About Sounding Off

Ted Robinson of NBCSports.com fires away on what’s making news in Major League Baseball, the National Football League and professional tennis.

Robinson called the play-by-play on NBC's Major League Baseball Game of the Week telecasts from 1986-89. Additionally, he has done play-by-play for the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. Since 2000 Robinson has provided play-by-play for NBC Sports on the French Open and Wimbledon. He also previously served in that role at the U.S. Open for USA Network. Robinson is also the play-by-play voice of the San Francisco 49ers on KNBR.



Passive WTA players failed Peer

Posted: Friday, February 20, 2009 4:06 PM

The statement by the Dubai Tennis Championships to explain why there was a last-minute visa denial for Israeli player Shahar Peer cited security fears because of potential fan anger at Israel’s recent incursions into the Gaza Strip.

The outrage was immediate, but it was too late. The impact was quickly felt, but there is no guarantee the problem is solved.

 

In all, it was a bad week for the Women’s Tennis Association. No doubt the WTA was shafted by overtly fraudulent behavior from the United Arab Emirates. The WTA is like all professional sports in that cash is king. And long ago, it sold out to Dubai and the like.

 

But no other professional sport has the WTA’s backstory. No other sport was founded on the fight for equality. No other sport holds the same moral high ground.

To be fair, the WTA was in a bad position. Its players had already arrived in Dubai, appearance fees were in place, and sponsor obligations needed to be met. The United Arab Emirates orchestrated perfect timing.

So we accept that the WTA couldn’t bolt en masse. But why did not one player balk? Why did no one leave in support of Peer? There is no fairness in singling out one player, but how could Venus Williams, so vociferous in the fight for equal prize money, play on in DubaI? For that matter, how could Venus and Serena Williams, self-proclaimed victims of racist behavior by Indian Wells fans, not act on this wrong?

 

As Jon Wertheim succinctly wrote, “the Tour…gave in to bigotry.” It’s embarrassing for the Tour. Difficult, after all, how anyone could easily walk away from millions in this climate, but embarrassing nonetheless.

Now the United Arab Emirates says Andy Ram, an Israeli, will be granted a visa for this week’s Association of Tennis Professionals event. The WTA is positioning this as a statement that no Peer issues will reoccur.

 

Really? How so sure? The WTA lawyers must obtain the United Arab Emirates best legal assurance that Peer, and all players who qualify, are granted visas for any future event. And the WTA must adopt a two-strikes-and-you’re-out policy, admittedly a tough call in bad economic times.

 

But at some point, an entity, be it single or collective, has nothing but its character. The WTA Tour was built on that concept. It must subscribe to the simple but true theory -- do the right thing.

 

The Tennis Channel did the right thing (disclaimer: I work for the Tennis Channel at the Davis Cup and Grand Slams). Its CEO Ken Solomon wasted no time in bailing out on telecasts from Dubai. Solomon is a class act, and he made clear that he was in a much easier position than WTA head Larry Scott. Still, Solomon did the right thing.

In doing the right thing, the WTA can place the entire burden where it belongs – on the United Arab Emirates.

SECOND SERVES:

1. The Davis Cup didn’t need another blow, but Roger Federer inadvertently delivered one by bailing (due to a back injury) from the upcoming tie in Birmingham, Ala.

In hindsight, we shouldn’t be surprised, but I think we were romanced by Federer’s sheer joy at his Beijing Olympic experience. In the last three years, Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (legitimate injury), and Federer have pulled out of ties on U.S. soil.

 

2. Taylor Dent is using a protected ranking to enter ATP events in attempting a comeback. Back injuries sidelined him for several years. He said he avoided surgery at all costs, until it was the last option. Talking in San Jose last week, Dent is back with the revised attitude adopted by most that have seen the abyss and survived.

Interesting in that he is having each stroke in his matches charted by his lady, former pro Jennifer Hopkins, and his dad, former pro Phil Dent. Tennis is an individual sport thus there is no team or organization providing players with sophisticated analysis. Each player would have to make that leap, and that investment, on their own. Dent has done so, and is seeing the benefit of post-match analysis.

