Shamil Tarpischev, the head of Russian Tennis Federation, has been fined $25.000 and banned for 1 year after a rather silly joke on TV.
Tarpischev was participating in a TV show alongside Elena Dementieva to call Serena and Venus the “Williams brothers”.
During the broadcast the host asked “How it feels to play against one of the…hmmm…? “Williams brothers” added Tarpischev to then comment “Look at our athletes, elegant and beautiful. I have tremendous respect for them , but once one of the sisters passed next to me, and I found myself in her shadow for about forty seconds. They are so physically powerful. Weren’t you afraid to play against them?”
Dementieva didn’t look too happy about the conversation and Tarpischev paid a high price for that.
The reaction from the WTA…
Stacey Allaster, the Chairman and the CEO of the WTA, commented “The statements made by Shamil Tarpischev on Russian television with respect to two of the greatest athletes in the history of women’s tennis are insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport. Serena Williams and Venus Williams are champions on and off the court – outstanding human beings, incredible sportswomen and amazing role models who have done so much to inspire women and girls around the world to achieve their dreams. The WTA was founded on the principles of equality, opportunity and respect, and Venus and Serena embody all of these attributes. Mr. Tarpischev’s statement questioning their gender tarnishes our great game and two of our champions. His derogatory remarks deserve to be condemned and he will be sanctioned.”
… the fine and the ban
In addition Allaster commented “As a result of his comments, I have ordered Mr. Tarpischev to be fined $25,000, the maximum allowed under WTA rules. In addition, he will be suspended from any involvement with the WTA for one year and we are seeking his removal from his position as Chairman of the Board of the Kremlin Cup for one year. His re-instatement will be dependent on good behavior. Mr. Tarpischev’s private letter of acknowledgement is a start. However, Mr. Tarpischev owes Venus and Serena Williams a personal apology, as well as other players and tennis fans everywhere, a public apology.”
