at 100% otherwise you’ll be getting sent home from a lot more grandslams.

I wouldn’t say it was classless and I wouldn’t say its classy either. She pissed because when you lose you don’t hear the questions, you hear them taunting you because you loss. Do you hear some of the questions that reporters ask after the game to these athletes that lose? They be like you sucked can you tell us why? She shouldn’t be disappointed @ all cause she made it that far to play a #1 seat.

Congrats to Venus and I hope she bring it home.

Clearly she was upset, but she is a professional tennis player and she is expected to act accordingly. This is not the first time that she has had a pissy attitude because of a lost, and I do think that some of the things she said about the other player were inappropiate. She needs to handle her losses better or STOP LOSING!

@27 I agree Serena is a sore loser we can’t win all the time nor does that discredit your talent. Losing is part of the game. Someone has too lose and someone has too win. It takes Maturity and Class to give credit where credit is due Henin was the better player and there was no luck about it she insulted her and that was not cause for at all. … That is what makes the situation classless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mmmmmmm Damn Didn’t she lose!!!

WTF was she suppose to do click her heels and wish to be back in compton C’mon

Good luck Venus!!!!!!11

Sore LOOOOser Syndrome…I mean really…Be a woman of class…Congratulate your opponent and move forwared…Dont blame the media for her acting like a fool…they are reporting what they observed…

had she acted like a true champion - we would not be discussing this…

I agree with the Media…CLASSLESS AND GRACELESS ….she is crying over being beat by the #1 player in the world.. Ms. Williams, take your attitude home to your mansion..there are People in New Orleans still without shelter and your are pouting over a lost tennis match…one you lost at your own hands….

and then get upset when your ridiculous tirade is reported…GURHL PUHLEEZ

John Macinroe would be proud.

Classless is just the wrong word. Poor sportsmanship is more like it.
Cocky and arrogant can fit in there as well. I’m disappointed that someone who beats down folks on the regular has the audacity to say that the chick that beat her
was “lucky”……Serena…..Boo.
“I don’t feel like talking about it really.” SMH

kind

When you’re playing on Serena’s level, there’s bound to be intense emotions, but she does need to get it together. This type of display feeds into the stereotype that all Black women are bitches. It’s called professionalism.

This was a no win situation for Serena, if she had came to the press conference passive, they would have sad that she doesn’t care. However, now that she is showing her raw emotion after a tough loss- proving that she does care they want to criticize her. Many members of the media, including tennis commentators have been hard on the Williams sisters. After their sister was murder and they were mourning, and the fact that they hav had injuries the tennis world critcize them for their lack of play. Also, Henin has had her moments that could have been called classless as well through her career. At the 2003 French when she held her hand up doing a match to stop play and would not fess up to it, and in 2006 at the Australian Open agianst Amelie Mauresmo whom she was losing to badly and she rertired from the match claiming she was injured, but was “healthy” enough to stand around during the trophy presentation looking well. So there is history there as well, Henin is no angel. Serena was not suggesting that Henin is not a great player she has admitted the opposite in fact many times, it’s just that when the Williams sisters are on they are the best and no one is up tp par.. point blank!!!

ITS ALRIGHT TO GET UPSET BUT SHE SHOULD HAVE NOT ANSWER THEM QUESTION WITH A ATTITUDE. SHE IS PROFESSIONAL AND SHE NEEDS TO ACT LIKE THAT. THE GIRL DIDNT MAKE A LUCKY SHOT, SHE WAS BETTER THEN SERENA. SERENA NEED TO GROW UP….ITS A GAME. PAY THE DAMN FINE AND MOVE ON….YOU GOT THE MONEY. SHE WAS CLASSLESS!!!!!!!!!! POINT BLANK

She just lost, she’s upset!!!

Damn, black women can’t express any emotion without being called out of our name or chastized. Damn, can we be human for once.

Athletes and coaches get upset, look at almost any Bill Parcells press conference, and he is angry, and nasty with the media, but they say he is funny beacuse he is an old grumpy white guy, I have yet to hear anyone in the media refer to him as classless.

These people are a joke, the media will do whatever it can to take away from Venus winning her match. Serena lost the night before Venus played and then had that press conference. If she was so “classless” why wasnt it addressed then? If she made such a stir why didnt they address it then instead of waiting to the next day after Venus played some remarkable tennis and defeated Janovic? Why is that even in the headlines after Venus’s match? What she did out weighted anything Serena said after her match. They always trying to steal them girls glory. Serena is known for making comments like that, it her M.O. Its the little things the media does that gets to me. Like calling Serena, Venus and Venus, Serena. These girls have been playing tennis how long and you cant get their names right. They all laughed like a year ago when Andy Roddick said he was gonna go out and get drunk to deal with his defeat. I follow tennis and this will be like the first time in 5years that a Williams sister makes it to the finals if Venus wins her upcoming match. Plus Venus just won Wimbleton and if she wins the US Open too that is highly unheard of. To win those two back to back. So they do anythink to overshadow it. Tragic :-(. GOODLUCK VENUS!