3. Donald Young’s progress has slowed. After playing the 2008 Australian Open on a direct entry, Young has slipped in the rankings to 134. Young needs freedom from his parents, and he must take advantage of the sound coaching at his disposal. He turns 20 in July, not old by any means, but no longer is he the next U.S. prodigy.

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Comments

I wonder why Ted Robinson singled out Venus and Serena? They are more players on the tour with as much clout as the Williams sisters. It's not enought that We have to listen to his covert nagative bashing about the sisters doing his Wimbleton coverage. It's obvious Mr Robinson has a dislike for the sister ,but enought is enougnt. Mr Robinson, get over yourself, and let these americans sisters play tennis.

James, fayetteville, NC (Sent Friday, February 20, 2009 5:42 PM)

So why call out Venus and Serena who do not engage in politics. Why did none of the white players stop playing...come on if thet did not enter the tournament who would u call out...now that is bigotry.
when the sisters were wronged at Indian wells they had to stand up for themselves not one player stood by them or boycotted the game, why should they do it to another player. You are unfair in your statements what of the other players...I think this is tantamount to character assasination of the players who had no direct impact on what happened to Peer. Remember the face of the WTA are the pretty white girls not Venus and Serena.. Ivanovic, Safina, Dementieva et al could have boycotted as well.......give the sisters a break!

sexy DEE (Sent Friday, February 20, 2009 9:57 PM)

Absolutely agree with you about not one single player standing up and saying, "No, I won't play if Shahar can't play."  Very disappointing.  Worse, though, was Larry Scott not offering leadership -- that might have been all it took to help the players see their obligation.  When I hear people complain about America's lousy reputation overseas, I think of blown opportunities like this.  Good for Andy Roddick and The Tennis Channel.  I see that Newsweek also finally meekly bowed out, long after the move had any moral significance...

ac dallas texas (Sent Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:04 AM)

And now that the defending champion Andy Roddick has withdrawn from Dubai in protest, denying himself potential points & prize money, it become even more of an issue for thw WTA members for there lack of a strong response. Well said Ted: "But at some point, an entity, be it single or collective, has nothing but its character."

Anne B, chicago, IL (Sent Saturday, February 21, 2009 1:15 PM)

For some reason this sounds self serving high horseism. Security is a factor even if you don't want to believe. The UAE has an excellent record on protecting the people of UAE and has done things in the past to protect and hope they will continue to do the smart thing to protect. Went to the event and it was perfect. Stop pumping emotions and write on facts. What you know is that it was a security decision and yes we are all upset on the lack of humanity that the country you are defending showed. Why not show how the Israeli's want let Jewish people who have becom Christian migrate? Think this is more important than about a rich kid who for security was protected.

Frank Boozer, UAE (Sent Saturday, February 21, 2009 1:17 PM)

Andy Roddick did the right thing by boycotting Dubai. Serena and Venus should have done the same.

Thank you, Roddick, for making a statement. You are my hero now.

Ming, New York, NY (Sent Saturday, February 21, 2009 1:35 PM)

Why is everyone singling out Venus & Serena?  Has any player boycotted Indian Wells with themin the eight years they hae played?  They have stood alone.

Why didn't Sania Mirza her former doubles partner pull out?  

Frances, BArbados (Sent Sunday, February 22, 2009 5:03 AM)

One thing not mentioned was that Peer was a sargent in the Israeli army. I would think that should be mentioned since it probably affected the reasoning of Dubai and their fears for Peer's safety as well as the safety for the other players with the tensions in the Middle East.

suzanne, ponchatoula, la (Sent Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:00 AM)

I think all female tennis players should have bolted and left them in the lurch.  After all where I come from we stick together.  What a lot of selfish, greedy female players we have nowadays.

Charlotte, NC USA (Sent Sunday, February 22, 2009 1:39 PM)

I suppose the WTA is still looking for a backbone.

Rikki K. Austin, TX (Sent Sunday, February 22, 2009 6:45 PM)

If their is no fairness in singling out any player why is it that you selected only Venus and Serena Williams for ridicule and criticism. Racist chants versus geo-political issues are different. Equal pay in tennis and the stance taken by Venus Williams has been fought for by many female tennis players and it is an issue that has plagued women's tennis for a long time. At the same time it is a fixable issue that has more to do with a male-dominiated economic system.

