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ESPN HOST RIPS SERENA WILLIAMS. FEMINISTS WON’T LIKE HIS COMMENTS
Stephen A. Smith had a hot take on Serena Williams’ meltdown during the U.S. Open women’s final this weekend.
The “First Take” host acknowledged Serena’s talent before arguing her behavior at Arthur Ashe Stadium was out of line.
“Serena Williams is the GOAT. I’m on the record saying last week that if she were not a woman — if she were a man, — she’d be recognized as the GOAT,” he said. “But as we talk about this specific incident in question, Serena Williams was wrong. Somebody has to say it, so I will. The reality is that … when Serena Williams brought the issue of gender and sexism into the argument, that’s where she lost.”
Smith pointed out a variety of incidents when male tennis players, including greats like Djokovic and Nadal, were also fined and punished for similar behavior issues during Grand Slam tournaments.
“[Umpire Carlos Ramos] has a history of doing the same thing to men,” he added. “When you go to a match, it’s not just about preparing for the opponent. It’s preparing for the officiating. And the reality is that she knew coming into it…you know that he’s hardcore. Her argument was lost the second she made it about gender.”
Stephen A. Smith makes a valid point here. Tennis is as much a game of athleticism as it is of civility. It does not matter your gender, race, or politics; you can’t break a racquet or talk back to an umpire. And thinly veiling your anger issues as a matter of gender inequality is a lazy cop-out.
There’s no doubt Serena Williams is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She shouldn’t have to fall back on trendy, low-hanging excuses like sexism to explain poor performance. Own it and move on. She may be one of the faces of Nike’s latest social justice campaign, but this issue doesn’t need to go any deeper than being beaten by a worthy opponent.