@megan it’s not about being black. it’s about being a professional. ppl on the board who see nothing wrong with her attitude are making the mistake of forgetting that she is a professional tennis player. she’s not the average girl playing. ppl know her and respect her. there is a certain way that she should present herself whether she is upset or not. i’m a teen and even i know to comport myself better.

she’s not the first to be a sore loser and won’t be the last. i never thought she was a classy chick anyway (the ugly tennis outfits she used to wear, the weave she used to sport, etc.) and always knew she was a sore loser but she isn’t the only one. everyone knows justine is a b****. for those of you who think it’s a race thing, trust me the media has talked a lot about justine’s attitude on the court. HOWEVER she’s never belittled an opponent in interviews so idk. and john mcenroe should never be brought into it. the guy did those things b/c he thought the media would love discussing it and the media knew that. he’s like the teen queens of hollywood who do crazy things so that they’ll be in the paper the next day

She was just upset that she lost and when you lose you dont have too many good things to say, as a professional I think she should know better than to in a way discredit people by callin their skill luck , but hey everybody makes mistakes and the media is once again trying to take one little mistake and make it look like she shot somebody…to call her classless was uncalled for

at the end of the day she’s a professional athlete and this is the life she chose. if she doesn’t want to do press conferences, she should quit playing tennis. she lost and it was her fault for not practicing or playing well AND due to the fact that justine outplayed her. simple as that. give credit where credit is due and be an adult and a professional. jelena almost cried last night too but she was still GRACIOUS. it aint about justine’s past or anyone else’s past behavior. own up to YOUR OWN faults and be accountable for SELF. we always say we want to be treated a certain way and that we’re portrayed a certain way. hell, just do the right thing!

45. And thats your take on it and that’s mine.

Women period are put on the spotlight for expressing human emotion more and please don’t be Black doing it.

I don’t see anything wrong with the after report she was a little bit rude to the people interviewing her and the reporter was right you won’t win every game and you always have next year to look forward to.
I just think their should have been a period for her to gather her thoughts after the game maybe she shouldn’t have jumped right into the interview!

Sorry girl maybe next time!

she has the right to be upset. plus, those reporters ask the dumbest questions! “how do u feel?” i mean really…how do u THINK she feels???

It’s a war on young blacks plain and simple. Our black leaders are affraid to stand up against it. They spend thier time fighting the N-word and hip-hop.

HEADS UP EVRYBODY

Congress to Hold Hearings on Misogyny in Hip Hop aimed at Black Women and on other negative portrayals of bw in the media. go to

whataboutourdaughters.blogspot.com

yeah its racial, and it always is!!!!

Ms. Gottabody
Thursday, September 6, 2007
WTF!?!?!? The “media” has ALWAYS had something negative to say about the Williams sisters. Maybe they rose to fame too quickly & basically gave a new face to tennis. I don’t want to say it’s racially driven but I do have to wonder why they are always being discussed.

——————————————————————————————————————–
Yeah, I think you might be right about that one Ms. Gottabody. I DO NOT want this to be a cliched ‘race’ debate but I do wonder about their response to Serena. No one said anything bad about how much of a star that Anna Kournikova (the pretty blonde Russian tennis player) had become, and she let fame get the better of her, cause her career went to shit and now shes just eye candy. Venus and Serena have become celebrities, BUT ARE STILL PLAYING AT A HIGH STANDARD, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. They went through a lot of problems, like injury, and the tragic loss of their sister in 2003, but they bounced back. Perhaps the media should acknowledge that.

I personally think that it is pure jealousy. Some cocky ass sports analysts are just mad bacause it’s not them winning tournaments and having adoration and inspiration. I wouldnt have cared if they said they were shocked or surprised by her interview, but they have to talk like they a critic, when they’re not.

And another thing, the Williams sisters introduced the POWER GAME to women’s tennis. That’s why so many of these women on the circuit have stepped their game-up!

My whole issue with the “classless” remark is that all the media failed to mention that Serena actually said the Justine played great. When they run the “lucky shots” quote, they all failed to mention the she congratulated her opponent. There were a couple of “lucky shots” but the were far too many errors by Serena that cost her the first set and ultimately the match.

It is funny that Justine Henin was not called a “cheater” for having her coach help her throughout the match. During the broadcast they show Justine’s coach help her make calls and how to adjust her game. Why isn’t she being vilified in the press?

Serena was in a no-win situation. If she would have skipped the interview she would have been deemed sore loser, but instead she took part and was frank with her emotions and now things have been blown out of proportion. It has nothing to do with race, in my opinion, just specifically with Venus and Serena Williams and their tumultuous years in tennis.

Venus better win this whole damn thing.

I’m getting tired of they always losin now

it wasnt classless….she was just upset….clearly….yes this is being blown out of proportion……it wasnt like she was ranting and raving and cussing like a madwoman…she didnt wanna talk about it she only came cuz she didnt want to get fined and that was that………life doesnt get tht serious where you must over analyze ones reaction to a loss to the point of calling it “classless” that is classless in itself.

I watched the snippet of the Interview, and I don’t think that Serena was “classless” at all.

For one thing, Serena said that she didn’t want to be there, and that the only reason why she showed up for the interview is that she didn’t want to be fined.

She also said that the other player WAS better that night, and she got some lucky shots.

What was so wrong with her saying that ?

The anchorperson/sportscaster was Racist to harp on that one thing that she said over and over.

Serena was upset & tired. People sometimes overreact or say things that they shouldn’t when they are upset & tired.

Caucasians always have this attitude that Blacks should always be grateful and complimentary to other.

That’s a very unrealistic expectation to place on a Black Woman who has just lost a highly competitve game.