Isreali-Arab conflicts are issues that area governments have failed to address as a result of extremism on both sides. Venus made it clear that the situation was unfortunate but to blame her or criticize only her and Serena is a narrow-minded viewpoint.

Your condemnation of the WTA is in many ways is accurate but long before Venus and Serena Williams came into being, the Arab-Israeli conflict exisited, and long after they are both gone, it will continue to exists.

Pamerson (Sent Monday, February 23, 2009 10:06 AM)

No matter that Venus and Serena are much more introspective and mature in this case they failed the test of living up to the likes of Billie Jean and Martina. So sad.

Go Taylor! Give us oldtimers a bit of a flashback to the good old serve and volley days of yore.

Unfortunately Donald Young no longer is the hope for the future of American tennis. Do something quick or you'll end up the next Vince Spadea

John, Santa Barbara Ca (Sent Monday, February 23, 2009 12:16 PM)

Venus did step up the plate and represent Peer well here during her acceptence speech after the final. She did so in front of rolaty and the fans in a respectful, yet direct manner. Again, she proves to be an excellent representative for the WTA tour.

Jeff Laker (Sent Monday, February 23, 2009 2:03 PM)

Ted doesn't know what he's talking about. Venus sounded off on the issue many times during the tournament, and even as she won it, she also used the winner's ceremony as a platform to make a statement.  This is far and beyond what the majority of the self-serving female tennis players would do for fear of personal repercussions, so Venus needs to be commended, not singled out... it is obvious that Ted has his head buried in the sand, and as for his cry that the Williams' sisters should've been the first because of the racist WTA treatment they have always received, that's just ridiculous... its like comparing apples and oranges.  Get a life Ted and single out the other players who remained silent the whole time.  Venus is the most well poised and politically responsible player on the tour, and if you can't see that, you should get a new job.  

David, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Monday, February 23, 2009 9:28 PM)

How ironic that the 19 year-old Young was crushed by the 34 year old Spadea at some small challenger event out in California just a few weeks ago. Not only has his once promising career stalled, but it now seems to be regressing backwards. He's a man now...he needs to dump mom and dad and hire a real coach.

Flaviano, Silver Spring, MD (Sent Monday, February 23, 2009 10:03 PM)

I'm happy that Andy Roddick and the Tennis Channel did boycott Dubai, but why did't all the men and women players do the same.  Then a point would have been made!  And it's wrong to even mention Venus and Serena in this matter.  

Greg Zook, Triadelphia, West Virginia (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 7:51 AM)

True, I believe that the WTA players should have taken a stronger stance in regard to the Peer issue.  But, singling out certain players because you think they share the same thread (i.e., being denied because of their race), I think was an injustice to Venus and Serena. Shahar was denied because she is a member of the Israeli army.  She is still a white woman.  Venus and Serena are black women; they may not be denied openly, but they deal with the scrutiny and stigma of being black women in a sport mostly played by white women from all over world. They are not political, they have stated that numerous times.  There are other female players with just as much exposure as they have, who to this point, have stayed silent on the whole issue. If you are going to attack, attack the WTA for not taking a stronger stance and pulling their players from playing. Period.  If you have the power to make it mandatory that they play certain tournaments, then it was within the WTA's power to take a stronger stance for ALL of their players.

Betchula, Moorestown, NJ (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:41 AM)

Actually a lot of people are missing the boat. Venur and Serena ARE the tour and the rest of the women players are just the supporting cast. How many people would have watched the women play the Austrailian Open last month without Venus and Serena there? Unfortunately there is not much drama and even less personality on the women's tour today. I suppose it is entertaining to watch and see if Elena can serve for a whole match without gagging and Ana sure isn't hard to look at. Can anyone honestly say the Australian Open would have been half as good without them? It is not a black or white issue it is a star power issue. When the 2 preeminent stars on the women's tour don't step up the rest really don't matter. I am a hard core tennis FAN. It is probably unrealistic to expect so much from a couple of young ladies in their 20s. But I can dream can't I?

