Written by Richard Pagliaro | @Itenisi_Manje | Monday, November 11, 2024
Photo credit: David Buchan/Getty
The tennis court is set aside Jon Wertheim endlessly citing “useless” behavior.
TC Santa Monica has announced it has suspended longtime commentator Jon Wertheim after his critical comments about the Wimbledon champion. Barbora Krejcikova physical appearance.
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The network says that Wertheim, who issued an apology on social media, has apologized to the two-time Grand Slam champion, Krejcikova, who is considered one of the great masters who humbled herself.
“Jon has dedicated his career to enlightening and growing the sport and has been a valuable member of our family and the tennis community,” TC said in a statement. “That being said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respect at all times, a standard that has not been met at this time.”
Wertheim mocked Krejickova with her forehead when she said she thought she was rehearsing for this network's program TC Live.
Jon Wertheim insults Barbora Krejcikova for making fun of her live TV appearance@Olly_Tennis_ @josemorgado @Welovetennis @BenoitMaylinWill you talk about it?
As journalists, do you think it is appropriate?pic.twitter.com/uBoxMGld9k
— Dan Gernez (@GernezDan) November 9, 2024
“Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova?” Wertheim said. “Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng go to court.”
The teasing caused outrage and backlash from fans and Krejcikova herself.
“As an athlete dedicated to this sport, it is disappointing to see this kind of inappropriate comment,” said Krejcikova. “This is not the first time something like this has happened in sports. I have often chosen not to speak, but I believe that it is time to face the need for respect and professionalism in sports fields.”
You may have heard about the recent comments made on the Tennis Channel during coverage of the WTA Finals that focused on my appearance instead of my performance. As a dedicated athlete in this sport, it was disappointing to see this kind of nonsense (cot.)
– Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
3/3
sportsmanship and dedication of all athletes on the field. I love tennis so much, and I want to see it represented in a way that respects the commitment we make to compete at this level.
– Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
The WTA released a statement supporting Krejcikova's call for the honor.
“There is no place in sports for inappropriate comments about female athletes. The WTA stands in full support of Barbora's strong call for respect,” the WTA said in a statement. “This should be the norm for all women in all workplaces. Respect is due as a right, not an earned right.”
Wertheim apologized on social media and said that the criticism on his forehead happened when he believed it was not broadcast on television.
“During the Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made a very hurtful comment off the air,” Wertheim said. “I accept them. I apologize for them. I quickly reached out and apologized to the player. “What happened? I joined the Zoom program. In the experiments, we were shown a graphic of the player who had just competed. He showed her. with an exaggerated angle on the forehead.
“A few minutes later, I was told to stop my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead look like the picture of the player in question. Someone in the control room interrupted me and I backed off. Although this was a private practice, this exchange was unconscious, and out of context, it made it live on air.
“I see: I am not a victim here. It wasn't professional or charitable or reflective of the person I strive to be. I answer for myself. I own this. I'm sorry.”