Peace

ITA with KILLERVIRGO 100%

Her response wasn’t classless but it was a bit harsh..however I understand she was upset and I understand she was talking to the same group of folks (media) that constantly hate on her. However, her hand gestures were that of “ok, yall done yet”…I understand where she is coming from but she has to keep in mind that her actions both verbal and non verbal are watched by young folks who want to be like her and we don’t want them to behave in that manner..I love the fact that she was effected by the loss which led to her behavior but she has to know how to win gracefully and lose gracefully. I don’t expect her to smile and coon saying “thank you whitey” but come in answer the questions and keep it going…don’t let them see you sweat by saying” I had to come out here cause I can’t afford to play the fines if I keep losing”. Come on Serena….I love me some Serena…I just don’t want “them” to see her like that…Venus is about to kick some USOpen Hynie!

well damn can a celebrity get mad just to get mad these days. The reason why they made it such a bug deal was because they couldn’t get a story out of it which is what really pisses the media off. i honestly didn’t see her as classless or graceless. She came straight off the field into the conf. room what the hell did they expect her to act.. I say we should give her a pass

She acknowledged that her opponent played well, but they have chosen to zoom in on the ‘lucky shots’ comment.

I can see where the media was a little taken aback by Serena’s demeanor. When your an athlete in the public eye, you have to be able to speak to the media and not let you true feelings show, especially if you’re feeling bitter towards the person that beat you. Considering the fact that Henin beat her 3 times already, I think her comment about “lucky shots” was uncalled for and clearly showed that she was being a little unfair in her assessment. That’s just how it goes, you win some, you lose some!

Keep your head up girl, there are plenty more matches to come. And don’t let them white people have anything bad to say about you because we all know they are looking for the slightest thing to talk about when it comes to our black leaders and celebrities.

everybody has their moments but damn does she have to be so nasty on camera? a spoiled brat and a sore ass loser….

their father sure didnt teach her to lose well…..and after all these years….proves shes immature.

her sister is very supportive which gives her some points.

but come on did serena not realize she was on camera?

I’m a big tennis fan and I follow the Williams sister alot, but there was no excuse for the way she acted. I wouldnt necessarily call it CLASSLESS, but I would say she showed poor sportsmanship and a lack congeniality and respect for a better opponent. I think the loss was definately a blow to her ego (which she does have) and it would have made her seem more adult if she would have gave props where props were do. For goodness sake she lost to Henin 3 times and she had the nerve to say “lucky shots”, I agree with the commentary at the end…how dare she. I think she has been feeling herself lately and unfortuantely her ego exceeded her ability on this occasion. I see she was near crying but she could have simply excused herself instead of poppin off at the mouth about her “not being able to pay any of the fines since she keeps losing”, and “the only reason she showed up was to avoid being fined”….stop giving the media a REASON to pounce on you. Race and gendor are no excuse because they do it to any celebrity who gets caught slipping (Britiney, Vick, Lindsay, Paris, that White Senator in the recent sex scandal, etc.)

Dont whine about it, be a G, Serena….you lost one

You know what #@%$ them Serena. Are you not to show emotions? They are just blowing this out of proportion. They need to get off her back and leave her alone. I would be upset too had I lost. I know all the good stuff about sportsmanship but no one wats to loose. Who plays to loose? So yes you’d beat yourself up when you know that you could have just push yourself a little harder. Keep up the good work and just come back at them next time

P.S

She gave a really stank attitude at one of the most highly televised sporting events…(a predominately white event) hopefully her distastefullness doesnt hit a sour note with any big name vendors and lessen her appeal for future endorsements…after all, she’s putting her business out there about repetitive losses, hopefully she wont mess that other money up as well.

WHEN YOU HAVE SOMEONE AS SUCCESSFUL & PROFESSIONALAS SERENA- BEING COINED AS SOMEONE WHO NEEDS “CHARM SCHOOL”
WHICH WAS A SHOW THAT WE ALL KNOW DISPLAYED AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN AS TACKY, FOUL DISPOSITIONS, AND JUST PLAIN IGNORANT IN THE SAME CATEGORY-

IT’S A CLEAR SIGN OF BLATANT RACISM-WHY AGAIN ARE BLACK WOMEN SO HARSHLY JUDGED-HE DIDN’T JUST SAY SHE WAS CLASSLESS BUT WENT AS FAR AS TO COMPARE HER TO THOSE CHICKEN HEAD WOMEN ON “CHARM SCHOOL”

SEE THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS MY BROTHAS WHEN YOU DOWNGRADE YOUR OWN WOMEN PUBLICLY-IT GIVES EVERYONE ELSE A PASS AND INVITATION TO DO THE SAME

AND THE TRUE INSULT IS THIS WOMAN IS DEFINITELY A CLASS ACT AND ONLY HUMAN TO SAY THE LEAST…

IF SHE WERE A WHITE MAN WHO JUST LOST IN THE SUPERBOWL HER ATTITUDE OR COMMENTS DON’T EVEN MEASURE UP TO SOME OF THE SHIT I’VE WITNESSED THEIR ASSES SAY & DO!