John, Santa Barbara, Ca. (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 1:55 PM)

HURRAH for Andy Roddick! He was the only tennis player to step up to the plate and defend Peer. No matter what you think of his behavior on court, off court Roddick is THE MAN OF THE MOMENT. What a tremendous gesture on his part which he clearly did not have to do. He was also the defending champion which made his comments even more significant. Bravo bravo, Andy.

As for Federer, his back injury is bogus, he is still sore from taking a licking from Nadal in the Open. He is too afraid to face the Americans on home soil, he can't take losing to Andy Roddick who would have had the entire stadium on his side.

Federer has proven one thing this week: that his a bonafide spineless coward. I've lost a lot of respect for this so called "classy gentleman".

I have more respect and honor to give to Andy Roddick. THAT is what we call a true leader of principle!

Cherry, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 2:03 PM)

Lest all remember that tennis is entertainment and while there maybe opportunities to stand and make a point of protest, that should be the domain of all participating. Why would  the pair of players who has suffered oppression and discrimination be now the one to champion protest? Mr Robinson, make sure that you step up to the plate when you encounter the same discrimination in the NBC environ. I'm sure it exists.

K Carr, San Francisco, California (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 2:24 PM)

to  the person   who  condoned  uae.     get a  grip    there  is  no  room  for  politics  in  sports.     This  is  one  of  our  only  remaining platforms  where all walks  of  life  have  an  equal opportunity  to do soemthing they  love and  should  be  able  to travel where they  need to to  hone  their  skill to become sucessful.    Also to the folks  that think serena  and  venus  shouldnt  have  stepped up , well thats  a crock    both  the  two have  more  money than they will ever  need   and  have  witnessed  first  hand  what  it is  like to be discriminated against. they  are  role  models  to thousands  of  folks  and  their  voice is  taken  very  seriously not to mention  are in the top 10    and  had  they  chose (one if not both)   than  you  would have  seen all the rest  follow.    this  thing  about  race  beinng  played out  every minute  is getting  old.   This  is  about political  involvement in sport.  

mark memphis tn (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:25 PM)

Mr. Ted Robinson -- you are wrong, wrong, focusing on Serena and Venus.  How come when it comes to racism no one stands up for them -- including you?  Where were you to speak up when Venus and Serena were treated so badly at Indian Wells?  Yes -- where were you Mr. Robinson?

Rae Sampson, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:22 PM)

Why is Ted Robinson singling out Venus and Serena when he states there is no fairness in doing so. Also, how many of the players have boycotted Indian Wells on behalf of the two sisters? Shame on you Ted Robinson.

Don, Jersey City, New Jersey (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:51 PM)

Mr. Ted Robinson:  Why single out Venus and Serena?  And who stood with them to defend their refusal to play at Indian Wells?  Did any of the players come forward?  Did Andy Roddick support them? Just as Shahar Peer asked for the tournament to go on and have the WTA players continue the tournament, the sisters never asked for anyone else to join their boycott of the Indian Wells tourney.

And yes, won't the WTA players risk themselves if they staged a boycott while actually in Dubai?  Bless Andy Roddick's heart, but he was at home thousands of miles away from Dubai when he declared his boycott.  That's an easy decision to make in a relatively safer and friendlier environment.

This is WTA leadership's job to censure Dubai tournament, and it's not the players' problem to solve - especially if there's risk for them in doing so.

IMHO, this case of double standard is bigotry in itself, plain and simple.

Raoul, Thousand Oaks, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 8:50 PM)

it is a shame that in times like these ppl cant understand that noone  is 100% wrong in this situation. for dubai, and for any country being visited- security is of utmost importance.what would ve been said if she was there and got hurt or was the reason for other top players and tourists to get harmed----they tried there best to deal with the situation.
for the attack of venus and serena-they are tennis players, not politicians--they as well as every other player has to think about ranking points, earning, history.etc. what venus did should be all that is asked for from a player.
also why mention only them, 9 out of 10 top ten players attended the event--that is remarkable for the promoters--it has to be a great event to play at!
as it relates to Peer, she was wronged but the uncertainty of what would happen if she was there,i thought, plaram is going to be played a huge part. andy ram is going to be there next week, Peer has been somewhat compensated-----all in all the promoters did their job well in cleaning up the scum of the situation and everybodyelse should drop it now.
congrats venus-well done; and good luck guys.