IT WAS A CHEAP SHOT AND UNCALLED FOR-IF ANYTHING THE REPORTER LACKS CLASS FOR COMPARING HER TO THOSE WOMEN ON CHARM SCHOOL-

FROM DAY ONE THEY HAVE BEEN HATING ON THESE TWO SISTERS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO GOOD AT WHAT THEY DO AND THIS WAS THEIR OPPORTUNITY TO PAINT THEM IN A NEGATIVE LIGHT-

Question for the panel:

I’m not familiar with Tennis, so I don’t know if this is Standard Operating Procedure, but WHY do they rush the Athletes from the court to the pressroom after a match ???

In Football & Basketball, they give the Athletes time to shower/shave & COMPOSE themselves after a game, before asking them dumb questions

If they would do the same thing in Tennis, they could avoid emotional outburst from a player or a that player saying something off color.

Peace

@bill

I can always depend on you to be logical and on point.
I agree 110%.

This is some BS! It is not news worthy… Let’s focus on the current Tennis MATCH, and the next match to come. So what she lost! So what she is mad! To me, it is not news worthy. She is out of the competition. Let’s receive news only on those who are still on track to winning this competition. The news media should be ashamed of themselves for trying to make this front page news….SMH.

I’m with Missy (#8) and MEETMEOREXCEEDME (#1). What did they want her to say or do, and like ya’ll said, she could have said worse. She kept it real, she came to the interview so she wouldn’t be fined. She’s blowed. Let her be. Anytime we say something, no matter who we are, or how much money in the bank, it’s deemed as classless, offensive, arrogant, or ignorant.

I’m a HUGE tennis fan especially of Venus and Serena and I can tell you that from day 1 when these 2 champions entered the game, the media and commentators like Chris Everet and John McEnroe have ruthlessly and unfairly dogged them. Unfortunately, this is just another case other people being jealous of their success but this incident just goes to show that when you’re a minority you must ALWAYS be on perfect behavior or be severly castigated in the media.

Ok who wants to talk after that she didnt have time to think about it she was upset !!!

I understand her frustration because man when I use to play soccer I would feel awful after a game. I mean its like you just want to be alone for a while and people would be like come here and come there when all you want to do is sit and cool down. Like your whole body would ache and feel hot and no one wants a whole bunch of people in their face like that. Plus she was in a stressful situation so her attitude was not surprising to me. But then again that is what comes with the fame. I am sure she will look back on it and see that she could have handled it better. But everybody has their days. No one is perfect.

I think that they need to get off her with all the criticizing…dang she felt bad enough. She was honest with what she was feeling and I think they need to cut her some slack. Like Tupac use to say: “The media is full of dirty tricks”…..forever trying to get a new story going.

PPl are saying that she knows that a press conf is required and she should not be there is she did not want to do it just because there is a press conf does that mean its fair for a player to talk after losing she is human she is prob just made at her self

There’s no way that a top level professional athlete will ever, ever give another top level athlete within the same sport unconditional credit. That’s ridiculous. When you attain that level of prowess the only difference between #1 and #10 is mental. When the Williams sisters had their minds right and their father around as their trainer attending all of their tournaments they were ranked #1 and #2 in the country. I’m sure that she looks at Justine Henin as someone who’s keeping her seat warm until she gets her game together, as she should. That’s like expecting Muhammad Ali to say,”I just have no chance against Joe Frazier or George Foreman…”. I mean please, this is a professional competitive endeavor and your competitors are your enemies.

The white man kept harping on how Serena called Justine Henin’s shots lucky but he ignored how she acknowledged that she was outplayed by Justine Henin. Maybe he wanted her to say, “she’s just better than me”, lol. To do that would only give her competitors a psychological advantage in any future encounters. There’s no way that she was going to do that, will ever do that, or should ever do that.

Classless is a code word for ‘nappy headed darky nigga’ from Compton’ which is what he really wanted to say.

I love Serena!!!!!!!!

Cosign 100% with #59 Bill.

#69 Bailey said: “IF SHE WERE A WHITE MAN WHO JUST LOST IN THE SUPERBOWL HER ATTITUDE OR COMMENTS DON’T EVEN MEASURE UP TO SOME OF THE SHIT I’VE WITNESSED THEIR ASSES SAY & DO!”

Thank you!!!!! My sentiments exactly. That was the first thing that came to my mind.

I’m sorry but some of these white mofo need to be stopped. True, Serena did state that her opponent had some lucky shots. And? Are lucky shots unheard of in sports? Give me a f^kin break! They want to repeatedly dwell on that statement but bypass the other statements where she stated that her opponent did play better than her and that she did make alot of errors. SOME white people make me sick to my stomach at times. I would just love to take those cameras and same microphones they were speaking with and shove it up their a$$e$!

I was on the train in NYC last night and five people were on cell phone like “Did Venus win??” It was too funny. This is totally blown out of porportion. Yeah, she was stank, but so damn what. Everybody knows Justin Henin has Serena’s number and so does Serena. So she was pissed, as anyone with her competitive spirit would be. The funniest part was when she said, I can’t afford the fine since I keep losing!” Meantime she wore earrings to the match that probably cost three times that.
Tennis commentators who are mostly white and many former tennis stars have always hated the Williams sisters. They hate that they didn’t play junior tennis, they hate that they win Grand Slams without playing that many matches overall and they hated it when Serena with her black, strong intelligent, articulate self beat down their overrated white, blond superstar Maria Sharapova. She is the real story of the this year’s Open…how the defending champ got knocked out by a newcomer. I haven’t seen as much publicity on that!
I hope Venus beats Justine Henin’s ass I can’t stand that heifer. She’s not the most personable chick herself. But she is good, can’t take that away from her. But Venus impressed me last night so I hope she keeps the form going and wins one for the Williams’!