kester abrams,georgetown,guyana (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 11:32 PM)

Oops!  Well, Mr. Robinson, for some reason or other you have failed to really focus on the tournament matches.  The Williams sisters gave a "Jesse Owens" effort during the Dubai Tennis Tournament.  Venus won then made her feelings known about the politics.  Further, Serena would have done the same.  Rod Laver used to say"Let's play the match"

ml black boulder colorado (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 1:43 AM)

I agree with many of the posts, just naming Serena and Venus who are great leaders in tennis was completely unessecary.  Ted Robinson, get a new job because sports doesnt need crap like this, and definately, people like shouldnt be making NBC look bad.  

Charles, Vancouver, B.C (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 2:31 AM)

The fact of the matter is  there is NO DIPLOMATIC intercourse between the UAE and Israel, the same way the US of A hasn't with for e.g CUBA. The UAE doesn't recognise Israel and vice varsa. It is that simple. Politics, religion, race etc are all part and aspects of human existence, to pretend otherwise that these can be separated is a LIE!! Sports is politics, even screaming at your wall is a political statement!

Collins, London, UK (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 6:31 AM)

The tour gave up to bigotry you say. Let me remind you sir that the world did the same long time before the tour in more global and important matters pertaining to human lives and human dignity. Similarly, as very few players stood by Miss. Peer, very few stood by the opressed and humiliated. Since Miss Peer is Israeli let me single out some Americans and Israelis - among other nationalities of course - who, at the risk of their own peril, denounced bigotry and injustice against the Palestinians. Kindly read Mrs. Alison Weir's web site called If Americans knew and follow Mr. Gideon Levy, a consistent advocate of peace, democracy and civil equality in Israel - among others of course - and reflect.

Mounir Hamza, Cairo, Egypt (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 9:56 AM)

Keep your heads high Venus and Serena. Don't let other people pull you down.  You should not have been singled out like that.  Venus, you did a wonderful and humane gesture by speaking up and defending your fellow player, Peer. No one else did. You deserve to be Congratulated.

G.J.Williams, BERMUDA

Gloria Williams, Hamilton Bermuda (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10:53 AM)

Why is Robinson calling out the Williams sisters? My guess is it's because they have seniority over the other players, they are most recognizable and successful and therefore are the WTA's player leaders.

The fact that the sisters boycotted Indian Wells over perceived racism but didn't do the same when Peer was confronted with similar discrimination exposes the sisters to be the two-faced frauds that they are.

Thank you, Mr Robinson, for showing the world Venus and Serena's disgusting hypocrisy.

And major kudos to Andy Roddick, the only player who showed guts, integrity, and honor. I take my hat off to him. I am sorry that the others were not brave enough to follow his lead, preferring to take Dubai's hush money. Shame on them all.

Albert Weiss, NYC (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 3:05 PM)

I have one comment/opinion.  No.  It is not fair to single out one player.  You asked how could Venus and Serena Williams, self-proclaimed victims of racist behavior by Indian Wells fans not act on this wrong against Shahar Peer.  How many fellow tennis players bolted from the Indian Wells tournament when they felt victimized?  If that had happened, may they in turn, would have reciprocated in this situation.   Everyone handles situations differently as can be seen in how both situations were handled.

Everybody's got an opinion, Richmond, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 5:25 PM)

While it might have been a good thing for Venus or Serena Williams to use their "star power" to make a point at the Dubai tournament, there is no question that Mr. Larry Scott of the WTA showed no leadership in this situation. He repeated again and again that the UAE officials had assured him that all Israeli athletes would get a special permit from the UAE government to enter the country if they had qualified for a tournament.  When that didn't happen with Peer, it should have been Mr. Scott who made the first step toward publicly correcting the situation - not a player.  Had Mr. Scott requested something of Venus or Serena, I'm sure they would have done their best to comply.  Without that leadership they did their job as tennis players and Venus took the opportunity to speak out with the trophy in hand - a much more visible podium than had she just decided to leave in protest.