I would’ve reacted the same way. Tennis athletes have a history of being a little surly after a loss, especially a big loss (check the files on McEnroe and Riggs, please).

Like she said, and I’m paraphrasing, y’all got the tapes, go analyze them.

And fuks that - she earned the right to be pissed. I thought it was gonna be some eye rolling and neck snapping going on. It was tame as a matter of fact.

and I caught that “luck shots” remark, but what the hell, I’d try to get at least one little dig too, if it was me. Nobody’s perfect.

Actually Bill,
They hardly get any time to themselves after a game. With my experience, our girls get off the court around 9:00pm…media at 9:10pm/9:15pm. You might have time to throw on a shirt…but a lot of time is not warranted after games.

yes, she said that justine played well, but the lucky shots thing was called a backhanded comment and i KNOW if justine had lost and had said that to serena you all would be crying foul. i’ve said it b4, and i’ll say it again, there are a lot of hypocrites on this site

LEAVE SERENA ALONE, the sista is just upset at the moment. That is a natural and normal thing. The damn MEDIA needs to leave people the hell alone and give them some cool down time. Serena Keep Your Head Up and Keep Doing Your Thing. You are an inspiration to ALL Black Women!! We Love You. Kick Justine’s Ass Next Time!!!!

Fuck the media, they are classless their damn selves! Hope Venus kicks her azz and then they will still find something negative to say!

CO-SIGN 150% WITH 86!!!

I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY “WE” AS BLACK PEOPLE ARE SO QUICK TO STAND UP AND MAKE EXCUSES FOR OUR ACTIONS. I CANT THINK OF ONE POST ON HERE, INVOLVING SOMETHING THAT A BLACK PERSON HAS DONE WRONG, WHERE THERE WASNT SOMEBODY MAKING EXCUSES FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR AND CRYING PITY FOR BLACK PEOPLE. ITS FUNNY HOW BLACK PEOPLE ARE THE FIRST ONES TO THROW RACE INTO EVERY SITUATION…THEN TURN AROUND AND WONDER WHY WHITE PEOPLE NEVER SEEM TO LEAVE US ALONE. YEAH RACISM IS WRONG, BUT BLACK PEOPLE THROW THE RACE CARD INTO EVERY SITUATION AS A SCAPEGOAT FOR WRONGDOING, THEN WE WANT TO STICK OUR CHESTS OUT AND TRY TO BE THE “STRONGER” RACE. HOW? HOW CAN WE TRY TILL FILL SUCH SHOES (THE STRONGER RACE) IF WE ARE ALWAYS VOLUNTARILY TAKING THE WEAKER AND LESS-THAN ROUTE…NOBODY WANTS TO RESPECT THAT. HELL, I’M BLACK AND I CANT EVEN RESPECT THAT.

START OWNING UP FOR THE SHIT YOU DO AND STOP TRYING TO THROW THE RACE CARD OUT EVERYTIME SOMEONE OF ANOTHER RACE CALLS YOU OUT ON YOUR FUCK-UPS. IF YOU’RE WRONG, TAKE IT LIKE A RESPECTABLE AND HONORABLE HUMAN BEING AND THEN YOU CAN STICK YOUR CHEST OUT BY DOING THE RIGHT THING. YOU CANT STICK YOUR CHEST OUT WITH PRIDE AND CRY ABOUT “THEY’RE JUST PICKING ON ME BECAUSE I’M BLACK” ALL THE TIME. OF COARSE RACISM DOES STILL EXIST SO BEWARE, BUT STOP USING IT AS AN EXCUSE. YEAH SO WHAT, SOME PEOPLE FEEL THAT THE MEDIA IS BLOWING THIS OUT OF PROPORTION…REGARDLESS SHE WAS UGLY. IF SHE WASNT THEY WOULDNT HAVE HAD ANYTHING TO PICK ON HER ABOUT. SOME POEPLE SAY “NAH, THEY WOULDA FOUND SOMETHING ELSE TO PICK ON HER ABOUT.” WHEN DOES IT END?

“EXCUSES ARE TOOLS, USED BY INCOMPETANT MEN TO BUILD MONUMENTS OF NOTHINGNESS!”

I have been a tennis fan since the early 80s and when Venus and Serena exploded onto the scene in the late 90s, it was extraordinary to say the least ( much lilke Tiger Woods was in golf, except this was two sistas dominating at the same time). As a the previous poster stated, the media and commentators have been unfairly harsh, critical, and many times outright racist in their coverage of the Williams’ matches, interviews, post-game/pre-game coverage. They have even attacked their father, mother, other sisters/family members on everything from their hairstyles, upbringing, # of people in their players boxes, what they did in the locker room, clothing, etc… All of this occurred on live tv before ,during, and after the match coverage; so in the past both sisters used these press interviews like the one above to take their shots back at the media ( much deserved in my opinion). As for Justine , many of you may not be aware of the history between her and Serena… the “classless comment” was in reference to a match between Serena and Justine at the 2002/03 French Open where Justine blatantly cheated Serena out of point when she lied to the umpire about signaling Serena for more time during the middle of Serena’s serve. The umpire didn’t see Justine and incorrectly gave the point to Justine and she didn’t correct him, even though Serena explained what Justine did and EVERYONE saw it ( it was replayed on live tv over and over) Anyway, this cost Serena the match and the title that year , subsequently was the main reason the instant replay/challenge system was enacted. After the match, in press interview (like the one above) Serena was asked what she thought about the situation and she said that Justine was classless. In the opinion of most, classless was a mild expression for Justine’s actions…which portrayed her to be a liar, cheat, and win at any cost/ no integrity player. So, Serena has always taken shots at Justine in press conferences, and rightfully so…
If you want to see how truely racist and hypocritcal the tennis world is toward Venus and Serena, go to some of the blogs (tennis.com/WTA.com) … SUPPORT SERENA AND VENUS they are truely making history!!!

What does anything that you wrote have to do with the topic. I have to commend your passion in defense of white America though, lol. Just be consistent. I hope to not see you bitching and complaining for 350 posts on one of these interracial threads when a famous black man is with a white woman like alot of these “enlightened and empowered” sisters and homosexuals do.

@89

She wouldn’t be so pissed off if she actually came to play. I saw that mess of a second set, that 6-1 final score in the second was beyond ridiculous, and she kept slamming balls into the net so you know her unforced errors were higher than a mug.

That being said I do agree that she was tacky when she said Henin got lucky shots; and of course she’s angry but I believe she’s angry at herself because she clearly didn’t try, so she was taking it out on the media. Like other posters have stated, she should have just said, “I didn’t come to play, Henin did.” Henin gives her opponents credit whether she wins or loses; I agree Serena doesn’t have much court courtesy.

Serena was just upset POINT BLANK!

She could’ve used better words than lucky shots..but she didn’t care at the time. Second, if you read the entire interview…Serena states that Henin played great.

The media was mad at her…but guess what…they have never been her friend. NEXT!

BLACK PEOPLE THROW RACE INTO EVERYTHING?

Oh please take a trip to TMZ every article that has a Black person in it has a comment talking about food stamps, gorillas, thugs, Compton and all. There is ignorance in all races. But please do not act like Black people are the worst. They had a picture of snoop with a little boy they claimed was his son at a hockey game. And just because the little boy had a rope necklace around his neck he was as they said going to grow up to be a gangster or thug like I quote “The rest of his race.” I did not know wearing a necklace classified you as being a future thug.

So they throw race into it all the time too. Go to the white blogs and whoever thinks otherwise will change their minds. Perez Hilton and all just take one trip. And look at the comments on youtube video. The first person to mention race was I am guessing a racist scumbag. And I do not remember anybody saying the other women was a B or any other offensive word. They just called her out on some of her stuff too. So please do not come to these conclusions before researching.

@89.. . No disrespect but… you must live under a damn House that Bryant Gumble Built!!!!

As an ex tennis player myself and someone that works in Media.. i can say that they did serena very wrong in this coverage.. it’s a given that the advantages to being apart of the media is that you can spin the truth and present it for the world as you want, and with the average population not being very smart and rather impressionable by television they very easily could call Venus’ reaction classless and everyone would agree bc its simply on TV. It was not classes it was simply a realistic reponse by a women who got beat by her own errors by an oppenet she feels she should have beaten! Serena knows her “A” game and when you know your the best, it hurts to lose to anyone who isn’t! ! Her response was no where as crazy as John McEnroe who cursed all the time and threw stuff at journalist, but they talk about serenas’ response as if it was. So please go somewhere with that “making excuses” crap, its’ not a completle crazy statement bc I will agree there are those of that do that, but not serena in this case. White media was simply excited out of their pants that Serena was possibly being detrhoned and their great white hype is back, You know it, I know it and witness it!! , and they would probably gladly admit it. but…. they arent rejocing just yet.. Venus is still in it!! GOOOOO WILLIAMS SISTERS!!

HEY CLOOP IT’S GREAT THAT YOU GAVE THIS STORY SOME LIGHT & APPRECIATE THE US OPEN UPDATES W/ THE WILLIAMS SISTERS, BUT….

I AM PRETTY DISSAPOINTED THAT YOU ALL HAVE NEGLECTED TO MAKE MENTION OF THE BROTHERS IN THE US OPEN (UNLESS I MISSED IT IN MY DAILY VISITS TO THIS SITE,) PARTICULARLY W/ JAMES BLAKE…

HE PLAYED A HELL OF A TOURNAMENT HERE AT THE US OPEN, WORTHY OF RECOGNITION. SO DID DONALD YOUNG, AN ATL RESIDENT, AND SCOVILLE JENKINS HELD HIS OWN AGAINST THE # 1 SEED ROGER FEDDER IN HIS 1ST RND LOSS.

I KNOW IT’S NOT YOUR GOAL TO SATISFY THE MASSES W/ EVERY POST BUT IT WOULD’VE BEEN CREDIBLE FOR YALL TO HAVE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE BLACK MEN IN THIS TOURNAMENT.

@ 70Bill….

Because Pro Tennis is not Burger King. She can’t “have it her way.” Those post game interviews are part of her JOB. She don’t like it? They have openings at McDonald’s.

My point is everyone would like their jobs to be more UNDERSTANDING.
But since she is WORKING at selling herself and her products everytime she sets foot on that court, I expect her to control herself during a simple post game interview. Simply because childish temper tantrums do not make me want to run out and buy a Happy Meal or anything else she Sells.