K Berty, Los Angeles CA (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 5:55 PM)

Praise Andy but he also has never made any statements about Venus & Serena's unjust treatment at Indian Wells. I think his pulling out of Dubai is more personal and convenient since he's already in the States and will play Davis Cup next weekend.

Shahar Peer had never entered the Dubai tournament until this year...political statement??? When she was ranked higher she never chose to play there. Now that there's turmoil did she decide to test the waters? And she did serve in the Israeli Army. This is not a one time thing, an Israeli citizen not being allowed into the country - maybe a first because she is an athlete. I guess Venus & Serena need to do more research before entering tournaments so they know where they shouldn't go so they don't ruffle any feathers.

Why is this Venus & Serena's fight? Because they are black and should not tolerate discrimination? People are always quick to judge Venus & Serena, those girls can do no right by so many. Most think they should get over IW incident and go back. They never received an apology from the tournament directors or the owners. The only person interested in them playing is the WTA because they are top players and the real force in the WTA. The Sisters are not playing again this year, I guess those new rules don't mean much if they have so much flexibility. I bet Venus' tradeoff was to play Acapulco. How much sense does it make to go from Dubai(hard) to Mexico(clay) to play such a small event and travel 30 hours especially in the middle of hard court season???

In the end tennis is an individual sport and players make their own decisions.

Theresa, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 7:30 PM)

It was to be expexted that you would never in a million years publish my opinion . I lost a bet again , as I am stupidly still trying to find honest and straightforward journalism in a country that in vain pretends to be the world's forerunner in publishing the  unpolished truth.apparently raising your salesnumbers is much more important.  joseph.

Joseph Nieuw - Curacao - Neth.Antilles (Sent Wednesday, February 25, 2009 8:16 PM)

The Dubai tournament is not run by the UAE government. Government departments issue visas, never tournment organisers.

Collins, London, Uk (Sent Thursday, February 26, 2009 4:57 PM)

What happened to miss Peer is not racism. It is  politics. Israel & the UAE are Asian (Arab) countries..same people really..but who can't find reasons to get a long unless they are bleeding. Americans elect presidents on the promises of ending this conflict....the presidents have no clue but Venus should have a clue..please..

Collins, London, Uk (Sent Thursday, February 26, 2009 5:02 PM)

Where was all the outrage when white South African players were being denied access to the world's premier tennis tournaments? Seems like a similar situation. Don't take my work for it, Google what Archbishop Desmond Tutu has to say about what's going on in Israel (with US taxpayer support). I think he's a fairly credible source for comparing the apartheid of the two nations.

Michael Keefe, Dallas, Texas (Sent Thursday, February 26, 2009 6:14 PM)

I think I've seen enough of Roddick in interviews not to confuse him with Albert Einstein (a lifelong opponent of militant nationalism, by the way) but doesn't he at least have people around him to advise him against taking his first big public stand on an issue he so obviously knows nothing about. He must really not have wanted to play the Dubai event even before the ATP, Andy. Now Ted, how about some kudos for all of the athletes who boycotted events when white South Africans were excluded because of apartheid? Oh yeah, there wasn't anyone unaware enough to make that stand.

Michael Keefe, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:49 PM)

First of all, Ted, you really are clueless.  The sisters DID speak out about the matter!!!!!  Secondly, your racism is very evident with calling THEM out and NOT the other players.  As a Caucasian, you are the reasons why other Caucasian have a hard time proving that they are NOT like you.  I'd like to see you play them!!!  

The Gay Diva, NYC (Sent Tuesday, March 03, 2009 12:03 AM)

I agree that women, especially the Williams sisters, should have boycotted Dubai.
I am also not fooled by Roddick. If he was so offended, he would have pulled out when he heard the news at the beginning of the week.
No, he waited until it was not convenient for him to go, being in the last phase of the Memphis event, and also wanting prep time for Davis Cup. At that point he gets concerned about justice.
Another reason why I find Roddick so distasteful

Elizabeth Morancy, Scituate, RI (Sent Wednesday, March 04, 2009 2:20 PM)

Well this is just another comment from me about this subject, No one skip or came to the Williams sister aid, and I did not read any write up on the web about Indian Wells, I guess Andy did not know about the incident there.  Miss Peer, the Williams sister have their own battle to fight, almost every where they go.

ricky white Trenton New Jersey (Sent Friday, March 06, 2009 3:54 PM)

Dump Dubai.  Imagine they did not give a visa to a black player.  Or Israel would not give a visa to an Arab player.  Then the tournament would be canceled at any time.  Dubai and tennis do not mix.  Why not to have tennis tournament in countries that have tennis traditions or aspire to them.  Imagine an Arab female player playing tennis in short.  Would that justify stoning her?

Alex, Boston, USA (Sent Saturday, March 07, 2009 5:50 PM)

The WTA should never have agreed to a tournament in Dubai without an explicit written guarantee that the tournament organizers would cancel the tournament unless all players with a certain ranking at the time of the contract were granted visas. The ranking stipulation would allow the tournament to discuss individual players with the government, in order to ensure that there were no exceptions. (There could be a clause excepting, for example athletes arrested between the date of the contract and the tournament.) If the tournament refused such conditions, the WTA should not have sanctioned the event.

As to singling out the Williams sisters, they have clout (at least in the US) that far surpasses that of any other tennis players, male or female. While this does not necessarily translate to a greater moral imperative to act than that had by other players, it does mean that they have a greater opportunity to have an impact on their sport.

Finally, It is understable that the Williams refrain from political commentary, since that is dictated by their religion. But while denouncing the failure of the UAE to grant Peer a visa could certainly be considered political, denouncing the WTA and refusing to attend the event cannot.

Eloise, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Sent Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:04 PM)

While unfortunate that Peer wasn't able to compete, I find it ironic that Ted Robinson has the temerity to single out the Williams sisters of all the players to be the ones that should have boycotted this event because of what happened to them at Indian Wells. Even now Venus and Serena aren't really seen as just tennis players but always as black tennis players. IMHO when watching either of them play in the final of a tournament people in this country so many root for someone from another country to beat them. That's unheard of elsewhere. And that's because they're black. The remarks and filth I've read that people have posted about them through the years from people in their own country is unbelievable. How many women were in this tournament? This was not Venus' nor Serena's fight. Sorry Ted, don't pin this on the Williams' sisters for they have enough on their own plate without solving the Arab-Israeli conflict. You  solve it.

Eric Adshead, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:53 PM)

While unfortunate that Peer wasn't able to compete, I find it ironic that Ted Robinson has the temerity to single out the Williams sisters of all the players to be the ones that should have boycotted this event because of what happened to them at Indian Wells. Even now Venus and Serena aren't really seen as just tennis players but always as black tennis players. IMHO when watching either of them play in the final of a tournament people in this country so many root for someone from another country to beat them. That's unheard of elsewhere. And that's because they're black. The remarks and filth I've read that people have posted about them through the years from people in their own country is unbelievable. How many women were in this tournament? This was not Venus' nor Serena's fight. Sorry Ted, don't pin this on the Williams' sisters for they have enough on their own plate without solving the Arab-Israeli conflict. You  solve it.

Eric Adshead, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:55 PM)

I was at Indian Wells when Venus and Serena were booed.  All the fans there were jazzed at seeing them play one another, then, 15 minutes AFTER they were due on court, one of them defaulted. (can't remember which one). That's why they got booed.  Just because you are black doesn't mean you get to call every response to your questionable behavior racist.  There was nothing racist in the disappointment of the fans.  Any other take on that situation is plain BS.

saw it firsthand (Sent Monday, March 16, 2009 1:12 AM)

Alex from boston, you are right on. Teresa from DC, you don't know what you're talking about.  Ridiculous how unsporsmanlike behavior in Indian Wells by Venus and serena are now desr/eving of an apology! Why, because they are black? I was there.  They defaulted 15 minutes after they were to play against one another. Booing of one of them the next day was anger over the fake excuses. They didn't want to play one another, and probably flipped a coin to see who would default.  When white people act stupid, they get booed also.  No one deserves an apology except the fans who were screwed out of seeing the match they had anticipated. Teresa do a bit of research once in awhile. It will broaden your horizons.

ringside seat fan (Sent Monday, March 16, 2009 1:22 AM)



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