Additionally, 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.

That being said, do I think the media ran wild with it using creative sound bites to distort her image? Hell yeah! They have been waiting with baited breath for clips of “classless” behavior since she and her sister started dragging white girls around the court. THAT’s why I’m Pissy. Because SHE gave them Just what they have been waiting for.

She my girl and all, but it is what it is.

Kind.

Thay need to leave Serena alone. She is entitled to be pissed. Guess they wanted her to be all fake and jolly.

There are a certain portion of blacks in America that are embarassed to be black because of the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding black people so what they do is try to make other black people feel embarassed about speaking their mind, hoping that by doing so, they can feel more caucasian or less like a negro. It’s sad because these negroes don’t realize how deeply embedded this thing is. The Most High said that these people would have a pertual hatred against us (Ezek 35:5).

tennisfan said:

I have been a tennis fan since the early 80s and when Venus and Serena exploded onto the scene in the late 90s, it was extraordinary to say the least ( much lilke Tiger Woods was in golf, except this was two sistas dominating at the same time). As a the previous poster stated, the media and commentators have been unfairly harsh, critical, and many times outright racist in their coverage of the Williams’ matches, interviews, post-game/pre-game coverage. They have even attacked their father, mother, other sisters/family members on everything from their hairstyles, upbringing, # of people in their players boxes, what they did in the locker room, clothing, etc… All of this occurred on live tv before ,during, and after the match coverage; so in the past both sisters used these press interviews like the one above to take their shots back at the media ( much deserved in my opinion). As for Justine , many of you may not be aware of the history between her and Serena… the “classless comment” was in reference to a match between Serena and Justine at the 2002/03 French Open where Justine blatantly cheated Serena out of point when she lied to the umpire about signaling Serena for more time during the middle of Serena’s serve. The umpire didn’t see Justine and incorrectly gave the point to Justine and she didn’t correct him, even though Serena explained what Justine did and EVERYONE saw it ( it was replayed on live tv over and over) Anyway, this cost Serena the match and the title that year , subsequently was the main reason the instant replay/challenge system was enacted. After the match, in press interview (like the one above) Serena was asked what she thought about the situation and she said that Justine was classless. In the opinion of most, classless was a mild expression for Justine’s actions…which portrayed her to be a liar, cheat, and win at any cost/ no integrity player. So, Serena has always taken shots at Justine in press conferences, and rightfully so…
If you want to see how truely racist and hypocritcal the tennis world is toward Venus and Serena, go to some of the blogs (tennis.com/WTA.com) … SUPPORT SERENA AND VENUS they are truely making history!!!

Bill Said:

Thank YOU for your Explanation & Interpretation.
NOW I understand what is going on
One has to read between the lines…

As I have always said:
“Caucasians don’t Like Black People. They simply tolerate us”

SHE IS NOT CLASSLESS! Serena and her sister go through it more than any other tennis player. They get booed and harassed everytime and always show dignity. AND whenever she gets sick or whenever she wins they act like it was luck or something- so maybe Justine did make some lucky shots! BTW how the hell is Justine all of a sudden the best palyer in the world? PLEASE! and Serena was not nasty, she was disappointed- she is an athlete! BUt this is a race thing as most things in this world are- as horrible as it seems its true, and they just wait to say something negative. OH yeah and everytime my girl wins- her opponents say something nasty- hypocrites= double standards-sad!!! SERENA YOU THE BOMB TO ME GIRL ALL DAY!

The only thing I would agree with is the “Lucky Shots” that is rude but…
As for “COURT COURTESY” look home girl just lost she really doesn’t want to talk about it but has too… what else do you want from her. She shouldn’t have to apologize for it … what she needs to do is concentrate on her “A” game and stop parlaying all over Miami Beach or wherever with Kelly Rowland and Jackie… you are an athlete FIRST!!!!!

Reporters can be callous , insensitive and just plain stupid with some of their questions. The woman is a topnotch tennis player that was angry with her game. She wasn’t being disrespectful, belligerant or rude she was tired and frustrated with herself.
I have heard other tennis players back in the day rant and rave, and not get has much flack as the Williams sister’s. The women are good and they have changed the face of tennis. They respect those that paved the way for them to be were they are and have earned their place in tennis history……….so don’t try to tear them down.
Everyone has an off day, no one is perfect and if she sounded a bit grouchy so WHAT!!! she is human and she has the RIGHT!!!

Step off and let a Sistah breathe

Here is another act of Class that Serena displayed at the US Open
She called Henin the b-word because she hit a winner.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_6vh0564mOc&NR=1

@tennisfan come on now. their hairstyles and dress were criticized b/c they used to wear nasty blond weave and gaudy dresses in a world where everyone looked prim & proper. they had the same weave i’ve seen ghetto hood chicks around my block wear. just being honest. has nothing to do with being black b/c other black players don’t get that type of criticism. and everyone knows justine is a b****. old news. reporters have commented on her unsportsmanship as well.

@blakluv they get booed? i’ve watched their matches and usually ppl are cheering for them to win. and yes justine is number one right now b/c she’s also an incredible player, a b**** but a great player nonetheless.

i know some of you don’t even watch tennis

@86 & 89 I agree with you 100%

@106 NEW YORKER ….. I concur

@98

I was expecting to see her get profane and disrespectful in her press conference. She didn’t. If the girl hit a lucky shot, what is she supposed to say? There was nothing wrong with what she did or said. In regards to Michael Jordan, I was a huge fan of his as a child and I know for a fact that the man used to get into fights with his teammates during practices, knock them out, and then apologize after practice. He stopped Isaiah Thomas from making the 1992 Olympic team because of a grudge that dated back to the 1984 All-Star Game. Michael Jordan was reknowned for being probably the most cocky player ever. In a competitive endeavor, there will be a carry over because these people live, eat, and breathe competition. If they don’t believe in themselves, no one else will.

@Judah… Hi how are you…. I see we are on different sides of the fence for once.. you are still my brother….

so what she was upset. it happens. the damn girl was barley of the court and they asking all these dumb questions. i would have a attitude too.

I HATE WHEN PEOPLE KEY IN ON ONE WORD. SHE SAID SHE SAID THAT CHICK PLAYED BETTER AND THEN SAID SHE MADE LUCK SHOTS. THEY TOTALLY BLOW EVERYTHING OUT OF PORPORTION.

@110

How are you sis? There are reasons why we’re on opposite sides of the fence on this issue but those reasons won’t get addressed on this topic.

I THINK WE AS A RACE BETTER START OPENING OUR EYES TO WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW, FROM THE MEDIA TO THE GOVERNMENT, FROM EVERY ORDINARY PERSON TO THE SO CALLED MEDIA STAR (SPORTS, RAPPERS, SINGERS, ETC……..). TIMES ARE REALLY REVERSING IN THE WAY WE AS A RACE ARE BEING TREATED, JUST LOOK AT THE JENA 6, THAT SHIT IS 1960 ALL OVER AGAIN. PLEASE I BEG, THAT WE START BECOME LEADERS AND TAKE A STANCE TO ALL THE THINGS THAT’S HAPPENING AND STOP TALKING AGAINST OUR PEOPLE ( SHE’S A MAN, SHAQ CHEATED ON HIS WIFE AND ALL THE OTHER PETTY BS THAT WE DO). WHEN IT’S GOSSIP WE DON’T KNOW BECAUSE WE WERE NOT PRESENT, WAIT TIL IT HITS THE MAINSTREAM, WHEN IT’S ABOUT THE LAW WAIT TIL ALL THE EVIDENCE IS PRESENTED, A MAN IS INNOCENT TIL PROVEN GUILTY NOT IN REVERSE.

@Judah … okay we will save that for a later date.. My brother.
Question: Is it because I am bi-racial????? LOL No matter what you are still my Bro.

Serena still needs to have an attitude adjustment. Pride and arrogance is before the crash…..

@Mallato

The reason why I say that is not just because you’re bi-racial; but also due to the screename that you’ve chosen, Mallato, which shows that you celebrate, exalt, and want everyone to know about your bi-racial makeup. I’ve already seen numerous sisters get offended at your choice of that name, lol. Most mixed blacks that I’ve met are usually very passionate about race, one way or the other. They’re usually either extremely militant to prove their “blackness” or they’re gung ho for “everyone coming together”. When I say “mixed blacks”, I’m referring to the children of interracial unions, not light-skinned and all that other idiocy. It’s a strange dynamic with mixed blacks because those dual loyalties and contrasting backgrounds and heritages clash so strongly. Furthermore I only call you bi-racial for conventional purposes. The Lord says that you are the seed of your father (Num 1:18, Ezra 2:59, Job 8:8, etc.). That’s how easily all that caucasian concocted mulatto/quadroon/octaroon confusion gets clarified by the Most High (I Cor 14:33). If your father’s father is a caucasian; or as the Bible calls them, an edomite, you are an edomite.

@ 92 JUDAH

Please believe I am not defending White people…like I said I am aware that racism does still exist and in more than one form, on various levels. However, my comment was directed towards a few of the posts that I’ve read where some of us are so on the “defense” sometimes that we tend to excuse our behavior and throw in the race card. Even when we have done something wrong…instead of a simple “Damn, I messed up, I apologize”, it never fails to hear somebody throw that dead excuse out there (If I was such and such they wouldnt crucify me like this). Dont get me wrong, I know the Williams Girls have been through it with the media and the Tennis fans, but in THIS case, she gave them something to tear her apart about. My opionion is just that, lol. Ooh and you dont have to worry Judah, I wont be one of those chicks that get mad when I see Shaq with this white girl that he’s about to have on his arm next week. Again if you go back and actually read my posts and the others on this topic, you might be able to see where I got my thoughts from.

@117

Point taken.

@ Judah Well I am proud of my mixed heritage and I pride myself on treating people the way I want to be treated and yes my father is white and my mother is black. But I am what I am….
If people are offended by my screen name then that’s there fault its not meant to be offensive. I did choose to spell it a little different. But you my brother are very knowledgeable and I appreciate that about you very much. You and I can agree to disagree respectfully because I respect you.

I am neither militant or far extreme to the left or right. Is there something wrong with people being proud of there heritage? I had the privilege of being exposed to many things due to my heritage both good and bad from whites and blacks, Needless to say I have experienced more racism from blacks than whites but I love everyone the same Jesus said (Mark 12:31) . . .’ 31 The second is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

She’s an athlete, not a debutante. Who isn’t upset when they lose? If you stuck a camera and a mic in the most refined athelete’s face right after losing, I’m sure they’d say some shit too.

@ 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.